Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless (OYH) offers the Community Impact Grant to support nonprofit agencies working to improve service delivery and capacity for individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in Minnesota. This grant represents a strategic evolution of OYH's previous funding programs, reflecting a more intentional focus on measurable, positive outcomes in communities. The name "Community Impact Grant" underscores the organization’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and aligning funding efforts with community-centered results.
The Community Impact Grant is intended for agencies with 501(c)3 status or equivalent tax-exempt recognition. Eligible applicants must serve individuals and families in Minnesota facing housing or food insecurity. Grants support capital and service improvement projects, including facility enhancements, outreach efforts, and the provision of tools or resources to remove barriers for vulnerable populations. Notably, operating costs, food purchases, utilities, salaries, and major construction efforts are not eligible for funding.
Agencies may submit one application per calendar year, while umbrella organizations can apply for up to two separate sites. Funded projects typically relate to emergency shelter support, food security initiatives, and services that assist with education or workforce access. Funding priorities emphasize emergency needs like shelters and hunger relief. Grant awards average approximately $7,000 and must be used for projects that deliver direct benefits to those experiencing homelessness and hunger.
Applications require submission of detailed documentation, including financial statements, IRS determination letters, contractor estimates (if applicable), and a comprehensive budget. Once awarded, grantees must report on the grant’s use and return any unspent funds within 45 days of project completion. For emergency situations, agencies may request special funding by demonstrating operational disruption due to financial hardship, although approval is not guaranteed.
The grant program follows a triannual cycle, with deadlines on February 28, May 30, and August 29 in 2025. The August application will open by August 4. All applications are due by 4:00 PM CST on the closing date. Agencies must create a new profile through the updated OYH grant portal if applying for the first time since 2023. For inquiries regarding application content, deadlines, or eligibility, OYH can be contacted via email at office@oyh.org or by phone at 612-338-5577. Technical issues should be directed to Z2Support@wizehive.com.
