Foundation Programs
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At MSP Airport, our volunteers are the magic-makers behind millions of seamless travel experiences. We don't just provide information — we transform confusion into clarity, stress into ease, and strangers into welcomed guests. Our volunteers personally engage with over two million travelers annually, turning the ordinary airport experience into something extraordinary.
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Through exhibitions, performances, film and media, and site-specific installations, Arts@MSP creates a sense of place that reflects Minnesota’s artists, communities, and spirit. The program is administered by the Airport Foundation MSP in partnership with the Metropolitan Airports Commission and has been part of MSP since 2008.
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Since October 2015, Airport Foundation has brought registered therapy dogs to MSP to delight travelers, reduce stress, and enhance the airport experience. The program has grown into one of the largest of its kind in the country and has become a valued part of the MSP community. Our Animal Ambassadors can be found throughout the airport bringing smiles to travelers and employees alike.
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For 25 years, the Airport Foundation MSP has offered Children’s Play Areas in both Terminal 1 and 2 at MSP to elevate the experience for travelers with young children. MSP’s play areas stand out from other airports as they were designed and include special touches such as a statue of Snoopy, the cartoon character created by St. Paul Illustrator Charles Schultz.
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The Airport Foundation MSP is known for signature events that bring together members of the MSP Airport Community.
Each summer, the Foundation hosts its annual Golf Tournament, an afternoon of networking and teambuilding for business partners across the Twin Cities and the Airport Community.
Similarly, each year, Airport Foundation MSP hosts the annual State of the Airport event, one of the premiere business luncheons in the Twin Cities. The event brings together more than 600 local business and civic leaders to gain insights on the national air travel industry and the latest developments at MSP airport, one of the most influential drivers of the local community.
In addition, at least twice yearly, the Airport Foundation MSP hosts receptions to mark the opening of key exhibitions in the Arts@MSP program. -
Through the MSP Digital Tourism Advertising Program, the Airport Foundation MSP helps Tourism organizations to drive awareness and inspire visits to regional destinations.
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The Airport Foundation MSP shows its support to the broader aviation community by making grants to high-profile organizations including the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame, Wings of the North, and the Minnesota Aviation Career Education Camp (ACES).
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The Airport Foundation MSP is the authorized and licensed lottery vendor for the State of Minnesota at MSP Airport. The Foundation also offers charitable gaming options. All proceeds generated from charitable gaming by the Airport Foundation MSP, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, are invested back into the programs and services offered by the Foundation to travelers at MSP.
Volunteer Spotlight
August Volunteer spotlight goes to Janice Austad!
More about Janice and her time here at the Airport Foundation MSP:
How long have you volunteered with the Airport Foundation MSP?
“13 years”
What type of shift do you typically do?
“I usually work at a booth. Most often at mall south or A/B”
Why was the Foundation an appealing place to volunteer?
“The first ad I saw for this role said ‘come and share some Minnesota nice’ and I thought I think I could do that.”
What is your favorite part of volunteering at the airport?
“All the various people I get to talk to. Some happily going on vacation, others headed to a funeral or work meetings. They have so many stories.”
What would you tell others who are considering volunteering with the Foundation?
“It is an awesome place to volunteer. Every now and then you get to really help someone have a better day and that feels great.”
Travelers Assistance Volunteers are available at Information Booths across MSP Terminal 1 and 2 to answer questions about how to navigate through the airport, as well as how to navigate to area attractions such as the Mall of America. Stop by an MSP Airport Information Booth to pick up Tourism reference materials and find yourself at great Minnesota destinations like the Mall of America and other exciting attractions across the State!
Upcoming Events
