Celebrating the Founding of Greater Minnesota Housing Fund

Let’s celebrate the founding of the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund!

In 1996, GMHF was launched through a visionary $25 million commitment and unique collaboration between the McKnight Foundation and the Blandin Foundation to address the critical, unmet affordable housing needs facing rural areas, small towns, and Tribal communities across Greater Minnesota.

Within the first two months, GMHF approved $1.3 million to help build 170 units of low-income housing, responding to strong community demand and supporting local workforce needs.

Leadership was key from the start. Warren Hanson, a consultant who planned the fund with both foundations, became our first president, guiding the organization with dedication and vision for 27 years before retiring in 2023.

Now we have grown into a leading statewide Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) serving all 87 Minnesota counties. Since our founding, we’ve invested $1.2 billion in more than 200 communities, creating nearly 24,000 affordable homes across the state.

Please join us in celebrating the founders, staff, funders, partners, government leaders, and communities who believed that every corner of Minnesota deserves safe, affordable housing. Their vision continues to shape our work and fuel our commitment to ensuring every Minnesotan has a place to call home.