Reporter | Nonprofits, charity and philanthrophy

Smith was born in Duluth and grew up in the Twin Cities. She graduated from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minn., and worked for the Forum newspaper in Fargo, N.D., before coming to the Star Tribune in 2010.


$10K grants to help 40 female nonprofit leaders combat burnout, courtesy of Women's Foundation

The Women's Foundation of Minnesota's new "Rest Up" grants for 40 women of color are part of a shift in philanthropy to fund self-care and well-being.


Survey: Almost all Minnesota nonprofits need workers, forcing cuts in services

More Minnesota nonprofits are reporting widespread job openings than nonprofits are facing nationwide.


Huge Improv Theater set to move into its own building for the first time in its history

The theater company bought the Lyndale Avenue building that houses Art Materials, which will lease space there.


Paddling Split Rock reveals hidden history of Lake Superior shipwreck

Kayaking near Split Rock State Park rewards visitors with a different vantage point and an up-close history lesson of the shipwreck that inspired Minnesota's iconic lighthouse.


Billionaire founder of Best Buy gives historic donations to Florida, Minnesota hospitals

Richard Schulze launched his Twin Cities foundation after he stepped down as CEO of Best Buy. Nearly 20 years later, it's grown to be the fourth largest private foundation in Minnesota.


Record $25 million gift will help upgrade Abbott Northwestern surgery, critical care capabilities

Best Buy founder Richard Schulze is pivoting his foundation away from medical research and funding projects like Abbott that improve health care access.


Twin Cities animal rescue has new name, expanded purpose: Helping owners keep pets

Secondhand Hounds is changing its name to reflect an expanded focus on pet owners and reducing the number of pets ending up in shelters.


St. Paul's annual Festival of Nations celebration ending after nearly 90 years

The four-day multicultural festival, which began in 1932, was last held in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.


Minnesota nonprofits ditch the annual gala to appeal to younger generation of givers

They are trying new tactics to draw millennials, who have increased giving nationally.


YWCA Minneapolis shutting down Uptown, downtown fitness centers, laying off 85

The YWCA Downtown and YWCA Uptown will close Nov. 1, while the YWCA's Otters and Masters swim programs shut down this week.