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See how local nonprofits give back to the community.
Valuing the power of community, the Lake Minnetonka area is unified by a collective desire to create a supportive place to call home by offering help where needed, services where there is a gap and programming to fill a void. Leveraging passionate citizens and local nonprofits to ignite change, groups and individuals alike work together to create healthier, happier and more engaged lives for individuals, families and pets.
While this is not a complete list of local nonprofits, it offers a snapshot of organizations to consider for those in need or for people interested in volunteering or donating.
A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation
Combating the stigma behind lung cancer, A Breath of Hope aids funding for critical cancer research to enhance treatments and support patients and their families. Its mission is also to improve the 21 percent survival rate of lung cancer patients by funding translational U.S. research.
Twelve Oaks Center Drive Suite 810, Wayzata; 952.405.9201
Communities Engaging Autism
Empowering families living with autism, the group provides resources to support, educate and prepare individuals to fully engage in their homes, schools and communities.
P.O. Box 1344, Minnetonka; 612.293.8253
Doing Good Together
Striving to make volunteering and service easy for families, Doing Good Together offers tools to families and organizations to aid in raising and encouraging compassionate and
engaged children. Its mission is to make empathy and giving back a natural part of life’s early lessons.
755 Medina Road, Wayzata
Gilda’s Club Twin Cities
Look for the red door! Behind it, you will find an organization ready to offer free support to anyone living with cancer and that includes families, friends and caregivers. The program is an affiliate of the worldwide Cancer Support Community.
10560 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka; 612.227.2147
Hammer Residences, Inc.
For almost 100 years, Hammer has cared for adults and children with developmental disabilities. The multi-level services include 44 Hammer homes and apartment programs, with staff serving over 270 adults throughout the western suburbs. It also offers disability services and case management and care coordination services. Travel programs are also offered.
1909 Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata; 952.473.1261
Homes Within Reach
Providing stability for families in the community, the organization creates and preserves affordable homeownership opportunities for working households in the suburbs of Hennepin County.
5101 Thimsen Ave. Suite 202, Minnetonka; 952.224.2857
Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation
The program assists with urgent, emergency needs (rent or mortgage payments, utilities, childcare during treatment, transportation to treatment appointments and nutrition) for patients being treated for breast cancer. In over 15 years, it has provided over $1.7 million to over 5,000 patients.
3850 Shoreline Drive S., Orono; 952.471.8701
Music Association of Minnetonka
In partnership with the city of Minnetonka, the association provides musical opportunities to enhance performers’ creativity and artistic abilities and enrich the lives of audiences. The association is home to a variety of weekly youth and adult choral or instrumental ensembles.
18285 Highway 7, Minnetonka; 952.401.5954
Opportunity Partners
Advancing the quality of life for those with disabilities, the group provides occupational training, employment and residential support to help individuals successfully live independently.
5500 Opportunity Court, Minnetonka; 952.938.5511
Reach for Resources, Inc.
Its vision is to empower people of all-abilities to reach their full potential with a mission of providing individualized services to maximize independence, boost community engagement and improve physical and emotional well-being.
5900 Green Oak Drive Suite 303, Minnetonka; 952.200.3030
Sacred Grounds Coffee House
Rooted in resilience and nourished by art, Sacred Grounds focuses on providing a safe, inviting and creative community space for marginalized groups. Using art to spark conversation and implement community action, the coffee house works to heal and enhance equity.
1053 Highway 96, Shoreview
Secondhand Hounds
This organization works to provide safe shelter, veterinary care and daily necessities for animals at risk. Staff works to find each animal a permanent home. Secondhand Hounds rescues dogs from kill shelters in the Midwest and from owners who can no longer provide care for their dogs. Cats are rescued from local shelters and owners who can no longer provide care.
5959 Baker Road Suite 390, Minnetonka; 952.322.7643
Senior Community Services
Providing resources to meet the everchanging needs of older adults and their caregivers, the service helps individuals live life to their fullest potential. Offering a variety of services, the organization specializes in home maintenance assistance, caregiver coaching and support, Medicare partners, technology support and community outreach.
10201 Wayzata Blvd. Suite 335, Minnetonka; 952.541.1019
The Wayzata Conservancy
Maintaining the natural beauty of Lake Minnetonka, the conservancy promotes the creation of attractive greenspaces and commerce while also adhering to the needs of the ecosystem through native plant restoration and hands-on educational opportunities for patrons.
294 Grove Lane E. Suite 100, Wayzata; 952.373.1094
Western Communities Action Network
Those in need living in western Hennepin County receive support to attain stability and self-sufficient living. Help comes by way of emergency assistance, food support and aid in developing job skills. The organization also provides referrals to other related agencies.
5213 Shoreline Drive, Mound; 952.472.0742
