Transformation Grant

The 2026 Transformation Grant, administered by the Minnesota Boreal Waters Community Foundation, provides multi-year funding to nonprofit and public sector organizations pursuing systemic, community-rooted solutions within the foundation’s service area across Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Designed to advance Opportunity, Resilience, and Belonging, this grant supports transformative initiatives that address the root causes of inequities and foster long-term change in the structural and social systems impacting historically marginalized communities. The program offers funding of $100,000 annually for up to three years. Renewal beyond the first year is contingent on continued alignment with goals and mutual agreement between the grantee and the foundation. Projects must align with at least one of the core focus areas: Opportunity (e.g., housing access, living-wage jobs, education pathways), Resilience (e.g., food security, climate adaptation, community stability), or Belonging (e.g., elevating diverse voices, cultural connection, inclusive spaces). Projects are expected to demonstrate sustainable community impact, cross-sector collaboration, and a strong equity-centered approach. Eligibility extends to a range of applicants, including 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public entities such as school districts and municipalities, tribal governments, churches, and projects with a qualified fiscal sponsor. The foundation emphasizes support for organizations deeply connected to the communities they serve, particularly those led by or serving underrepresented populations. Applicants must be based in and serve the geographic area defined by Boreal Waters, with no support available for projects outside this scope. The application process begins with a mandatory Letter of Intent (LOI), which opens February 9 and closes March 9 at 11:59 PM. Only selected applicants will be invited to proceed with a full application between March 16 and May 30. This next phase involves a series of conversations with Boreal Waters staff and partners, creating a collaborative process to assess project fit, readiness, and transformational potential. Final decisions will be made by the Board of Trustees on June 16, with applicants notified by June 18. Payments are scheduled for June 25, and the formal grant period begins July 1, 2026. Applicants must address four narrative prompts in the LOI: organizational mission, funding request, projected community impact, and how the work embodies transformational elements such as upstream thinking, cross-sector collaboration, systems-level impact, and equity. Evaluation criteria prioritize sustainability, evidence of change, and community ownership. The foundation’s grantmaking process includes review by community members with lived experience to ensure that funding decisions reflect authentic local priorities and uphold principles of equity, trust, and transparency. The Transformation Grant does not fund individuals, capital campaigns, medical research, debt relief, or political/religious activities. Grants must be used directly by the applicant; regranting is not permitted. Boreal Waters encourages organizations to reach out with questions and is committed to supporting applicants through a transparent and supportive application process. Through this program, the foundation seeks to catalyze enduring change by resourcing those who are closest to the challenges and most capable of leading community transformation.

Emphasize equity-centered design, sustainability, community voice, and systems-level change.