Economic Mobility

The Minneapolis Foundation has announced its 2025 Economic Mobility – Capacity Building Grants, a restructured version of its Racial and Economic Justice grant program. This round of funding is designed to support nonprofit organizations advancing economic mobility, particularly through capacity-building and operating support during a time of significant funding and policy change. The initiative reflects the Foundation’s broader commitment to equity and community-led solutions across three core areas: economic mobility, education, and the environment. Applications will be accepted from March 12, 2025, until 1:00 p.m. on April 15, 2025. Grants will be awarded between $50,000 and $75,000, with approximately $3 million available for distribution in total. Grant recipients will be notified in May 2025, and the grant period will run from June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026. A final report is due 60 days after the grant period ends. Each applicant may submit only one proposal, and awards can include up to 25% of the total grant amount for indirect overhead costs. Eligible applicants include small- to medium-sized nonprofits with budgets up to approximately $3 million that are actively engaged in structural change through civic participation, organizing, or policy advocacy; or those investing in economic practices that support community stabilization and wealth-building. Larger nonprofit intermediaries may also apply if they provide capacity-building services to smaller organizations that align with the Foundation’s mission. Priority is given to organizations based in and serving Minneapolis and its first-ring suburbs within Hennepin County, including Brooklyn Center, Edina, Golden Valley, Richfield, Robbinsdale, and St. Louis Park. Organizations supporting small businesses are also prioritized. Funded activities may include financial management upgrades, staffing and administrative capacity expansion, program evaluation, technology improvements, strategic planning, leadership transition planning, organizational development, community and stakeholder engagement, and legal services. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online portal and must include a completed workplan, project budget, and collaboration list (if applicable). Templates are available on the Foundation’s website. For technical assistance with the online portal, applicants can contact the Grants Administration team at grantsupport@mplsfoundation.org, and for questions about the guidelines, Program Officer Josh Johnson is available at JJohnson2@mplsfoundation.org. An information session was held on March 17, and materials including the slide deck and recording are available online.