What We’ve Funded

Technology for a 21st Century World

Technology is ever changing and is incorporated in many ways into how nonprofits operate and deliver services. The Shavlik Family Foundation is open to new ways to incorporate technology into your operations and continues to be excited every year to see the ideas nonprofits have for how they can leverage technology as a tool to further their missions.

Below are some of the best examples of projects we have funded.

Databases and Applications

  • Angel Foundation in Mendota Heights, MN (2021)

    New health web portal and database to decrease processing time for patient needs assistance applications, enhance data collection and accessibility for staff, and significantly decrease administration costs. This interface will better serve 2,000+ patients and help the organization expand to serve more patients.

  • Bear Creek Services of Rochester, MN (2014)

    Payroll system for group home agency employees with wage calculators for staff working different shifts/pay rates at multiple facilities.

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Minnesota of St. Cloud, MN (2022)

    AI-powered cloud communications platform supporting real-time transcription, automated note-taking, video, SMS, and document sharing services that allows employees to collaborate securely from anywhere across any device. 

  • Boys & Girls Club of Rochester, MN (2022)

    Implement a comprehensive database to manage and aggregate all member data, host a parent portal for online registration, automate communication, track individual member case management progress, and manage volunteers & staff time. 

  • Bridging, Inc of Bloomington, MN (2019)

    Volunteer management system to coordinate and engage with over 6,000 volunteers that assist families moving out of homelessness.

  • Channel One Regional Food Bank of Rochester, MN (2020)

    Food Inventory software system to manage the health value of food when purchasing with less food spoilage prior to distribution.

  • Cookie Cart of Minneapolis, MN (2014)

    Updated point of sale (PoS) and VoIP telephone systems that interface with their accounting software to support the retail side of their operations.

  • Crescent Cove of St. Louis Park/Brooklyn Center, MN (2020)

    Implement an electronic health record and billing system to access insurance reimbursement funding through the state Medicaid waiver program, allowing them to serve more families and increase organizational capacity with additional staff. 

  • Foster Advocates of St. Paul, MN (2022)

    Collect and analyze statewide data revealing Fosters’ vision for child welfare systems change and informing ongoing advocacy priorities. 

  • HOPE Center of Faribault, MN (2022)

    Database which will record and synthesize police and court records to provide a community-specific understanding of domestic and sexual violence through the local legal system, supporting the identification of both best practices and deficiencies. 

  • Life House in Duluth, MN (2015)

    Track and analyze service utilization and program outcomes and streamline internal referral process with a new database that has better analysis features and reporting.

  • Metropolitan Alliance of Connected Communities of Minneapolis, MN (2022)

    API to connect existing text technology and client track database systems. This API will allow 40 member organizations to interact with clients, collect intake data from mobile phones, accurately record service impact, and more. 

  • Minnesota Education Equity Partnership of St. Paul, MN (2019)

    Expansion of a pilot SaaS based performance measurement platform that promotes collaboration and provides results and mapping for participating schools and organizations. 

  • MN Opera of Minneapolis, MN (2022)

    Launch a new patron acquisition and dynamic pricing strategy to attract more diverse audiences and meet the needs of all patrons with real-time response to their pricing needs. 

  • myHealth for Teens and Young Adults of Hopkins, MN (2020)

    Implementation of an on-line appointment application that interfaces with current electronic health records system removing barrier to obtaining health care.

  • Newtrax of White Bear Lake, MN (2018)

    Vehicle communication and dispatch software with GPS and billing for transportation of elderly and disabled.

  • Rise, Inc. of Spring Lake Park, MN (2020)

    Human resources information system (HRIS) to streamline the complicated payroll and scheduling of the organization.

  • Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity of St. Paul, MN (2019)

    Organization-wide dashboards using Power BI that aggregates data from multiple internal systems to support affordable housing program being done with community banks.

  • University of Minnesota Foundation of Minneapolis, MN (2021)

    The College of Veterinary Medicine developed a comprehensive disease surveillance database for veterinary clinics to monitor antibiotic usage in companion animals, develop benchmarks, and share best practices. This is the first system in the US to offer an interactive dashboard to optimize prescribing practices.

Education, Training and Learning Labs

  • Academy of Whole Learning of Minnetonka, MN (2020)

    Touch boards that assist with kinesthetic learning for those on the autism spectrum or with similar disabilities in their STEM program.

  • Anoka County Historical Society of Anoka, MN (2019)

    In partnership with Hennepin Technical College (who assisted with the implementation) a multi touch interactive table that added a digital exhibit experience for visitors to the gallery.

  • The Bridge for Youth of Minneapolis, MN (2021)

    Equip a mobile outreach vehicle (bus) with a hotspot, walk-up internet station, phone charging stations, laptop charging stations, and access to printers for youth experiencing homelessness that will serve as the entry point for youth to access additional services like healthy food, seasonally appropriate clothing, and harm reduction resources.

  • Dunwoody College of Technology of Minneapolis, MN (2019 & 2021)

    Implementation of a private cloud solution for hands on learning in cloud and IOT computing to bring relevant workforce skills to graduates of the program (2019).

    Increase functionality of an on-premise cloud network lab funded by Shavlik by adding a high-performance lab workstation, additional servers, and 5G networking equipment. Project enabled students to engineer and implement technology relating to robotics, Smart devices, autonomous vehicles developing skills that mirror the industry they will be working in (2021).

  • High School for the Recording Arts of St. Paul, MN (2014)

    Robotics kits and Raspberry Pi single board computers and other equipment created a coding and graphics lab for students.

  • INTERACT CENTER FOR THE VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS OF ST. PAUL, MN (2018)

    3D printer and other digital art making equipment to support program for disabled artists. 

  • KOOTASCA COMMUNITY ACTION OF GRAND RAPIDS, MN AND ARROWHEAD ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AGENCY IN VIRGINIA, MN (2016 & 2021)

    Kootaska purchased and refurbished used computers to give to those below 150% of poverty level. They went on to inform Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency in 2021 on a similar project to provide low-cost computers and internet hotspot plans for 75 low-income families and seniors. 

  • Lighthouse Center for Vision Loss of Duluth, MN (2017)

    Equipment, software and hotspots to support teaching seniors and those with vision loss alternative ways to read, use email and other tech devices.

  • Minneapolis College of Art and Design in Minneapolis, MN (2021)

    Outfit two smart classrooms and pilot a hybrid flexible curriculum model. The hybrid model will address accessibility and sustainability goals within the college by allowing professors to engage with learners in-person and online at the same time.

  • Minnesota State Academy for the Blind of Fairbault, MN (2020)

    Braille readers, keyboards, and video magnifiers for classrooms and dormitories to support educational environment of the school. 

  • Metropolitan State University of St. Paul, MN and Century College of White Bear Lake, MN (2020 & 2022)

    Metropolitan State purchased a high-fidelity pediatric computerized simulation manikin and supporting technology in 2020. Century College purchased a computerized manikin with dark skin tone, plus supporting software and hardware in 2022. Both projects will support nursing education programs. 

Infrastructure and Hardware

  • Animal Allies of Duluth, MN (2016)

    Upgrade to a high-speed/high bandwidth data link to support upcoming projects including improved automated medical diagnostic tools.

  • CHUM of Duluth, MN (2015)

    Unified cloud based system for programs including bar code scanning system to check in clients and record statistics around services.

  • Community Dental Care of Maplewood, MN (2020)

    Handheld x-ray systems, intraoral and transillumination imaging devices that allow for diagnosis and treatment plans being integrated into their community teledentistry program run for children via school districts.

  • Ecumen of Maplewood, MN (2022)

    Pilot an indoor service robot to support the role of dietary service employees within the community’s dining room. The service robots will improve residents’ dining experience while freeing other employees from covering dining duties. 

  • Elpis Enterprises of St. Paul, MN (2017)

    Automated screen printing equipment allowing for better skill building and more diverse work experiences for youth participating in program.

  • House of Charity of Minneapolis, MN (2019)

    Camera and intercom security system to provide safety of entry to the building by volunteers and delivery people and decreasing the need for police presence on the property

  • Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in Cass Lake, MN (2021)

    Install a half-mile fiber optic cable to deliver broadband to remote rural communities where broadband is unaffordable to low-income families. In the first year, 500+ citizens will receive high-speed internet access through low-cost broadband plans and free Wi-Fi access at the community center.

  • The Lift Garage of Minneapolis, MN (2014 & 2019)

    Additional laptop needed to coordinate referrals from partner agencies and manage volunteers (2014).

    Automotive lab and diagnostic tools (2019).

  • Merrick of Vadnais Heights, MN (2015)

    Tablets and infrastructure to support new wireless devices to allow supervisors to record work being completed by clients.

  • The Museum of Russian Art of Minneapolis, MN (2018)

    Infrastructure including a meshed wi-fi system, point of sale system, computer security, as well as security cameras and card systems to support physical security of building.

  • PC’s for People of St. Paul, MN (2022)

    Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) pilot program in a small portion of Hennepin County, MN for 240 low-income households. 

  • Pillsbury United Communities of Minneapolis, MN (2018)

    A unified and modern IT infrastructure that ties several sites together creating a more stable and responsive network.

  • Project Turnabout of Granite Falls, MN (2018)

    Tablets to assist patient’s exit process by allowing staff to help them find resources and stay connected while they transition.

  • Shakespearean Youth Theatre in St. Paul, MN (2021)

    Install industry-standard lighting and sound technology in the new black box theatre to support performances and education programs, including increasing their Tech Track programs and will generate new income streams through rental agreements of the equipment.

  • Voyageur Outward Bound of Ely, MN (2015)

    Update of fiber optic technology to increase bandwidth and VoIP connections in their rural location.

Media and Communications

  • AccessAbility of Minneapolis, MN (2019)

    Monitors (large screens) to broadcast real-time production data input by supervisors that communicated goals and increased productivity with a pay incentive program leading to greater self-sufficiency for disabled employees.

  • The Bridge for Youth of Minneapolis, MN (2015)

    Mobile text for help application with data storage and messaging service for youth in crisis.

  • CornerHouse of Minneapolis, MN (2015)

    Forensic interview training portal for legal professionals, protection workers, and social service investigators.

  • FamilyWise Services of Minneapolis, MN (2020)

    Audio visual and web conferencing technology to implement online training/e-learning supervised parenting certification program creating a larger pool of professionals to run family visitation sessions.

  • Friends of the Brainerd Public Library in Brainerd, MN (2018)

    Virtual reality technology to expand library program offerings and to support students participating in program in the Brainerd School District.

  • Hope Coalition of Red Wing, MN (2015)

    Videoconferencing technology and equipment to allow remote sexual assault team response members to participate in mandatory meetings.

  • Lake Street Council of Minneapolis, MN (2015)

    Integration of a text messaging services and a CRM to provide information on ordinances and regulations in multiple languages.

  • Lakeland PBS of Bemidji, MN (2019)

    Portable camera equipment to produce timely coverage of local news; including, weather, accidents, emergency events, government and elections for Central Minnesota.

  • Lunar Startups of St. Paul, MN (2020)

    Video recording and editing technology for webinars and podcasts that support entrepreneurs from communities often overlooked by traditional investment.

  • Mid Continent Oceanographic Institute of St. Paul, MN (2017)

    Audio equipment and software for students to create podcasts that can be used to train volunteers in cultural competency.

  • Open Access of St. Paul, MN (2020)

    4G cell phones to support housing, employment, and health care communication for homeless and low income Minnesotans that contributes to greater self sufficiency.

  • Tubman of Minneapolis, MN (2015 & 2017)

    Video and Audio technology for a victim interview soft room to collect legally admissible testimony that limited the amount of times a victim needed to recount their story (2015). 

    Text messaging service on a mobile platform to expand capacity of 24/7 help line with security for HIPAA guidelines (2017).

  • Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) of St. Paul, MN (2017 & 2020)

    Camera package to produce a multilingual broadcast series and other community based Minnesota productions (2017).

    Portable production equipment to be used in "pop up" classrooms as a part of youth media lab project geared for immigrant communities (2020).

  • Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Community in Duluth, MN (2021)

    Software to enable live and pre-recorded virtual programming in addition to new cameras, computers, closed caption devices and other hardware to deliver educational programming and performances to the community. These upgrades will allow the center to better serve the hearing impaired and those with mobility issues and expand programming to serve 1,000 people in the first year of use.

Website and Portal Development

  • Cornerstone Advocacy of Bloomington, MN (2016)

    Addition of map searching capabilities to their advocate portal to help determine the closest service agency and potential transportation need of client.

  • Dakota Wicohan of Morton, MN (2014)

    Webinar capabilities used to teach language and oral histories to both Upper and Lower Sioux communities around the state.

  • Faith Community Nurse Network of the Greater Twin Cities (2018)

    A learning management system plug in allowing certification training to happen from web portal.

  • Gilda’s Club of Minnetonka, MN (2016)

    Web portal for clients and volunteers to register for classes, purchase event tickets, see contribution history, sign up for volunteer opportunities or conferences.

  • Metro Meals on Wheels of Minneapolis, MN (2019 & 2021)

    Web based meal ordering system to eliminate food waste by more accurately managing meal inventory and making sure clients get the meals they want (2019).

    Create a new meal ordering interface on which recipients can see pictures of and order the meal options that best suit their needs. In addition, the interface includes online pay options and Somali translations which will increase the organization’s client base and program sustainability by increasing the number of private paying customers to support programming. These improvements will ultimately reduce food waste and associated costs (2021).

  • Monarch Joint Venture in St. Paul, MN (2021)

    Improve functionality of a customized web portal for data collection that supports a network of land managers, volunteers, and educators. This project will allow citizen scientists, program partners, and administrators to gather and disperse Monarch butterfly population and habitat monitoring data that will inform decisions about local land management and policy, and ultimately help gather data about broader insect populations and climate change trends.

  • North House Folk School of Grand Marais, MN (2021)

    New ecommerce plugin to increase sales and inventory management on their website that offers unique tools, crafts and books. The expanded online store will increase visibility for the artisan instructors and their connections to students around the country.

  • Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra of St. Paul, MN (2016)

    Online transaction and renewal portal that allowed data to be shared and accessed by both ticketing and development departments.

  • Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Inc. of St. Paul, MN (2021)

    Develop a web application for potential homebuyers to navigate available homes, access financial advice and resources, and enable administrators to better manage data. The website will reduce home match wait times from one month to one week and will ultimately help more families to achieve first-time homeownership.

  • Vega Productions of Minnetonka, MN (2015)

    Online platform to support music education by allowing schools to share instruments between programs through an online inventory system.