Minnesota Community Development Grants

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation's 2024 Open Grant Round seeks to support community vitality through work that addresses six key areas: Community Connectedness, Economic Opportunity and Security, Education, Health, Housing and Transportation, and Human Services and Family Support. This grant program is deeply aligned with the Foundation's mission to foster community health and vitality by investing in solutions informed and led by those facing the highest barriers. The Foundation offers both general operating support and capital grants, aiming to provide flexible funding for nonprofits and support investments in buildings, facilities, and equipment within the East Metro area. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on marginalized communities. This includes BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, low-income communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, formerly incarcerated people, women, veterans, and young people. The overarching impact goal is to advance equity and strengthen enduring community connections, heal and revitalize communities, and promote independence and stability for individuals and families. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on supporting organizations that prioritize marginalized communities and those that demonstrate a clear connection to the "Informs, Forms, Benefits" framework, where those experiencing barriers not only benefit from the work but also inform, form, and lead it. Key priorities and focus areas within the Community Connectedness pillar include arts and culture organizations amplifying narratives from marginalized communities, civic engagement building capacity and power among these groups, and environmental justice work contributing to a multi-racial movement for safe and clean environments. For Economic Opportunity and Security, the focus is on strengthening the entrepreneur ecosystem, increasing local ownership, expanding access to culturally appropriate services, and prioritizing employment pathways for those facing barriers to wealth creation. In Education, the Foundation prioritizes organizations blending academic, social, and emotional supports for young people impacted by educational inequity, and those working towards robust early childhood systems. Within Health, the Foundation prioritizes organizations focusing on health equity, increasing access to affordable and culturally relevant health services, and addressing the growing demand for mental health, urgent care, reproductive health, and trauma-informed care for vulnerable communities. For Housing and Transportation, the emphasis is on ensuring marginalized people experiencing housing instability and homelessness can access safe, decent, affordable, and prejudice-free housing with necessary supports, and work that addresses racial justice, climate justice, economic opportunity, and health equity in transportation. Finally, Human Services and Family Support prioritizes grants that help residents navigate life transitions, find safety and stability, and promote independence, with special attention to disability, child welfare, family, older adult, immigration, legal, and re-entry support services. Expected outcomes include a more equitable, connected, and vital East Metro region where all residents have opportunities to thrive.

The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minn. Created in 1944 by Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting a better quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Since its founding, OBT has invested nearly $1 billion and provides ~$105 million annually to nonprofit organizations in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Applications are due on a rolling basis on these dates: February 4, 2024; April 4, 2024; June 6, 2024; August 1, 2024. - General Operations Application: General operations grants provide unrestricted funding that enables an organization to carry out its mission. Typical uses could include support for an organization’s administrative and infrastructure costs, maintaining core programs and/or staffing. This application is for organizations seeking $75,000 or more in general operations support. - General Operations Short Application: This application is for organizations seeking general operations support of less than $75,000. - Restricted Application: Restricted grants provide funding for a specific program or project. These funds may not be used for other purposes, although a portion may be utilized for overhead or indirect costs of administering the program or project. - Capital Application: Capital grants support constructing, repairing, renovating, or rehabilitating an organization’s physical space. Capital grants can also support the purchase of equipment necessary for an organization to carry out its work.

The Library Construction Improvement Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), supports public library jurisdictions in Minnesota undertaking renovation, construction, and improvement projects. This grant caters to projects aimed at renovating or expanding existing library buildings or constructing new library facilities. The focus is on enhancing library services to meet changing community needs, addressing hazardous conditions, and building new or improved facilities for public use. The grant encourages library development projects that serve the community’s evolving needs while ensuring compliance with accessibility standards.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide career development programs for Black youth aged 14-24 in designated NBA markets.

This program provides training and financial support to early-stage entrepreneurs in Minnesota who are dedicated to creating socially impactful and sustainable businesses.

This program provides funding for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region to develop and share sustainable agricultural practices through research and educational projects.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that collaborate with Eden Prairie Public Schools to create projects enhancing student achievement and engagement, particularly focusing on racial equity.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups in the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area to support projects that promote environmental stewardship, community beautification, and economic vitality.

This fund provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in the St. Cloud area to empower girls and young women through outdoor activities and initiatives that promote self-esteem and mutual respect.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community groups for projects that promote sustainable and environmentally responsible use of lakes and watersheds in Hubbard County, Minnesota.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in the Duluth area that promote equity and justice for people of African Heritage through community-building activities and initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit and government-operated clinics in Minnesota to improve access to essential primary care services for underserved populations, particularly those with low incomes or living in rural areas.

This grant provides funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in specific regions to support programs that assist low- to moderate-income individuals and families in areas such as community development, education, health services, arts, and the environment.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Annapolis that focus on community development, economic growth, and social well-being through operating and capital grants.

This grant provides financial support to grassroots community organizing groups in the Midwest that focus on empowering low- and moderate-income populations, particularly those historically excluded from civic participation, to drive systemic change and promote social justice.

This funding opportunity supports schools, nonprofits, government units, and community arts organizations in Region 7E of Minnesota to create and host diverse arts initiatives that enhance community access to the arts.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the St. Croix Valley region of Minnesota and Wisconsin that address community needs in areas such as healthcare, affordable housing, youth education, and human services.

This program provides financial support and resources to early-stage social and environmental entrepreneurs in Greater Minnesota who are developing ventures that address social issues while generating revenue.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public institutions in Southern Minnesota to distribute books to children from birth to age eight, particularly focusing on diverse and at-risk populations.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups in the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area to support projects focused on environmental stewardship, economic vitality, sustainable farming, and community pride.