FIVE FAMILIES BELIEVED A KINDER MINNESOTA WAS POSSIBLE. WE STILL DO.
Peace Takes Work. We’ve Done It in Minnesota Since 1998
We help children, youth, and adults resolve conflict and prevent bullying — not just understand it after the fact. PeaceMaker Minnesota has worked alongside Minnesota schools to teach the skills that turn tension into connection.
Our reach
Totals since PeaceMaker began, through December 31, 2025.
See our annual reach on our Impact page.
We build empathy, kindness, and connection by preventing bullying and teaching conflict resolution in schools and communities.
Our vision is a more peaceful world, where people live in kinship with one another — a world where people talk through differences without hurting relationships, a world based on love.
To help realize this vision, our long-term goal is to one day help youth in all 325 of them.
Our History
PeaceMaker Minnesota started small, in a Minnesota living room.
Founded
Five Minnesota households contribute $8,181 to launch the Peace Maker Foundation, funding peacemaking research scholarships.
First School Partnership
First school grant — $400 to Trinity Catholic School, St. Paul — the start of a focus on school-based violence prevention.
Becomes a Public Charity
After a transition that began in 2009, the org changes its legal status and takes the name PeaceMaker Minnesota.
Evaluation Partnerships Begin
Partners with Hazelden, The Improve Group, and the Minnesota Twins to measure and recognize school results.
$1 Million in School Grants
Cumulative financial assistance paid directly to Minnesota schools since 2000 passes $1 million.
Ambassadors for Respect Launches
New state funding launches the program, and the Executive Director role becomes full-time.
Peace Guide Services Begin
As the pandemic empties schools, PeaceMaker pilots Peace Guides working directly inside school communities.
Two State Contracts, $1M+ in Endowments
State of Minnesota contracts expand Peace Guide Services; combined endowments cross $1 million.
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Our Commitments
People and relationships matter
We build people up — through our communications, the time we give, and how we help people meet their needs for connection, identity, and autonomy.
In all things, we learn
We work with transparency and accountability about what's happening — and what isn't — and we're always looking to improve.
We are goal-driven
Clarity about what we want to accomplish, the discipline to focus on what matters most, and the tenacity to overcome challenges along the way.
We value everyone.
We honor and celebrate diversity. We work to maintain an inclusive environment in which people feel welcomed, included, heard, respected, and valued.
Accountability You Can Verify
Donors can be confident giving to PeaceMaker Minnesota. See our organization’s standing for yourself, don’t just take our word for it:
Co-founder Dan McNeil has led PeaceMaker Minnesota since day one.
In Their Words
"Our students are taught great skills and given the tools to build an anti-bullying community within our school. All of these tools are made possible by PeaceMaker. Our school thoroughly benefits from the anti-bullying resources and curriculums that we are able to use." — Becca, Special Education Teacher
"I learned not to be a bystander and to stand up for others. I know not to be a bully." — 3rd grade student
Help us reach the next school. The next workplace. The next community.
Our work started with someone deciding to help. Here's how to be next.
651.631.1604
info@peacemakermn.org
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