BMPP Giving Circle Micro-Grant

Building More Philanthropy with Purpose (BMPP) is a donor-advised fund operating through the Minneapolis Foundation. BMPP is dedicated to supporting community-based initiatives that advance social justice, particularly among Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and AMEMSA (Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian) communities in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. The organization takes a culturally responsive and community-driven approach to grantmaking, emphasizing grassroots efforts and emergent strategies. The current BMPP Giving Circle micro-grant cycle is themed "Joy as a Liberating Force." This theme emphasizes the transformative power of joy in justice work, aiming to support initiatives that incorporate joy as an essential element of resistance, care, and community empowerment. Projects should not treat joy as secondary, but as an integral component of social justice efforts, especially in a time of ongoing struggle and grief within marginalized communities. Eligible projects must take place in the Upper Midwest region—specifically Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Iowa—and must serve Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or AMEMSA communities. Funding is reserved for new or innovative projects rather than ongoing or large-scale programs. If the project extends an existing initiative, applicants must clearly explain what new component it introduces. Applicants must submit their proposals through one of two methods: a written narrative via an online application or a five-minute YouTube video. The video or narrative must address specific questions, including details about the sponsoring 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the applicant’s background, project description, funding amount requested (up to $5,000), intended use of funds, and projected impact on advancing justice in the specified communities. BMPP also offers an alternative route for submission through interviews, where a family member from the organization assists in documenting the proposal responses. The final deadline for application submission is Sunday, June 8, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Applicants are advised to draft their answers offline, as the online submission portal does not allow saving progress. All submitted information will be reviewed by BMPP as part of their giving circle deliberation process. For inquiries, BMPP can be reached via email at bmpp.giving@gmail.com.