Philanthropy grounded in trust, learning, and relationship

Our vision is of a community where essential needs are supported, partners are trusted, and relationships are valued.

History

After more than 25 years of service to the Twin Cities community, the Frey Foundation transitioned from a single foundation to three distinct family-led foundations. This carefully considered decision, initiated by our founder, Gene Frey, and approved by the board in October 2024, reflects our commitment to deepening our impact and aligning our resources with the evolving needs of both our community and family.

Philosophy

The Frey Legacy Foundation, led by Carol Wolfe’s family, will remain in the Twin Cities. Our initial Executive Director is Molly Wolfe, with our board being comprised of Wolfe family members. We are excited to serve the community and will be using a trust-based approach to our philanthropy.

You can find more information on this at www.trustbasedphilanthropy.org. We look forward to continuing Mary and Gene Frey’s mission of serving those most in need in our community.

Our story

Frey Legacy Foundation is a family foundation committed to supporting community-led work that advances equity, connection, and long-term well-being. Established as part of the transition of the Frey Foundation into three distinct family foundations, Frey Legacy Foundation carries forward a deep commitment to service while embracing a renewed approach to philanthropy grounded in trust, learning, and relationship.

Frey Legacy Foundation approaches its work through a trust-based philanthropy lens, guided by the belief that those closest to community challenges and opportunities are best positioned to define priorities, strategies, and solutions. We seek to partner with organizations that are rooted in lived experience, responsive to community voice, and focused on building systems and relationships that support dignity and belonging.

As a new foundation, Frey Legacy Foundation is intentionally shaping its practices with care, centering trust, minimizing administrative burden, and approaching grantmaking as a relationship rather than a transaction. We see our role not only as a funder, but as a learning partner alongside organizations and communities working toward a more just and connected future.

Mission

To strengthen communities through partnerships that prioritize transparency, learning, and equity.

Our values

  • We build relationships rooted in openness, mutual respect, and clear communication, believing that trust enables deeper impact.

  • We commit to approaches that reduce barriers, elevate underrepresented voices, and ensure resources reach those closest to the work.

  • We view nonprofits as partners and co-creators, honoring their expertise and supporting their autonomy and decision-making — while actively working to shift power by reducing funder control, sharing influence, and ensuring those closest to the work help shape priorities and solutions.

  • We embrace continuous learning, listen with humility, and adapt our strategies based on community insight and experience.

  • We strive to streamline processes, reduce burdens for grantees, and respond to community needs with clarity, timeliness, and care.

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