Reimagine Education Grant

The Minneapolis Foundation has announced the 2025 Reimagine Education Grants, aimed at promoting systemic changes to enhance equity and academic outcomes for K-12 students. Rooted in a community-centered approach, the Foundation continues its strategic efforts started in 2021, this year placing additional emphasis on supporting evidence-based reading strategies and related educator training. These grants focus on creating culturally inclusive environments, fostering strong school-community relationships, and supporting educators in their understanding and implementation of equity-focused strategies. Priority will be given to initiatives that implement literacy instruction based on the science of reading, particularly in public schools and districts. Additional emphasis is placed on elevating the leadership and voices of students and communities, strengthening relationships between families and schools to foster improved academic and climate outcomes. The program also seeks proposals that include professional development for educators centered on equity, as well as advocacy efforts aimed at dismantling disparities at local and state educational levels. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public schools, and school districts. Proposals impacting Minneapolis are prioritized, but organizations located in adjacent inner-ring suburbs such as Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Robbinsdale, and St. Louis Park will also be considered. Priority is also given to past recipients of the Reimagine Education grants. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s new online portal. All applicants, including previous grantees, must create a new account. Applications open on May 19, 2025, and close at 1 p.m. on June 19, 2025. Late or email submissions will not be accepted. Notifications of decisions will be sent by late August 2025, with funding distributed in early to mid-September. The grant term will run from September 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Grants will range from $25,000 to $75,000, with an average award of approximately $40,000. A total of $1 million to $1.2 million is expected to be distributed among 25 to 30 recipients. Funded initiatives may include literacy training, equity framework development, student engagement, educator recruitment, leadership building, school climate enhancement, mental health support, and policy advocacy. Applicants are encouraged to review a preview document of the application and will be expected to submit a brief narrative and budget report by the end of the grant period. For eligibility questions, contact Patrice Relerford at prelerford@mplsfoundation.org. For technical support, reach out to the Grants Administration team at grantsadministration@mplsfoundation.org or call 612-672-8665.