The International Institute of Minnesota is a 501(c)3 social service agency affiliated with the United Way and the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI).

Swedish immigrants in 1919 – the year the International Institute was founded.

The Institute, founded in 1919 as a branch of the YWCA of Saint Paul, addressed unmet needs of immigrant women and their families. In 1938, the Institute became an independent agency.

Since then, the organization has broadened programs and services to meet the contemporary needs of resettling refugees who often arrive without established family support in the area. From basic services of food and shelter to celebrations of culture, the Institute provides assistance for New Americans from the time of entry into Minnesota through full community integration. The Institute has resettled more than 24,000 refugees from almost every region in the world since 1979. Approximately 4,600 refugees and immigrants participated in direct services in 2011.