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Funding
Opportunities

Investing in our communities
Funding Opportunities
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Pangea Theater grantee

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.

Open Funding Opportunities

There are currently no open funding opportunities. Please check back soon.

How To Apply

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.

Set up a GranteeView account

Our Grant Programs

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

    CLOSED - Racial and Economic Justice applications will open in 2025.

    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.

    Read our 2024 guidelines.

    View our 2023 grant recipients.

  • Reimagine Education

    CLOSED - Reimagine Education applications will open in 2024.

    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.

    Read our 2023 guidelines.

    View our 2022 grant recipients.

  • OneMPLS

    CLOSED – OneMPLS grants are responsive to community needs. 

    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.

    Learn more about OneMPLS grants.

    View our 2023 grant recipients.

  • Fund for Safe Communities

    CLOSED – Safe Communities grants are responsive to community needs. 

    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.

    Learn more about Safe Communities grants.

    View our 2022 micro grant recipients.

  • Main Street Economic Revitalization

    CLOSED

    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.

    Learn more about Main Street grants.

    View guidelines for the third phase of Main Street grants.

  • Climate Action and Racial Equity

    CLOSED - CLIMATE ACTION APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN IN 2025.

    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.

    Read our 2024 grant guidelines.

    View our 2022 grant recipients.

  • Collective Giving (Giving Circles)

    The WCA Foundation grant round is closed. Fourth Generation will invite organizations to apply for grants in spring 2024.

    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.

    Learn more about Fourth Generation grants.

Testimonials

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“With the Minneapolis Foundation’s support, the Cultural Wellness Center is fostering self-determination, community cohesion and economic opportunity among people of African descent in south Minneapolis. When we combine our respective strengths to leverage community assets, we can promote economic vitality and opportunity without generating displacement or expanding gentrification.”
–Elder Atum Azzahir, Cultural Wellness Center
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“Pangea is deeply grateful for the Minneapolis Foundation’s support, which has helped us to remain connected and active with the artists and audiences that our work arises from.” ”
–Ellen Hinchcliffe, Pangea World Theater
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“Agreeing that those who have been impacted by mass incarceration warrant deep investment, the Minneapolis Foundation not only helps us keep the doors of our social enterprise open — they helped us get them open. This ground-level investment is what renders the Foundation more than a funder, but a steadfast partner committed to responsible philanthropy.”
–Emily Hunt Turner, Founder & CEO, All Square
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“There is nothing better than partnering with an organization that lives its values, and that is our experience working with the Minneapolis Foundation. The Foundation is willing to support vital programs for at-risk youth that address issues that are a direct result of systemic lack of equity for BIPOC communities. Our interactions with the Foundation have been filled with clarity and warmth – their humanity is evident in all their dealings.”
–Janet Collins, Co-Executive Director, Conflict Resolution Center
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“We deeply appreciate the Minneapolis Foundation’s strong commitment to supporting a diverse, safe, and healthy community while leading critical systems change.”
–Eloisa Echavez, Executive Director, La Oportunidad
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“Receiving a grant from the Minneapolis Foundation gave us the room to build our capacity as an emerging organization. Their staff offered critical support, ensuring we were set up to succeed as a grantee so that we could continue cultivating space for Black artists in Minnesota.”
–Keno Evol, Executive Director, Black Table Arts
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“The Minneapolis Foundation listens to its community. In a hurting community, the foundation's responsive philanthropy is exactly the partnership nonprofits need. The streamlined application process, availability of program staff, and quick turn-around time get people the right help, right away.”
–Margaret Miles, Empower Campaign Coordinator, Urban Ventures

Frequently Asked Questions

  • My organization is not in Minneapolis. Am I eligible to apply for funding?

    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.

  • What if I want to apply for funding but no opportunities are available?

    Keep checking our website and sign up for our newsletter about future funding opportunities.

  • I was denied for a grant this year. Can I apply again for a different funding opportunity?

    Yes. If you fit the grant round guidelines, we encourage you to apply.

  • I currently have a grant from the Minneapolis Foundation. Am I eligible to apply for another funding opportunity?

    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.

  • If I have an outstanding grant report due, can I apply for the next grant round?

    No. Please submit outstanding items before applying to another grant round.

  • I’m an individual in need of assistance. How can I apply for a grant from the Minneapolis Foundation?

    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.

Meet our Grantmaking Team

Our diverse team brings a wealth of lived and professional experiences to the grantmaking process.

Jo-Anne Stately
Jo-Anne Stately Senior Vice President of Impact Meet Jo-Anne +
Jo-Anne Stately
Senior Vice President of Impact

Jo-Anne’s areas of focus include workforce development, job creation, support for BIPOC businesses, housing, and family financial security. A member of the Foundation’s team since 2009, Jo-Anne has more than 30 years of experience in philanthropy. She serves as co-chair of the Northside Funders Group and as a member of the Heading Home Minnesota Funders Collaborative. Nationally, she is the past chair and has now served six years as treasurer of the board of Native Americans in Philanthropy. She holds a B.A. in sociology and enjoys the outdoors.

Josh Johnson headshot
Josh Johnson Program Officer Meet Josh +
Josh Johnson
Program Officer

Josh joined the Foundation in 2021. His work focuses on Finance and Operations as well as assisting the Grants Administration team. Prior to joining the Minneapolis Foundation, Josh spent several years working in billing and operations for a Twin Cities mental health nonprofit. Born and raised in South Dakota, he received his B.A. at South Dakota State University in Global Studies before moving to Minnesota in 2014. He also has an Associates Degree in Architectural Technology from Minneapolis College. In his free time, Josh enjoys traveling, attending MNUFC matches, collecting houseplants, finding new breweries, and going to concerts.

View Josh’s LinkedIn

 

Julia Ruther headshot
Julia Ruther Program Coordinator – Impact and Collective Giving Meet Julia +
Julia Ruther
Program Coordinator – Impact and Collective Giving

Julia manages membership and grantmaking for WCA Foundation, a Signature Fund, and supports the Director of Collective Giving with launching and managing giving circles. Julia joined the Foundation in 2022, bringing over 20 years of fundraising, communications, program development, and customer service experience, primarily in support of public libraries and public parks. Most recently, Julia served as Institutional Relations Manager at The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library. Originally from Minnesota, Julia moved back to the Twin Cities in 2016, after living in Jackson, Wyoming, for over a decade. Julia received her B.A. from Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y. She and her husband have two pandemic babies: a daughter, Matilda, and a golden retriever, Ruby. Outside working hours, you’re likely to find Julia nestled into a good book, making a delicious mess in the kitchen, or enjoying the outdoors with her family.

Patrice Relerford Vice President of Collective Impact and Giving Meet Patrice +
Patrice Relerford
Vice President of Collective Impact and Giving

Patrice joined the Foundation in 2015 as a policy associate and Ron McKinley Philanthropy Fellow. She was promoted to lead the Foundation’s education grantmaking and strategy later that year. Patrice continues to guide the Foundation’s Reimagine Education strategy, which focuses on advancing equity and closing opportunity gaps. Patrice guides our Collective Impact and Giving strategies and related funds (OneMPLS Fund, WCA Foundation, Fund for Safe Communities, Fourth Generation, etc.) to ensure local philanthropy is more inclusive and responsive. She also partners with our Philanthropic Services team to create engaging learning experiences related to key quality-of-life issues in our metro area.

Patrice worked for People Serving People homeless shelter in Minneapolis prior to joining the Foundation. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and began her career as a K-12 education reporter at the Star Tribune. Patrice also completed a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Patrice is a proud first-generation college graduate who credits her parents, brother, mentors, and public high school for her accomplishments.

Sam Ndely Headshot
Samuel Ndely II Program Officer – Impact and Collective Giving Meet Samuel +
Samuel Ndely II
Program Officer – Impact and Collective Giving

Samuel joined the Minneapolis Foundation in 2022 as a Philanthropic Advisor. He works closely with donors to help them navigate the many causes that impact our community. Before joining the Foundation, he worked as a Business Consultant for Meda where he focused on supporting entrepreneurs of color to help them grow their businesses. Samuel then transitioned to the Center for Economic Inclusion (the Center) as the Director of Employer Inclusivity. He also served as the Director of Strategic Partnerships where he focused on maintaining and growing the Center’s relationships within both the public and private sector and within the community. Samuel is an entrepreneur himself and is very involved in the community. Samuel was born and raised in Minneapolis and is a proud Alum of the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He currently lives in Brooklyn Park with his fiancée Cierra and their puppy Marley.

View Samuel’s LinkedIn

Sara Lueben Headshot
Sara Lueben Director of Collective Giving Meet Sara +
Sara Lueben
Director of Collective Giving

Sara partners with community members to organize and host giving circles and collective giving strategies. She previously worked as the Community Engagement Coordinator at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center. She has spent the last 14 years working for nonprofits in North Minneapolis. Throughout this work, she learned about tenacity and resilience from individuals overcoming barriers to gain personal success and support their families. She has also seen the inequities, gaps, and scarcity of resources to support people on this journey. Working in a community-led organization, Sara learned how to listen to community voice and amplify that message.

Sara also volunteered with Fourth Generation, a Minneapolis Foundation supported grantmaking group of rising leaders that explore equity, philanthropy, and community to increase their collective impact. She participated in Fourth Generation for five years including three years on the advisory board before joining the Minneapolis Foundation staff in February 2021.