Nonprofit organizations leverage our investments to support short-term needs and long-term change. Our investments are as diverse as the community we serve and we strive to offer a grant process that’s accessible and equitable. Each grant helps realize our vision for strong, vibrant communities.
If we have an open funding opportunity, read the grant guidelines to see if you are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted through our online portal, GranteeView. If you’re a new applicant, you will need to set up an account first. After you submit your application, we will contact you with updates and ask for your feedback on the application process.
We offer a range of funding opportunities—some annual, some responsive, and some run by giving circles or membership groups. In addition to those listed below, we offer a variety of one-time and special opportunities. We encourage all grant seekers to sign up for our email list to receive notifications about funding opportunities as they are posted.
Racial and Economic Justice grants support organizations that advance systems change through policy advocacy and organizing, build wealth and stabilize communities, and promote narrative strategies focused on racial and economic justice.
Reimagine Education grants support schools, school districts, and nonprofits that are working to create a more equitable education system. Our investments elevate student and community voices, provide opportunities for educators to build their understanding of race and implement strategies that create inclusive schools, and advance policy changes at the school, local, and state level.
OneMPLS grants are designed to be nimble and responsive to emerging community needs aligned with our mission. Every year, we choose 1-3 topics and invite local organizations to apply for one-time funding to pursue a project with the potential to break new ground and forge new relationships on that issue. Previous OneMPLS grant rounds have addressed critical needs such as affordable housing, pandemic relief, and rebuilding support for small businesses recovering from the combined effects of COVID-19 and the destruction following the murder of George Floyd. Our most recent grant round focused on enhancing the capacity of local nonprofits as they navigate the ongoing pandemic and meeting the evolving needs of diverse communities.
Established in 2018, the Fund for Safe Communities supports meaningful actions to address and prevent violence, promote healing, and address systemic inequities. A key grantmaking component of our efforts to advance criminal justice reform, this fund emphasizes the importance of work led by young people and is advised by emerging leaders who have been personally affected by gun violence.
Main Street grants support businesses, property owners, developers, and nonprofit organizations advancing renovation or new construction projects in three of the Minneapolis business corridors worst hit by the combined impact of COVID-19 and the destruction following the murder of George Floyd.
Climate Action and Racial Equity grants support local action on climate change in diverse Minneapolis communities. They fuel place-based, community-driven organizations, initiatives, and projects that reduce local greenhouse gas emissions.
The WCA Foundation, a Signature Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation, makes grants to a diverse group of nonprofit human service agencies and programs, stewarding an endowment of approximately $18 million. The WCA Foundation is run by 50 volunteer members, all women. It holds two grant rounds each year, typically with deadlines in May and November.
Learn more about the WCA Foundation grants.
Fourth Generation grants are made by a giving circle that offers a hands-on experience in philanthropy for rising leaders who care about local issues and want to make a bigger impact. Every year, Fourth Generation members vote to choose an issue, then work together to research it, fundraise, review proposals, and award grants to local nonprofits. The group’s topic for the year is announced in the fall. Applications are by invitation only, with proposals reviewed in the winter and awards made in the spring. Previous Fourth Generation grant rounds have focused on climate justice, place-based disparities, mental health, small business development, and more.
Each grant round is different and we often fund work within and beyond the seven-county Twin Cities metro area. Please read the guidelines for each of our funding opportunities to see if you are eligible to apply.
Keep checking our website and sign up for our newsletter about future funding opportunities.
Yes. If you fit the grant round guidelines, we encourage you to apply.
Yes. Typically, we allow organizations to apply for additional funding oppoortunities even if they have an active grant with us. Please read the grant guidelines for more details.
No. Please submit outstanding items before applying to another grant round.
As a community foundation, we make grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and other organizations such as churches or public schools, which in turn provide direct services to individuals. On rare occasions, our grants are also open to individuals or community groups with a nonprofit fiscal agent. Please read the guidelines for each of our funding opportunities to see if you are eligible to apply.
Leave us a note and a member of our team will circle back with you. You can also send us an email at impact@mplsfoundation.org.
