Taylor Rural Improvements Grant

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) administers the Taylor Rural Improvements Grant to strengthen small towns by funding capital projects that serve underserved populations. With a mission to foster vibrant communities, successful economies, and engaged citizens, SMIF supports projects that enhance essential services in communities with populations under 10,000 within its 20-county service region. This grant opportunity is supported by a donation from Glen A. Taylor through the Taylor Family Farms Foundation and is designed to continue Taylor’s philanthropic vision for rural revitalization. The Taylor Rural Improvements Grant provides up to $30,000 per project for initiatives that align with essential services categories including food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and internet accessibility. Projects must be capital in nature—such as facility upgrades, purchase of equipment, or vehicles for community benefit. Examples include adding refrigeration for a food shelf, upgrading a community thrift store, furnishing a shelter, or acquiring computers for public access. Applications focused on childcare services are not eligible for this round due to SMIF’s separate child care grant program. Eligible applicants include government units or agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with current IRS status (not pending), and public institutions such as schools or higher education entities within SMIF’s 20-county area. Entities without these statuses may apply with a qualifying fiscal agent. Businesses, individuals, and for-profit entities are ineligible. Grant dollars cannot be used for general operations, legally mandated services, routine maintenance, endowments, or fundraising campaigns. Applications open on September 8, 2025, and are due by October 15, 2025. Awards will be announced by November 14, 2025. Projects must be completed within 12 months of the award date, and all grant funds must be expended by November 14, 2026. A final report is due within 30 days of expending all grant funds, with a fixed due date of December 14, 2026. A 25% cash or in-kind match is required before SMIF will release any grant funding. For example, a project requesting $30,000 must demonstrate $7,500 in matching contributions. Applications must be submitted online and include a full proposal outlining the project scope, budget, match verification, and timeline. The Foundation encourages projects that show measurable community impact and align with the essential service areas. For inquiries, applicants should contact Sarah Scheffert, Communications & Community Vitality Specialist, at sarahs@smifoundation.org or 507-214-7015.

Focus on community impact and essential services. Ensure capital nature and provide detailed match plan and realistic completion timeline.