The Eden Prairie Community Foundation (EPCF), established in 1981, has awarded over $2 million in grants to more than 100 nonprofit organizations and agencies. Its mission—enriching the Eden Prairie community through philanthropy, collaboration, and leadership—guides its grantmaking. EPCF’s Impact Grants program supports local organizations whose work aligns with four priority areas: Arts & Culture, Education & Youth Development, Recreation & Environment, and Social Services. These categories encompass a wide range of projects, from educational enrichment and youth development programs to environmental conservation, recreational activities, food access, and housing support.
For the 2026 grant cycle, EPCF emphasizes the importance of addressing unmet needs within Eden Prairie. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their proposals align with priority issues such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Food Insecurity; and Affordable Housing. The Foundation places additional weight on applications that explicitly address these concerns. Eligibility is limited to organizations classified as charitable under Section 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code, governmental entities like schools and parks, and nonprofits serving Eden Prairie residents.
The application process involves a multistep approach to ensure eligibility and alignment with Foundation priorities. Interested applicants must begin by reviewing EPCF’s priorities and processes, then complete an online eligibility quiz. If eligible, they are invited to submit a brief inquiry via email outlining their project. Those whose inquiries demonstrate alignment with EPCF’s focus areas are encouraged to submit a full application, including the Minnesota Common Grant Application form, required attachments, and a Self-Certification Checklist.
Grant applications open on December 1, 2025, and close on January 31, 2026. Submissions must be sent electronically to info@epcommunityfoundation.org. EPCF acknowledges receipt of applications and may follow up with questions. Applications are evaluated based on their alignment with funding priorities, the potential benefit to the community, the scale of impact, and organizational capacity to deliver proposed outcomes.
Grant awards will be decided in February or March 2026, with funding disbursed in April following the return of signed agreements. Recipients are required to submit an impact report by December 31, 2026, detailing how the grant was used and the outcomes achieved. For questions or additional information, applicants may contact Interim Executive Director Mark Weber at mweber@epcommunityfoundation.org or 952-949-8499. The grant cycle is annual, and future applicants can anticipate a similar timeline in subsequent years.
Align your proposal with the Foundation’s highlighted priorities—particularly Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Food Insecurity, and Affordable Housing—for additional consideration.
