Central Minnesota Women’s Fund Grant

The Central Minnesota Women’s Fund Grant is administered by the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, a private philanthropic organization that supports initiatives improving the lives of residents in the region. Established in 2002 as a component fund of the Foundation, the Women’s Fund specifically aims to benefit women and girls within a 30-mile radius of St. Cloud, Minnesota. The fund focuses on leveraging local nonprofit efforts and resources to create lasting, positive change for individuals and community systems. The grant supports capital projects, new or expanded programs, and other strategic investments designed to make a long-term impact. Projects must directly serve women and/or girls in the target geographic area. Priority funding is directed toward three focus populations: girls aged 10–18, women experiencing adversity, and elder women. Within each group, the fund emphasizes specific goals such as building self-esteem, increasing access to mentors, supporting higher education pursuits, fostering economic self-sufficiency, providing mental health services, encouraging healthy lifestyles, improving transportation access, and supporting lifelong learning. Programs that address diversity, equity, and inclusion are also encouraged. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities that serve the designated population and area. The grant does not fund individuals, religious organizations for religious purposes, political organizations or campaigns, event sponsorships, annual fundraising drives, multi-year requests, endowments, debt retirement, projects already completed, academic scholarships for post-secondary education, travel or conference costs, or to replace reduced or eliminated government funding. Applicants uncertain of their eligibility are encouraged to contact local staff before applying. The funding range is between $3,000 and $15,000, with the award amount determined based on project scope and impact. No matching funds are required. The application period for the 2025 cycle opens on August 1, 2025, and closes September 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Decisions will be made within 90 days of the deadline. Applications are submitted online through the CommunityGiving Grant Management System. The Grant Advisory Committee reviews proposals and recommends them to the Foundation’s Board of Directors for final approval. Notifications are sent via email, and funds are disbursed upon receipt of an electronically signed grant agreement. Grantees must provide a signed Grant Agreement and a Final Report through the Grant Management System. A progress report may also be required if requested by the funder. Payout of grants occurs after the agreement is received. For questions regarding the grant or application process, applicants can contact the Foundation’s office by phone at (320) 257-9715 or visit their office at 101 7th Avenue S., Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN 56301. The Central Minnesota Women’s Fund Grant represents a focused opportunity for organizations aiming to enhance the quality of life for women and girls in the St. Cloud region. Its structured focus areas, clear funding guidelines, and emphasis on measurable, lasting outcomes provide applicants with a transparent pathway for requesting and using funds effectively.

Contact local staff before applying if unsure of eligibility.