ROCORI Area Community Builder Grant

The ROCORI Area Community Builder Grants are administered by the ROCORI Area Community Foundation (RACF), an affiliate of CommunityGiving. RACF is dedicated to fostering lasting and positive community impact in the ROCORI region, which encompasses the cities of Rockville, Cold Spring, and Richmond in Minnesota, including an approximate five-mile radius around each. Through financial support and leadership, the Foundation seeks to empower projects that embody community partnership and align with RACF's vision of strengthened local collaboration and resilience. This grant program is designed to fund initiatives that either launch new or expand existing programs, support capital projects, or advance other strategic investments poised to produce enduring benefits for the local community. It explicitly welcomes applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities. These funds are not intended for individual applicants or for the support of religious, political, or campaign-related activities. Furthermore, requests for multi-year funding, endowments, debt retirement, and completed projects are typically not considered. The ROCORI Area Community Builder Grants support a diverse set of focus areas including education—particularly K-12 and after-school programs—social services that benefit children, youth, and families, and arts and culture projects that encourage cultural appreciation. Additionally, civic projects that enhance community cohesion and infrastructure are eligible. Favorable consideration is given to proposals that promise sustainable outcomes, incorporate collaborative partnerships with other nonprofits, government agencies, or community groups, and demonstrate the potential to enhance quality of life and catalyze future investment. Applications are accepted via the CommunityGiving Grant Management System starting March 1, 2026, and must be submitted by April 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications are reviewed by the RACF Grant Advisory Committee, which then makes funding recommendations to the Board of Directors. Final decisions are made within 90 days of the application deadline. Grantees will be notified via email. Upon acceptance, grant payouts are disbursed following the electronic signing of a Grant Agreement. Applicants are required to submit a Final Report upon the conclusion of the grant period, with the possibility of an interim Progress Report if specifically requested. All documentation and reporting are processed through the CommunityGiving Grant Management System. Applicants who are uncertain about their eligibility or the fit of their program are strongly encouraged to contact local staff prior to submission in order to maintain an efficient review process. For support or inquiries, the Foundation can be reached at (320) 257-9715. General office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at 101 7th Avenue S., Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN 56301.

Projects should demonstrate sustainability, community collaboration, quality of life impact, and alignment with DEI principles.