The St. Charles Area Community Foundation (SCACF), an affiliate of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, offers General Grants to support nonprofit initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the greater St. Charles, Minnesota area. These grants are intended to encourage innovative and collaborative projects that align with the foundation’s mission to promote economic development, enhance the community, and support early childhood development and families. SCACF emphasizes support for efforts that leverage community assets and deliver measurable outcomes.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, units of government, and public agencies. All proposals must specifically benefit the St. Charles area and must be submitted by eligible organizations only. The maximum amount that can be requested is $3,500, and only one application per organization is permitted during the funding cycle. Projects must be completed within 12 months from the date of the grant award. Applicants must submit a completed application, a project budget worksheet, and an IRS determination letter unless they are applying through a fiscal agent.
The grant excludes funding for individuals, for-profit organizations, general operating expenses, capital campaigns, debt reduction, mandated services, projects already in progress or completed, re-granting, feasibility studies without measurable outcomes, strategic planning lacking concrete deliverables, curriculum development without defined outcomes, and routine municipal planning activities, among other restrictions.
Applications will be given priority if they demonstrate measurable results in community focus areas, employ asset-based approaches, involve collaboration or partnership, show sustainability beyond SCACF funding, and address specific community needs with high potential for success and long-term benefit. Preference is given to projects with community engagement, innovative approaches, and demonstrable commitment by the applying organization.
As a condition of receiving funding, grantees must feature the SCACF logo in all promotional materials and provide a synopsis of program outcomes, including photos, to the SCACF board. Questions regarding the grant should be directed to Bill Spitzer, Treasurer, at (507) 421-2317 or via email at stcharlesareacf@gmail.com.
The 2025 grant application opened on April 1, 2025. All applications must be received by May 15, 2025, no later than 4:00 PM. Awards will be announced on May 28, 2025. Applications can be submitted electronically by email.
