WACF Opportunity Gap Grant

The Willmar Area Community Foundation (WACF), a regional partner under the CommunityGiving network, administers the Opportunity Gap Grant to address inequities in access to vital developmental resources among children and families in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. This initiative specifically targets disparities in early childhood education, K-12 engagement, career readiness, and family stability, supporting efforts to close opportunity gaps and ensure equitable development outcomes for all youth in the region. The Opportunity Gap Grant is designed to fund new or expanded programs and projects, particularly those that enhance foundational, technical, and soft skills among youth. Projects eligible for funding may relate to early childhood education, enrichment activities for underserved populations, or non-traditional career pathways such as apprenticeships and innovative training. The grant program prefers initiatives that foster community collaboration, address unmet needs with sustainable strategies, and leverage additional funding streams. Funding amounts range from $5,000 to $20,000, with capital funding capped at $20,000 and allowed only for projects directly benefiting children, youth, and families. A special subset of funding known as "Difference Maker" grants is available by invitation only for multi-agency initiatives with significant community impact and strong sustainability plans. All applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, or government entities operating within Kandiyohi County. Applications for the current round opened on May 15, 2025, and must be submitted online via the CommunityGiving Grant Management System by June 30 at 11:59 PM. The application process requires a password, which is provided during a mandatory informational webinar. Only one application per organization is permitted per grant round. The review process involves recommendations by the Grant Advisory Committee, followed by final decisions from the Board of Directors. Notifications will be made exclusively via email, and grant payouts are contingent upon the electronic signing of a Grant Agreement. Applicants are required to submit a Grant Agreement, a Final Report, and potentially a Progress Report depending on project specifics. For technical support with the application system, applicants are advised to contact Sherri at (320) 257-9715. For specific inquiries related to Difference Maker grants, prospective applicants must schedule a consultation with Sara Carlson. The final funding decision will be communicated by September 1, 2025.