About
CommonBond Communities is a St. Paul, Minnesota-based nonprofit that develops and manages affordable housing paired with on-site support services across the Upper Midwest. Founded in 1971 on the belief that all people have a right to a place they can call their own, CommonBond holds that a home is more than just four walls — it is the foundation for everything in life. Today it provides nearly 7,000 rental apartments and townhomes in about 60 cities across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and South Dakota.
Mission
CommonBond's mission is to build stable homes, strong futures, and vibrant communities. Its vision is that every person has a dignified, affordable home that supports independence and advancement within a flourishing community. The organization states that access to affordable housing is the most fundamental indicator of long-term success.
What they do
- Affordable housing: development and management of affordable housing communities
- Supportive housing: housing integrated with wraparound support services
- Advantage Services: on-site programming focused on stability and independence, education and advancement, health and wellness, and community building and engagement
- Real estate development: creating new affordable housing through various development models
- Youth programs: including the Study Buddy educational support program and teen programs for post-secondary education and career planning
History
CommonBond was founded in 1971, driven by the racial and economic injustices of the 1960s and the belief that all people have a right to a place they can call their own. From one half-time employee at its inception, it has grown over five decades into one of the most effective affordable housing providers in the Upper Midwest.
Scale and impact
CommonBond provides nearly 7,000 rental apartments and townhomes across roughly 60 cities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and South Dakota, serving families, children, veterans, and older adults. Its model of pairing housing with support services is central to its outcomes for families, youth, seniors, veterans, and neighborhoods.
Financials
Per its IRS Form 990 data on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer for the fiscal year ending December 2025, CommonBond Communities reported revenue of $48,906,055, expenses of $34,063,024, and net assets of $134,524,220. The IRS granted its tax exemption in January 1976.
Governance
CommonBond has committed to becoming an anti-racist organization and has signed the Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future (SAHF) Racial Equity Pledge, viewing housing as a tool to dismantle systemic inequities.