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Role We Play: Innovator

Innovation

Through collaboration with nonprofit partners, businesses and donors, we create new solutions that drive positive, lasting change.

Our Impact

I get to explore the health care field, and to learn about the possibilities within this area.

I got hired, and I learned working for Appetite for Change isn’t just a job – it’s setting you up for real life.

Nourishing Community: Equitable and Just Community Food Systems

Big Challenges Require Big Ideas

Through intentional ongoing collaboration, we deliver innovative ways to solve community challenges, informed answers through data and technology, and scalable solutions built upon proven initiatives.

Collaborate

We listen as experts in convening community and believe deliberate conversations with our nonprofit partners, the community and donors lead to innovation.

Connect

We co-create and test emerging ideas and strategies with our nonprofit partners.

Create Change

We amplify and scale promising strategies that drive results, impact change and significantly disrupt inequities by income, race or place.

“We have to push beyond the status quo, listen to those most impacted by inequities and invest in truly transformative answers to the question: How do we create a community where all thrive?”

– Stephannie L. Lewis, Associate Vice President, Community Impact

How We Show Up as Innovators

Homelessness Prevention

Pathways Home supports nonprofit organizations who are working to prevent homelessness among young people in transition, helping them maintain housing and build stable adult lives.

Early Childhood Education

80×3 supports early childhood caregivers and families to ensure that all children have quality care in their first three years.

Volunteers tour Full Lives program garden

Food Equity

Full Lives takes a community-driven, place-based approach to improving local food systems.

Mechanic working on vehicle

Career Pathways

Career Academies prepares high school students for in-demand, high-wage careers through real-world experiences and training.

Youth on a soccer field

Past Innovation Initiatives

Over the years we’ve piloted and led a range of innovative programs that have shaped the way nonprofit organizations and public systems serve the community. These programs have included Propel SEL, Healthy Communities, Fun, Fly & Fit, and Screen @ 3.

Fuel Innovation that Drives Lasting Change

We can’t do this work without the support of changemakers like you. Donate to help us fund innovative solutions or share your ideas for how we can fuel lasting change that impacts our community for generations.

Stories & News

Lessons Learned from 80×3’s First Year
News

Lessons Learned from 80×3’s First Year

August 24, 2023
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Greater Twin Cities United Way, St. Paul Saints and Minnesota Twins Unite Community to Support Families Going Back to School
News

Greater Twin Cities United Way, St. Paul Saints and Minnesota Twins Unite Community to Support Families Going Back to School

August 1, 2023
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Greater Twin Cities United Way Announces New Senior Vice President of Community Impact
News

Greater Twin Cities United Way Announces New Senior Vice President of Community Impact

July 20, 2023
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