Hundreds of donors have established charitable funds at The Minneapolis Foundation. Their charitable interests are broad and diverse and span beyond the focus of our Community Grantmaking. Donors often rely on the expertise of Foundation staff to identify nonprofit organizations and programs that match their interests.

How to Apply for a Connections Grant
Minnesota nonprofits wishing to connect with other funding opportunities besides Community Grants or RFPs through The Minneapolis Foundation are encouraged to submit a Letter of Inquiry. Preference is given to requests for funding that address a special need or project with clear and measurable results.

Guidelines
Letters of Inquiry should be no more than two pages and must answer all of the questions below. Download the Letter of Inquiry format and instructions here.

Please attach evidence of the organization’s 501(c)(3) status and an organizational budget (with a program budget where applicable).

Please note that grants awarded through Connections are generally for special projects, rather than general operating support, and for amounts of less than $10,000.

Timing and Process
Letters of Inquiry are reviewed and referred to potential donors on an on-going basis. Your request remains active for one year. Please limit your submission to one Letter of Inquiry per year. You will only be notified if a grant has been approved.

For more information, please contact Robert Hybben, Research and Prospect Development Coordinator, at (612) 672-3863 or rhybben@mplsfoundation.org.