Management Improvement Fund

The Management Improvement Fund is a special fund of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, established to strengthen the internal operations of small and midsize nonprofit organizations across Minnesota. Since its inception in 1991, the Fund has distributed $7 million to more than 470 nonprofits. Its mission is to provide targeted support for capacity-building efforts, with an emphasis on expanding organizational effectiveness and nurturing leadership, particularly among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the nonprofit sector. The Foundation’s approach reflects a commitment to racial equity and collaboration, ensuring that community perspectives inform its work. Grants of up to $15,000 are available for technical assistance and consultation projects designed to enhance a nonprofit’s management and operational capacity. Eligible activities include organizational assessment, strategic planning, restructuring or merger processes, board governance development, human resources evaluation, marketing and communications review, program evaluation, translation services, accessibility consulting, technology assessment, financial management, and grantwriting. The Fund also supports planning for 501(c)(3) status, community healing circles, and innovative collaborations to serve communities more effectively. For BIPOC-led organizations, additional support is available for leadership development, executive coaching, skill-building, and training. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or have a fiscal sponsor and must have annual operating budgets of $5 million or less. Organizations must primarily serve low-income individuals and demonstrate sufficient time and staff capacity to engage in consultation and implement changes. Priority is given to groups serving Asian American/Pacific Islander, Indigenous, Latinx, and Black communities, as well as new or emerging BIPOC-led organizations. Applicants from the West Metro (Anoka, Hennepin, Carver, and Scott counties) or Greater Minnesota are encouraged to contact the Management Improvement Fund team before applying. The Fund will not consider requests from sectarian religious organizations, individuals, or entities exclusively serving the West Metro. The grant primarily covers consultant fees and training expenses, though a limited portion may be used for related costs such as interpreters, stipends, childcare, transportation, and staff time. Applicants must select their own consultants and include a written proposal or bid with the application. The Foundation does not require the use of any specific consultant but encourages applicants to leverage board and leadership networks for recommendations, as well as to use directories provided by Nexus Community Partners and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but are reviewed quarterly. For 2025, the quarterly review dates are February 19, May 8, August 7, and November 13. Applicants are encouraged to email mif@spmcf.org before applying to ensure alignment with program objectives. There are no final report requirements; however, grantees are invited to participate in a convening to share insights after the grant period concludes. The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, located at 370 Wabasha Street North, Suite 300, Saint Paul, MN 55102, can be contacted via email at info@spmcf.org or by phone at 651-224-5463. Specific inquiries about the Management Improvement Fund should be directed to mif@spmcf.org. The Fund remains a significant resource for nonprofits aiming to build stronger organizational structures and enhance their capacity to serve Minnesota’s communities effectively.