Latest Happenings - Rooted Philanthropic

The Resiliency Fund: Supporting East Side Businesses Through Disruption

To help East Side Saint Paul businesses weathering road construction and shifts in governmental supports, we are investing $810,000 in a mix of business loans and technical support over the next 12-18 months.

East Side Saint Paul Women Leaders Initiative Launches Second Cohort

Despite significant progress in gender equality, women in leadership continue to encounter a range of barriers that hinder their advancement and influence. Isolation and burnout are two of the biggest challenges these women face, along with a lack of access to mentors or networking opportunities and representation which allows…

2025 East Side Saint Paul Small Business Cohort Application is NOW Open!

Given the success of the 2024 program, we are excited to announce the launch of the next East Side Small Business Cohort in 2025. Applications will open August 18, 2025, and close September 18, 2025.

Felicia Henderson Joins Rooted Philanthropic as Program Officer – Wellness

Felicia Henderson joins Rooted Philanthropic as Program Officer-Wellness. She brings nearly a decade of holistic health and wellness experience to the team. She started on May 12, 2025.

Rooted Philanthropic Seeking Program Officer – Wellness

We are seeking to hire someone who is passionate about community and individual wellness to lead our Wellness Funding Pillar work.

Foundation Launches East Side Saint Paul Women Leaders Initiative

Women in leadership have unique needs that when addressed and supported make our communities stronger.

Now Accepting Applications for the Small Business Cohort

The foundation is launching its inaugural Small Business Cohort for East Side entrepreneurs and small business hosted by Twin Cities Local Initiatives Support Corp and Rooted Philanthropic. The application period is now open! Applications accepted until August 2, 2024.

Future Leader Program Recognized for Changing Students’ Lives

Future Leaders was recently named Program of the Year by Minndependent, the Minnesota trade association for private and independent schools. Established in 2019, the Future Leaders Program is a student program that provides students with scholarships along with the support, mentorship, and sense of community required for them to be successful in not just “doing school” but in reaching their highest potential in scholarship, leadership, and purpose.

East Side Community Investment Cooperative Launched by Local Partners

An investment cooperative provides the opportunity for individual residents to engage in local real estate development at a smaller resource level while having a positive impact on their community and building long-term wealth. It also provides for meaningful development to happen that meets the needs and interests of the local community.

Theresa Living Center Provides Critical Housing Support for East Side Women

Theresa Living Center helps women and single-parent families move from homelessness to stability and self-sufficiency. Our general operating support helped increase onsite programming and case management staffing.

Vong Thao Joins Our Team

Vong Thao brings over 15 years of experience to Rooted Philanthropic as Program Officer-Entrepreneurship & Small Business. He joins the team on September 18, 2023.

Rooted Philanthropic Expands to Focus on Saint Paul’s East Side

Originally founded in 2014 as Runyon Family Foundation by Shannon Runyon and Chuck Runyon, Rooted Philanthropic will focus on Saint Paul’s East Side neighborhoods. The foundation will make grants and engage in other philanthropic activities in support of its mission: Rooted Philanthropic supports the people of Saint Paul’s East Side communities to unlock their potential by investing in their capacity, growth, and innovation.