WCA Foundation

Founded in 1866, the WCA Foundation was the first benevolent nonprofit organization in Minnesota. Now a Signature Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation, WCA makes grants to a diverse group of nonprofit human service agencies and programs, stewarding an endowment of approximately $18 million.

WCA is run by 50 volunteer members, all women. Members are responsible for investigating grant requests and making award recommendations to the foundation’s board.

that when women are secure, entire communities are stronger.
that in the grantmaking process, the needs of the community and grantees prevail.
that focusing on our work will increase our impact in the community.
in a world where structures and systems are equitable.

The WCA Foundation runs two grant rounds each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Our most recent grant round closed in May of 2021. Please check back in September for details about our next grant round. We typically make general operating and project support grants ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. We fund organizations in the seven-county metro area* that address the fundamental needs of women in the areas of education, economic stability, shelter, safety, or health.

If you have questions about our funding opportunities, contact Susan Carter at scarter@mplsfoundation.org or 612-672-3835.

*includes Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties