The Grand Prix of Minneapolis was started as the first professional auto race in the United States that would contribute all of its profit to charity.
The goal of the Grand Prix was to make a $1 million annual contribution to the Cancer KIDS Fund, part of the Children's Healthcare Foundation of the Twin Cities.
The event was founded by Mark and Claudia Cohn after their son Tyler (1988 – 1997) was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 4.
Rather than giving a one-time donation, the Cohn's decided to create an event that would provide long-term support for the Cancer KIDS Fund.
All three years had the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans-Am Championship as the featured race.