Julianne Williams Fund Grants

The Julianne Williams Fund, administered by the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, is a component fund of the Women’s Fund dedicated to supporting girls and young women in the St. Cloud metropolitan area within a 30-mile radius. This fund was created to honor the legacy of Julianne Williams by promoting self-esteem, safety, confidence, and empowerment among girls and young women. A key emphasis is placed on physical activities, particularly outdoor experiences, as a means to foster personal growth. The fund also seeks to support youth initiatives that encourage mutual respect between girls and boys, fostering stronger, more inclusive community relationships. The fund supports a variety of initiatives, including capital projects, the creation or expansion of programs, and other strategic investments expected to have a lasting community impact. Priority is given to programs that engage participants in outdoor activities, foster empowerment of girls and young women, and support diversity, equity, and inclusion. The fund specifically encourages projects that align with its mission of building self-esteem and mutual respect. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a clear connection between their proposed project and the fund’s core objectives. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, and governmental entities operating within the designated geographic radius. Applications from individuals, religious organizations for religious purposes, political groups, or for purposes such as event sponsorships, multi-year requests, endowments, debt retirement, completed projects, post-secondary scholarships, travel, or conference funding are not considered. Additionally, requests to replace reduced or eliminated government funding are not eligible. The application process is conducted through the CommunityGiving Grant Management System. Once submitted, applications are reviewed by the Grant Advisory Committee, which makes funding recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Board holds final decision-making authority. All grant communications are conducted via email, and successful applicants receive funds upon signing an electronic grant agreement. Required documentation includes the signed agreement and a final report; progress reports may also be requested. For the 2025 funding cycle, applications open on August 1, 2025, and close at 11:59 p.m. on September 30, 2025. Funding decisions will be made within 90 days of the deadline. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $8,000, and payments are issued after the grant agreement is completed. While the fund does not operate on a rolling basis, its focus and eligibility requirements suggest the possibility of future funding cycles, though no formal recurrence schedule is stated. Applicants with questions are encouraged to contact the foundation’s local staff prior to submitting an application to confirm eligibility and ensure a smooth review process. The Central Minnesota Community Foundation is located at 101 7th Avenue S., Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN 56301, and can be reached by phone at 320-257-9715 for grant-specific inquiries or at 320-253-4380 for general contact. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Applicants unsure of eligibility should contact local staff before applying to ensure an efficient review process.