What we do The TwinWest Foundation annually offers a variety of scholarships ranging from $500 to $7,500 to graduating western and northwestern metro area high school seniors who plan to pursue postsecondary education. Students may attend business school, technical training, or college.

Students submit applications and are interviewed by a volunteer committee, which selects recipients based on academic performance, school and community involvement, and financial need. One Legacy Scholarship in the amount of $7,500 is awarded to a graduating high school senior each year. This program was established in 1988 through a $50,000 anonymous contribution from a Chamber member.

The Foundation also offers Career Path Scholarships for students of all ages attending accredited postsecondary TwinWest-member schools. These scholarships are typically for the amount of $1,000.

In 2007, the TwinWest Foundation awarded a total of $104,500 in scholarships to local students: 69 graduating high school seniors received a total of $75,500 in college scholarships in May 2007, and seven adult learners received a total of $30,000 in Career Path Scholarships in October 2007.

Since its inception in 1982, the TwinWest Foundation has awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to local high school students and adult learners, far and away the most substantial philanthropy among chamber of commerce-sponsored scholarship programs in Minnesota.

>> Visit our podcast page to listen to Foundation Board Chair Becky Bakken talk with one of our 2007 Career Path Scholarship recipients, Ray Rojas (scroll down to find the interview).

>> View photos from the 2007 TwinWest Foundation Scholarship Reception.

>> View our 2006-2007 TwinWest Foundation donors.


How you can help

Scholarship and grants from the TwinWest Chamber Foundation are funded entirely by donations from businesses and individuals, and through proceeds from Chamber fund-raisers. All corporate and individual gifts are tax deductible as provided by law. Any amount is welcome.

Supporting a TwinWest Foundation scholarship allows you to give back to your community with a minimum amount of effort. As a TwinWest member, you can contribute toward a scholarship and leave candidate selection to the committee. Contributors wanting to support future business leaders through scholarships may use these levels of giving as a guide:

     Friends of the Foundation: Up to $500
     Cornerstone Contribution: $500 - $999
     Partnership Contribution: $1,000 - $2,499
     Designated Scholarships: $2,500 and above

Businesses donating $2,500 or more may sponsor a Designated Scholarship in a specific field of study. As a Designated Scholarship donor, the business determines the criteria of the scholarship, and may participate in selecting the recipient.

To make a contribution: Call Judy Johnson, TwinWest's director of community relations, at 763.450.2226 or e-mail judy@twinwest.com. Any amount is welcome and appreciated.

You also can contribute to the Foundation by adding any amount to your annual TwinWest Chamber member investment. Or, you can support the Foundation in other tax deductible ways such as memorials or donations for special causes. In addition, you can support premier TwinWest Chamber events like the annual TwinWest Gala and the raffle conducted during the annual TwinWest Golf Classic. A member of the Foundation Board of Directors will be happy to provide details. Or, please contact Judy Johnson at 763.450.2226 or judy@twinwest.com.

Estate planning options are available for individuals. Consult with your financial planner about what vehicles might be right for you.

If you want to help the Foundation in its philanthropic efforts, your time, talents and experience would be a welcome contribution to any of a variety of committees. Contact the TwinWest Chamber at 763.450.2220 for additional information.

2007 Foundation Scholarship Reception

The following photos were taken on May 15, 2007 at the TwinWest Foundation Scholarship Reception. The occasion was an opportunity to recognize each student and thank the generous businesses and individuals who made the scholarships possible.


Benilde-St. Margaret's High School


Brooklyn Center High School (with 2007 Legacy Scholarship recipient Ericson Weah second from left)


Hopkins High School (with Principal Willie Jett at far left)


Minnetonka High School


Robbinsdale Armstrong High School


Robbinsdale Cooper High School


St. Louis Park High School


Wayzata High School