2025 ANNUAL REPORT

Growing Together, One Peaceful Community at a Time

Building Brighter Futures and Safer Places to Learn Across Minnesota

2025 By the Numbers

A Letter to Our Community

Every child reached in 2025 was made possible by people like you, and I cannot thank you enough.

2025 was a year that tested Minnesota. Schools absorbed shocks they shouldn't have had to absorb. Families navigated fear. Children carried things far too heavy for their shoulders.

And yet — in classrooms across our state, something else was happening at the same time.

A Peace Guide showed up for a child who needed to be heard. An Ambassador for Respect walked into a fourth-grade classroom and changed the way kids see each other. A kindergartner learned that standing up for a friend is one of the bravest things a person can do. And many schools received the financial resources they needed to make their hallways safer — because a community believed it was worth the investment.

The work of peace never stopped. Because of you, it couldn't.

This report is our accounting of 2025 — the growth, the reach, the relationships built one conversation at a time. We served more students than ever before. We welcomed new communities into our endowment family. We showed up, every day, for the children who needed us most.

Growing together is how we do this work. And we are grateful to be growing alongside you — our donors, volunteers, board members, staff, contractors, and the students and educators who show up every day for this mission.

Peace is worth the work. Thank you for proving that every single day.

Dan McNeil

Executive Director

Programming Outcomes and Growth

Your generosity — shared by 695 donors —made all of this programming possible.

In 2025, PeaceMaker Minnesota served 8,856 unduplicated students — a 10% increase over 8,032 in 2024. Meaningful gains across all four programs drove that growth. Ambassadors for Respect reached 3,144 students, up from 2,437. Books for Peacemakers grew to 3,714 students, up from 2,397. Peace Guide Services more than doubled, serving 1,384 students, up from 689 in 2024. Safe School Initiatives reached 2,466 students across 11 schools.

1 in 10

Our programs reached students in 35 of Minnesota's 325 school districts — serving youth in more than 1 in 10 districts statewide. That's not just growth. That's a movement.

Books for PeaceMakers

16 Schools participated



3,714 K–5 students discussed and wrote about their books

Ten districts and 29 educators participated in learning essential social-emotional skills—such as conflict resolution, self-advocacy, and emotional regulation—while enhancing literacy and fostering positive relationships.



Voices From the Field

Teacher: “I think they took away positive ideas to deal with things that bother them rather than yelling, hurting, or crying.”



Student: “When you have a friend, and they’re sad, you should talk about how they can feel better. When your friend is getting picked on, stand up for them.”

Peace Guide Services

11 Schools retained Peace Guide Services

1,384 K-8 students in individual & group conversations

K–8 students received support to boost self-esteem, conflict management, and friendship skills. Survey results indicated that 92% of teachers observed improved behavior, and 95% of administrators wished to continue the program next year.

Voices From the Field

Teacher: “Peace Guides fill the gaps that would normally be overlooked or not recognized to begin with.”

Student: “I’ve had a lot of anxiety, and have been working with you. I am learning a lot about my coping skills.”

Safe School Initiatives

11 Schools received financial support to combat bullying



2,466 Students and staff — given conflict resolution tools

Grants were given to schools in 10 districts, benefiting 215 educators with curricula, training, and materials to combat bullying and teach conflict resolution. This initiative aims to create a culture where every student feels respected and valued.

Voices From the Field

Teacher: “Teaching empathy and kindness helps students navigate friendships, conflicts, and social challenges positively — supporting not only their personal growth but the well-being of our entire school community."

Student: “I learned how important it is to be kind and not hurt people. Some people in the class are being called names. I could try hard not to participate in meanness.”

Peace Guide Services

44 Schools learned from Ambassador presentations

3,144 4th graders trained in kindness and belonging

K–8 students received support to boost self-esteem, conflict management, and friendship skills. Survey results indicated that 92% of teachers observed improved behavior, and 95% of administrators wished to continue the program next year.

Voices From the Field

Ambassador: “This meant a lot to me because I never want others to be bullied as I have been in the past!”



Student: “I will keep in mind that we are all different but deserve kindness.”

2 Cities Served

29 adults participated, attending a total of 76 times in the eight-part series

Between October and December 2025, two facilitators led 15 two-hour sessions exploring eight reflective listening topics — bringing the same peacemaking skills that we bring to our children to adults in the community.

Voices From The Field

"I learned to be receptive, non-judgmental, caring, and curious — and that all of it matters when you truly listen."

“I learned that reflective listening is difficult, but needed. It is about helping others to feel heard and valued. We all need that.”

Who We Serve

2025 Financial Summary

Creating Long-term Funding for Peacemaking Education

Start a fund for just $3,000.

Contact us at info@peacemakermn.org to learn more.

The People Behind the Peace

Thank you for being part of PeaceMaker Minnesota's story. Because of you, peace education reaches more children, more classrooms, and more communities every year. To view a list of acknowledgments, please click on the full annual report.

Peace Is Worth the Work—Help Spread the Message!