Open Your Heart has renamed its grant program to the Community Impact Grant to better represent its mission of fostering measurable, positive change in Minnesota communities. The new name underscores the program's emphasis on accountability, transparency, and strategic alignment with Open Your Heart’s broader goals of community improvement. This renaming reflects a more targeted focus on supporting initiatives that result in tangible benefits for residents, particularly in addressing housing and food insecurity.
The Community Impact Grant is specifically aimed at organizations that provide direct services to adults, families, and youth facing housing and food insecurity throughout Minnesota. These grants help service providers acquire essential tools, equipment, and infrastructure to enhance their support for individuals in crisis. Priority is given to agencies that serve individuals who are currently unhoused and residing on the streets or in shelters.
Eligible applicants include organizations whose primary mission is to serve food and housing insecure populations in Minnesota. These organizations must either hold 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, be recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS (such as schools, governmental or tribal entities), or apply through a fiscal agent with 501(c)(3) status. Each organization may apply for only one Community Impact Grant per year and must have closed out any previous grants before reapplying.
For the year 2025, applications open on February 3, May 5, and August 4, with corresponding deadlines on February 28, May 30, and August 29, all at 4:00 PM. Applicants must complete and submit a closure form within 45 days after utilizing the funds to remain eligible for future grants. Directions for completing the closure form are sent via email and must be accessed through the new grant portal launched in 2024.
Technical support for the grant portal is available through email at Z2Support@wizehive.com. For any questions about the grant process or organizational priorities, applicants can contact Open Your Heart via email at office@oyh.org or by phone at 612-338-5577. The organization’s main office is located at 2909 S. Wayzata Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55405.
