Pohlad Family Foundation  

When the economic crisis struck the Twin Cities, the Pohlad Family Foundation responded quickly and coordinated a $20 million Economic Crisis Initiative to help those most affected by the downturn. As a part of the initiative, the Foundation committed $5 million to help Twin Cities nonprofits retain, or temporarily add, employees to provide direct services to families in need. HAP is proud to have been selected as a recipient of the Pohlad Family Foundation’s Economic Crisis Initiative.  

The Economic Crisis Initiative provided critical "bridge funding" for HAP's Employment Services department during a time of great uncertainty. The generous $90,000 grant enabled HAP to retain three full-time staff members to continue to provide community members with much-needed employment services and support. Despite the difficult economic climate, more than 550 HAP employment services participants secured or retained employment in 2009, thanks to the generous support of the Pohlad Family Foundation.  

During the course of the grant, HAP was able to successfully renew existing contracts and secure additional funding to continue to retain the positions after the completion of the grant. Due to the timely assistance of the Pohlad Family Foundation, HAP was able to avoid staff lay-offs and program cuts that would have had a detrimental effect on the lives of program participants.  

In addition to the financial support provided through the Economic Crisis Initiative, the Pohlad Family Foundation has provided thousands of dollars to HAP in the form of program support and multi-year, unrestricted general operating support over the years. Especially in this challenging economic climate, unrestricted general operating funds are essential to help ensure the uninterrupted delivery of programs and services. Support from the Pohlad Family Foundation enabled HAP to provide services and support to more than 3,000 children and families in 2009, an increase from 2,500 in 2008.  

With gratitude, HAP recognizes the Pohlad Family Foundation as a long-time, consistent supporter and a leader in the response to the economic crisis.  

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