Manitou Fund

Manitou Fund

Donald G. McNeely founded the Manitou Fund in 1966. The foundation maintains its headquarters in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and focuses grantmaking on environmental organizations plus selected arts and education programs in the Midwest and California. The foundation executes its mandate through direct ownership of land and buildings rather than external fund commitments. Confirmed holdings include Wilder Forest, a 600-acre undeveloped tract in May Township, Washington County, Minnesota; the Zephyr Theatre property in Stillwater, Minnesota, acquired for $2.2 million; and roughly 800 acres of Washington County conservation land. Manitou Communities, a related operating vehicle, owns residential properties in Michigan including Garfield Oaks and The Woods at Crystal Lake. Geographic reach centers on Minnesota and extends to Santa Barbara County, California. The foundation lists no public headcount. Nora McNeely Hurley and Michael Hurley have served more than 24 years on the board of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Oliver Din serves as President and CEO; Greg McNeely, Kevin McNeely, and Nora McNeely Hurley hold Chief Program Officer and Director titles. Family members occupy both governance and program positions, creating a direct link between ownership and grant decisions that distinguishes the structure from professionally staffed foundations with external boards.