Ciresi Walburn Foundation Grant Program

The Ciresi Walburn Foundation offers an annual grant opportunity focused on supporting organizations that benefit youth and families in Minnesota. The Foundation partners with tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions that align with its mission and five key priorities. Known for funding bold and innovative approaches, the Foundation strategically invests in organizations during pivotal phases of their development. It does not routinely fund endowments, capital campaigns, or technology-centric proposals unless the technology is ancillary to a broader, impactful initiative. Applications for funding are reviewed annually through a structured process that begins with the submission of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). For the 2025 cycle, LOIs will be accepted from June 16 to July 11 through an online grant portal managed by Submittable. Applicants are required to provide detailed information about their organization’s mission, proposed work, funding needs (general or project-specific), budget, anticipated outcomes, and how their efforts align with the Foundation's priorities. A downloadable preview of the LOI questions is available on the Foundation's website. For K-12 schools, an additional requirement includes completion of the Foundation’s Schools Data Dashboard Form. Schools must agree to assess students using either Minnesota’s state accountability assessments (MCAs or MTAS) or a nationally normed tool such as NWEA/MAP at least twice during the academic year and to share these results with the Foundation as a condition of funding eligibility. Finalists will be selected and notified by August 20, 2025. Those chosen will undergo an in-depth finalist review process running from August 20 through September 26, during which additional information will be requested. Grant recipients will be announced in mid-November, and disbursement of funds typically follows in December. Eligibility is restricted to organizations that are tax-exempt under IRS code 501(c)(3), or those operating under a fiscal sponsor with such status. The Foundation does not fund individuals, political organizations, lobbying efforts, or endowment-focused projects. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online portal; emailed or mailed submissions are not accepted. While the Foundation generally operates one grant cycle per year, updates and announcements are shared via email and social media channels. Contact information and links to downloadable forms and the application portal are provided on the Foundation's website. Interested organizations are encouraged to review the LOI questions and data form in advance and to watch the Foundation’s informational webinar for insights and guidance on crafting a competitive proposal.

Watch Foundation webinar for application insights and strategy tips.