In 1985 Mark Kristiansen, then director of the United Way of Greater Winona, organized a task force to investigate the possibility of forming a community foundation in our area. Members of this task force forged ahead and by 1987, the Winona Community Foundation was a registered not-for-profit agency with and elected board of directors and $2000 to give in grants in the community. Sue Cornwell stepped in as president of the Foundation and worked as president until 2003.

In 2003 the Foundation celebrated its fifteen-year anniversary by saluting the founders and president, Sue Cornwell, retired.  The Foundation ended 2003 with over 9 million dollars in assets and giving over $700,000 away in competitive and non-competitive grants.

From 2003 on, the foundation has enjoyed a steady and healthy growth.  By the end of 2007, the total of advised grants was in excess of $1,775,000.

The Foundation continues to grow rapidly serving more donors than ever before in the Winona community. All thanks to the following founders: