Minnesota has large and vibrant nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. When nonprofits and foundations partner to tackle urgent issues in the state, they can achieve tremendous success – especially when they use public policy advocacy and engage affected constituencies directly in the problem-solving process. Yet, very few funders in the state use these strategies to effect long-term change. Pressing problems, including stark racial disparities, threaten the economic health of the state and its residents. For example, 61 percent of African American children live in poverty, compared to 8 percent of white children. The workforce is aging, and not enough youth are completing college to meet the employment needs of the state. These and other challenges demand bold and immediate action.