Fund for
Safe Communities
Micro Grants
New Funding Opportunity
The Minneapolis Foundation announces a call for proposals for Micro Grants from our Fund for Safe Communities.
This funding opportunity closes on Thursday, April 22 at 4 p.m. Apply Now >>
Background and What We Will Fund
As the anniversary of George Floyd’s death approaches along with the trial of a former Minneapolis police officer charged in his killing, we know that our community is hurting. The horrific events of last year are still very much with us, and many community members will be paying close attention to the trial and its outcome. During this difficult time, the Minneapolis Foundation wants to help ensure that people have places to gather safely and resources available to promote connection and healing.
This funding opportunity is designed to support gatherings and activities to address community trauma and promote wellness among Minneapolis youth and adults. Here are some examples of activities we’re interested in supporting:
- Healing spaces that provide a safe place for community members to cope as the trial unfolds.
- Activities that promote wellness and help manage stress and trauma.
- Art, poetry, writing, and other creative actions that provide opportunities to process, reflect, and consider our path forward as a community.
We welcome your ideas and additional input about what’s needed to diffuse anger and pain and promote wellness and healing in our community this spring. It’s important to note that we want to support people and organizations that are already deeply connected in the community. These dollars are not for newly established efforts, but to strengthen existing relationships and networks. We also encourage organizations to consider what they need in order to host gatherings that support social distancing and safety as we grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Application Process
We will begin accepting applications on March 15. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with decisions communicated to applicants within roughly two weeks. The Foundation plans to award a total of up to $250,000, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 and an average award of approximately $3,000.
The typical grant period for this award will be 1 to 3 months. However, we strive to be flexible as the community navigates this spring’s challenging events, including the trial and the pandemic.
Applications must be submitted online via the Minneapolis Foundation’s online portal. We recommend downloading this preview document, which will help you prepare to apply online. Once the application portal opens, we encourage you to log in to ensure that you have access and that your organization’s contact information is current. This funding opportunity closes on Thursday, April 22 at 4 p.m.
Eligibility
Funding will be awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and religious organizations that support youth, adults, and families in Minneapolis neighborhoods. Proposals to serve areas of Minneapolis that were directly affected by last summer’s social unrest will be prioritized. New applicants and current and past grantees of the Minneapolis Foundation are eligible for this opportunity.
Further Assistance
As you consider applying for this funding opportunity, Brandon Williams is available to answer questions about the content of your proposal. If you have technical questions about this process, please contact our Grants Administration team at grantsupport@mplsfoundation.org or 612-672-8665.
