Open Grant Round 2024

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation's 2024 Open Grant Round seeks to support community vitality through work that addresses six key areas: Community Connectedness, Economic Opportunity and Security, Education, Health, Housing and Transportation, and Human Services and Family Support. This grant program is deeply aligned with the Foundation's mission to foster community health and vitality by investing in solutions informed and led by those facing the highest barriers. The Foundation offers both general operating support and capital grants, aiming to provide flexible funding for nonprofits and support investments in buildings, facilities, and equipment within the East Metro area. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on marginalized communities. This includes BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, low-income communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, formerly incarcerated people, women, veterans, and young people. The overarching impact goal is to advance equity and strengthen enduring community connections, heal and revitalize communities, and promote independence and stability for individuals and families. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on supporting organizations that prioritize marginalized communities and those that demonstrate a clear connection to the "Informs, Forms, Benefits" framework, where those experiencing barriers not only benefit from the work but also inform, form, and lead it. Key priorities and focus areas within the Community Connectedness pillar include arts and culture organizations amplifying narratives from marginalized communities, civic engagement building capacity and power among these groups, and environmental justice work contributing to a multi-racial movement for safe and clean environments. For Economic Opportunity and Security, the focus is on strengthening the entrepreneur ecosystem, increasing local ownership, expanding access to culturally appropriate services, and prioritizing employment pathways for those facing barriers to wealth creation. In Education, the Foundation prioritizes organizations blending academic, social, and emotional supports for young people impacted by educational inequity, and those working towards robust early childhood systems. Within Health, the Foundation prioritizes organizations focusing on health equity, increasing access to affordable and culturally relevant health services, and addressing the growing demand for mental health, urgent care, reproductive health, and trauma-informed care for vulnerable communities. For Housing and Transportation, the emphasis is on ensuring marginalized people experiencing housing instability and homelessness can access safe, decent, affordable, and prejudice-free housing with necessary supports, and work that addresses racial justice, climate justice, economic opportunity, and health equity in transportation. Finally, Human Services and Family Support prioritizes grants that help residents navigate life transitions, find safety and stability, and promote independence, with special attention to disability, child welfare, family, older adult, immigration, legal, and re-entry support services. Expected outcomes include a more equitable, connected, and vital East Metro region where all residents have opportunities to thrive.