MNSights - Spring 2012 - (Page 9)

WE ASK THE EXPERTS THIS ISSUE: WORKFORC E DE V ELO PMENT First, the good news: In March, the WE ASKED MINNESOTA EXPERTS TO TELL US WHICH NONPROFITS ARE GIVING A GOOD BOOST TO OUR STATE’S WORKFORCE—AND HOW WE ALL CAN HELP. By Elizabeth Millard S PRIN G I 2 012 Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development reported that the state unemployment rate dropped to 5.6 percent in January—its lowest point since September 2008 and well below the overall U.S. rate. Now, the less-good news: That 5.6 percent rate is still higher than the state has seen, pre-recession, since the 1980s, and Minnesota continues to have one of the highest racial disparities in unemployment in the country. Although things are moving in the right direction, the current job climate can still be challenging for job seekers, employers, entrepreneurs and career changers, all of whom depend on a healthy workforce environment to succeed. Fortunately, there are a number of strong nonproﬁts that provide the type of training and connections necessary for a thriving employment and business scene. To help sort through these organizations, Minnesota Philanthropy Partners teamed with Philanthropedia to conduct a survey asking local experts which workforce-related nonproﬁts are having signiﬁcant impact in the state. If you’re wondering how you can help make Minnesota stronger through workforce health, here are some organizations to consider—whether you’re looking to donate money, volunteer your time or ﬁnd a pool of candidates for your next hire. The Philanthropedia Survey Philanthropedia is a California-based philanthropic-research company owned by GuideStar. For this project, Philanthropedia surveyed 100 local experts from 74 organizations, asking them to recommend local nonproﬁts that have had high impact in workforce development—particularly in helping workers get the skills they need, helping workers ﬁnd jobs or run a business, and matching businesses with a qualiﬁed workforce. See more data at myphilanthropedia.org. M N SIGHTS 9 http://www.myphilanthropedia.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MNSights - Spring 2012

MNSights - Spring 2012
Contents
Helping Local Veterans
Who Inspires Us: John and Nancy Lindahl
How to Boost Minnesota’s Workforce
Fun Ways for Kids to Give

MNSights - Spring 2012