Forward Pooled Fund Grant Program

The MN Forward Pooled Fund Grant Program, administered by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, supports efforts created and led by Minnesota communities impacted by recent federal policy changes. This fund is a collaborative initiative supported by multiple philanthropic entities, including the Bush Foundation, Greater Twin Cities United Way, McKnight Foundation, and several others, with the pooled funds managed by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation’s Grants Team. The purpose of the grant is to fortify and envision the future of communities most affected by federal shifts. The grant program is split into two categories: Fortify Grants and Futuring Grants. Fortify Grants support strategic planning and response initiatives such as leadership development, scenario planning, and digital resilience building. Futuring Grants aim to assist organizations imagining and constructing long-term visions that promote a multiracial participatory democracy and alternative community care infrastructures. Each grant will be awarded in the fixed amount of $50,000, with funding expected to be disbursed in June 2025. Eligible applicants must be based in Minnesota and serve communities within the state, including the 11 Native Nations that share Minnesota's geography. Organizations must have an annual or program-specific budget of $3 million or less. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) organizations, LLCs serving nonprofits, groups with fiscal sponsors, and tribal government programs. Applications duplicating efforts already funded by MN Legal Fund or MN LEAD, or those seeking to backfill lost federal funding, are not eligible. The application process involves three steps: confirming eligibility, identifying a target community, and completing a detailed application. Target communities include the Twin Cities Metro, Greater Minnesota, and Native-led, Native-serving organizations. Application questions focus on the proposed work's focus, origin, and planning, with additional logistical information required. All funds must be used by December 31, 2026. Applications opened on May 5, 2025, at noon and will close on May 22, 2025, at 4 p.m. All applicants will be notified of their status by the end of June. The evaluation process includes a randomized selection mechanism to ensure equitable representation across grant types and geographies. Priority is given to groups with community-led leadership and planning processes, and at least 30% of grants will be awarded to rural community-led efforts. Interpretive services and phone application options are available by request before May 20, 2025. Contact for this grant is Nikki Finley and Anaïs Deal-Marquez at communityimpact@spmcf.org.