Join us in celebrating 40 years of impact
2026 marks Open Your Heart’s 40th Anniversary – four decades of partnership, service, and care across Minnesota. Over that time, we’ve had the privilege of supporting nearly every food shelf and emergency shelter in the state and have provided over $21 million in funding to meet urgent needs.
Milestones of Hope and Change
1986
Foundation Established
Founded by a small group of State of MN employees who wanted to create a nonprofit organization to
address the growing need for food and shelter.
1988
gubernatorial proclamation
Governor Rudy Perpich issued a proclamation declaring the third week of November 1988 as Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless Week in Minnesota.
2001
Partnership Expansion
Marking 15 years, Open Your Heart reached $5.5 million in grants and had aided 553 Minnesota food and shelter providers.
2010
Summer Challenge
The Summer Challenge was formed, providing vital support to food shelves during the seasonal summer decline in donations.
2020
COVID-19 response
Open Your Heart quickly issued emergency funding, preserving the capacity of food shelves and shelters to plan, prepare, and respond to the pandemic.
2026
40th Anniversary
Voices of Gratitude
the open door
Thank you for supporting The Open Door’s hunger relief efforts with your generous gift. Your financial gift comes at a high-need time at our food pantry as we continue to see new clients turning to us for support for the first time.
feeding our community partners
The grant provided by Open Your Heart has made a tremendous impact, creating efficiencies and minimizing stress on our operations. We could not be more grateful.
avenues for youth
Open Your Heart’s support made experiences for youth at Avenues for Youth’s Minneapolis Avenues shelter more comfortable, helping them on their journey toward housing stability.
Local Local T-shirt
Love Local Baseball T
Love Local Crop
Love Local Hoodie
love local: Exclusive Anniversary Merch
2026 marks Open Your Heart’s 40th Anniversary — four decades of partnership, service, and care across Minnesota. To celebrate this milestone, we’re launching a limited‑edition 40th Anniversary merchandise that lets you wear your support and help fuel our mission.
Make It Personal: A Guide to Giving
Personalize your impact by choosing the programs or items you care about most. Our guide breaks down options by dollar amount and outcome, making it easy to match your values with real, measurable results.
Ways to Support Us This Year
Corporate sponsorship opportunITIES
Partner with Open Your Heart through tailored corporate sponsorships that amplify your brand while directly supporting meals, shelter, and services for neighbors in need.
join a giving circle
Join a Giving Circle to pool resources with like-minded supporters and make a larger, strategic investment in ending hunger and homelessness in our community.
Organize a Community Fundraiser
Host a third-party fundraiser—like a benefit concert, bake sale, or workplace drive—to raise funds and awareness while engaging your network in our mission.
Upcoming Celebrations
TC marathon & 10 Mile
October 03 and 04
Support Open Your Heart as an official charity partner during Twin Cities Marathon Weekend this October. Run, walk, or cheer to raise funds for children and families in need. It’s never too early to register and start training—secure your race spot, build a training plan, and fundraise with fellow Team OYH members. Contact [email protected] to join our team!
40th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, November 12, 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Join us in celebrating four decades of service — think great people, great music, and a whole lot of heart.
Click HERE to get your tickets now!
Give to the Max day
Thursday, November 19
Minnesota’s largest day of online giving is on Thursday, November 19!
Please click HERE to donate and help make a difference for thousands of Minnesotans facing food and housing insecurity. There is no gift too small or unappreciated.
LTD. Brewery Round up
Monday, December 21, 2:00 – 9:00 PM
725 Main Street, Hopkins, MN 55343
Snapshots of Impact
Our Journey in Images
