Search Through Wright County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Making community possible

At U.S. Bank, we are dedicated to supporting our communities through responsive and humbled actions focused on addressing racial and economic inequities and creating lasting change in our communities. Through our Community Possible Grant Program, we are partnering with organizations that focus on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing and communities connected through arts and culture.

The U.S. Bank Foundation is committed to making Community Possible through Work, Home and Play. We advance this work through collaborative grant making to bring equitable and lasting change through our focus on sustainable, high-impact funding with 501c3 nonprofit partners.

How we partner with nonprofits

We focus on collaborative grantmaking and sustainable, high-impact funding with 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners. We partner with organizations that support:

• Economic and workforce advancement
• Safe and affordable housing
• Community arts and culture

Our strategy

Our community affairs and foundation team work closely with U.S. Bank regional leadership, business resource groups and our National Community Advisory Committee to ensure that prevailing needs are addressed in all the communities we serve.

To make the most meaningful impact, we prioritize organizations that:

• Focus on economic development issues related to work, home and play
• Address more than one of the grant pillars (work, home and play)
• Are based in and serve designated U.S. Bank communities
• Advance diversity, equity and inclusion

Mission

The mission of the Hearst Foundations is to identify and fund outstanding nonprofits to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States can build healthy, productive and satisfying lives. Through its grantmaking, the Hearst Foundations support well-established nonprofit organizations that address significant issues within their major areas of focus—culture, education, health and social service—and that primarily serve large demographic and/or geographic constituencies. In each area of funding, the Foundations seek to identify those organizations achieving truly differentiated results relative to other organizations making similar efforts for similar populations. The Foundations also look for evidence of sustainability beyond their support.

Whether providing a scholarship to a deserving student, supporting a rural health clinic or bringing artists into schools so children can see firsthand the beauty of the arts, the Foundations’ focus is consistent: to help those in need, those underserved and those underrepresented in society. Since the Foundations were formed in the 1940s, the scale and capabilities of the grant making have changed, but the mission has not.

Culture Grant

The Hearst Foundations fund cultural institutions that offer meaningful programs in the arts and sciences, prioritizing those that enable engagement by young people and create a lasting and measurable impact. The Foundations also fund select programs nurturing and developing artistic talent. Supported organizations include arts schools, ballets, museums, operas, performing arts centers, symphonies and theaters.

Funding Priorities in Culture

In the recent past, 25% of total funding has been allocated to Culture. Organizations with budgets over $10 million have received 60% of the funding in Culture.

The Hearst Foundations are only able to fund approximately 25% of all grant requests, of which about 80% is directed to prior grantees and about 20% is targeted toward new grantees.

Types of Support

Program, capital and, on a limited basis, general and endowment support

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation

We believe every person deserves equitable care and education.

In 2020 Labcorp established a private charitable 501(c)(3) foundation to advance our desire to bring quality healthcare access to all by supporting education and our local communities. 

Common grant opportunities include:

• Supporting food pantries and meal programs
• Providing healthcare and patient services for underserved populations
• Encouraging STEM programming
• Advocating for healthy lifestyles through ongoing medical research and screening

Michael & Susan Dell Foundation Grants

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation only accepts unsolicited proposals for specific areas within the education, family economic stability and childhood health sectors in select countries where we work, namely the United States, India and South Africa.

As a guideline, the foundation does not fund more than 25% of a project’s budget or more than 10% of an organization’s total annual operating expenses.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation has always recognized the power of providing grants to partner organizations that we knew were already working hard to improve the lives of urban children living in poverty. By aligning with organizations that are already making a difference, we continue to make an immediate impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Foundation priorities:

We fund social enterprises that directly serve or impact children or youth from urban low-income communities in the areas of education, health, and family economic stability (including livelihoods and financial inclusion). These social enterprises may be structured as for-profit or nonprofit entities.

Partnerships

We collaborate with a range of organizations focused on creating opportunities for children and families living in urban poverty, with a deep emphasis on measuring impact. Our funding advances projects already making an impact in education, health, and family economic stability. Through these enduring and long-standing partnerships, we create lasting change together.

Philanthropy is our commitment to communities in which we operate and broader society. We focus our resources on a limited number of key projects that can deliver valuable benefits from our contributions and those of our partners. We give priority to innovative, high-quality projects that meet the following criteria:

• promote sustainable development
• offer an opportunity for Roche to use its expertise and logistics capabilities
• involve Roche actively at an early stage with local authorities and established partners
• engage Roche employees in cultural (focus on contemporary arts), educational and social activities
• managed by an accredited charity

Our four focus areas

Humanitarian and Social

We direct the majority of our philanthropic donations to humanitarian and social development projects.

Science and education

We are dedicated to programmes that promote scientific interest and provide educational opportunities for young people around the world.

Community and Environment

We are committed to building stronger communities and responding to natural disasters sustainably.

Arts and Culture

We support groundbreaking contemporary art, cultural projects and activities that explore the parallels between innovation in art and in science. 

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust is devoted solely to the funding of charitable, scientific, medical and educational organizations.

The Board endeavors to support soundly-managed charitable organizations that give service with a broad scope, have a substantial effect on their target populations, and contribute materially to the general welfare. The Board does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation or religion.

Our Mission

The Tony Robbins Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of people often forgotten.

We’re dedicated to creating positive changes in the lives of youth, seniors, the hungry, homeless and the imprisoned population, all who need a boost envisioning a happier and deeply satisfying way of life. Our passionate staff, generous donors and caring group of international volunteers provide the vision, inspiration, and resources needed to empower these important members of our society.

Grants

Dedicated to meeting challenges within the global community, creating solutions and taking action, The Tony Robbins Foundation provides monetary donations to various organizations around the world. Funding requests are evaluated on an ongoing basis. We look for organizations that align with our mission to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of those often forgotten.

Mission & Strategy

The Initiative Foundation’s mission to serve the people of Central Minnesota hasn’t wavered since its inception in 1986. Its goal is to inspire hope and to create opportunity through its mission:

To empower people throughout Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity.

Our Vision

Economy

We have an abundance of talented people and job-creating enterprises in our region that contribute to inclusive economic growth and vitality. Learn more

Community

We are a region of robust, highly engaged communities where people choose to live, work, give and play. Learn more

Generosity

People across our region give generously of their time, talent and resources. Learn more

Initiative Foundation Grants

The Initiative Foundation awards grants for projects and programs that empower people across Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity. Foundation grants support capacity-building projects for nonprofits, local units of government, schools, and economic and workforce development initiatives across the 14 counties and two Native nations of Central Minnesota.

The Initiative Foundation’s family of Partner Funds includes community, education and donor-advised funds. These funds also award grants based on specific priorities and typically are more localized to make investments in Central Minnesota communities.

Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants

Capacity-building grants are designed to strengthen organizations that lift up local economies, build a strong workforce, and add to the vibrancy of the region’s economy. We strive for geographic equity by annually delivering grants to each of the 14 counties and two Native nations we serve.

Funding Amount

Grants seldom exceed $10,000 and are not intended to provide ongoing support.

We focus on:

• Localism: We support local organizations and projects with local leadership and local financial support.
• Geographic equity: We strive to create a meaningful difference annually in the counties and Native nations we serve.
• Economic roots: We focus on grants that improve economies, build economic opportunity, and create community vibrancy.
• Leverage: We believe in building the capacity of nonprofits and economic development entities so that our initial investment acts as a catalyst to attract larger and ongoing support from the community, businesses, and philanthropic organizations.

2025 Grant Timeline:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and reviewed according to the following schedule:

Nonprofit capacity building grant deadlines:

• April 1, 2025
• Oct. 10, 2025

Applicants will typically be notified of decisions within two weeks of the application deadline.

We fund capacity-building initiatives for organizations that provide:

• basic needs such as food or housing
• improve economic conditions such as jobs training, career education, life skills, and apprenticeships
• support for victims of crime or discrimination
• non-clinical mental health services and supports related to suicide prevention and substance abuse.

Capacity building can include strategic planning; training to grow staff skills; board and governance training; process-improvement initiatives; and staff time that supports capacity-building activities.

Calling to Serve

Since its inception in 2016, the Robinson Foundation has sought to demonstrate God’s love through sharing the gifts we have received. We understand the often unspoken hardships and struggles that people in and outside of our community face everyday. As such, our contributions are focused on relieving these hardships for the betterment of our world.

As a family-operated foundation, we pray that our small efforts will not only create immediate change in the lives of our neighbors, but will help set those lives on a course for success in the future. We are thankful for each and every day we have on this earth to use what God has granted us to make a difference.

Areas of Interest

• Animal Welfare
• Children & Families
• Disaster Relief
• Education
• Medical Assistance
• Nature & Wildlife Conservation
• Poverty Relief
• Religious & Spiritual Endeavors
• Veterans' Issues

Grant Considerations

We take many different aspects of applications into account when making grant issuing decisions, however these are some of the high-level questions we ask ourselves during the process:

• How does the organization serve their key audience goals?
• Is the organization fiscally responsible?
• Will a grant have a tangible, meaningful impact?
• Will we see direct results from this grant?
• Does the organization have other financial contributors?

Mission

Investing in the Arts throughout Benton, Sherburne, Stearns and Wright counties.

Vision

Over the next four years the CMAB will:

• Help to foster a thriving, collaborative and innovative arts community through partnerships and financial support.
• Strive for excellence in leadership and the responsible distribution of arts funding.
• Increase the quality of life in our region by engaging residents in the arts, enhancing education and improving arts access.
• Nurture artists’ professional needs and expand opportunities for them to create, showcase and profit from their work.

Values

Creativity and Artistic Integrity: The CMAB recognizes excellence in free and innovative artistic expression as integral to the intellectual and creative development of everyone. We value these qualities as principal criteria for our support to local organizations and individuals.

• Creativity and Artistic Integrity:
  • The CMAB recognizes excellence in free and innovative artistic expression as integral to the intellectual and creative development of everyone. We value these qualities as principal criteria for our support to local organizations and individuals.
•  Accessibility and Diversity:
  • The CMAB is committed to supporting a variety of artistic programs that serve many cultures, ages, genders and artistic disciplines in order to encourage a dialog of respect and understanding.
• Accountability:
  • The CMAB provides fair, professional and transparent support to organizations and individuals through distribution of funds in an ethical and legal manner open to public review and discourseribution of funds in an ethical and legal manner open to public review and discourse
• Lifelong Learning through the Arts:
  • The CMAB values opportunities for collaborations between artists, educators and community to convey artistic viewpoints in all disciplines of learning.
• Civic Engagement:
  • The CMAB believes a strong artistic presence is central to building healthy communities and is committed to promoting the positive economic and social impacts of the arts.

Arts Organization Development Grant

The Arts Organization Development program provides funds up to $10,000 to support activities and purchases that contribute to organizational sustainability, growth and improvement of nonprofit arts organizations in Region 7W.

These funds are also available to assist arts groups in establishing 501(c)(3) status.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Engineering - New Program

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2027-2028 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Engineering program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Engineering course not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Engineering courses previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Engineering courses for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting. 

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Gateway - New Program

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit in the 2026-2027 academic year and must offer one additional unit in the 2027-2028 academic year (two different units in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Gateway units of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Gateway program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Gateway unit not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Gateway unit previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in a PLTW Gateway unit for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Launch - New Program

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2026-2027 academic year and must offer one additional module for the 2027-2027 academic year (two different modules in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Launch modules of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a family of companies bringing together an unmatched team of 12,000 engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists to design and build our critical infrastructure. With an integrated construction and design mindset, we offer full-service capabilities. Founded in 1898 and working from more than 75 offices globally, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned.

PLTW Launch - Program Expansion

Getting students excited about STEM is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Showing students how STEM topics fit into the real world and real careers can give them the tools to embrace this vital message. Burns & McDonnell and its Foundation have partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in Burns & McDonnell communities. PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges.

Through this partnership, Burns and McDonnell is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year.

Program Requirements

Grantees must use these grant funds to expand their program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Launch module not previously offered, and/or offering existing PLTW Launch modules to more students, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Launch Classroom Teacher Training or PLTW Launch Lead Teacher Training for the 2026-2027 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting. 

About The Initiative Foundation

The Initiative Foundation awards grants across the 14 counties and two Native nations of Central Minnesota. Grants are provided for projects and programs that advance shared missions to empower people across Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities, and a lasting culture of generosity.

Economic Development, Workforce Grants

Emphasis

The grants are geared toward early-stage or pilot projects, or new strategies that encourage economic development that includes workforce development and initiatives that attract and retain workers in the region.

We fund projects that …

• create new partnerships to support sector-specific apprenticeships, internships or mentoring programs
• encourage building affordable housing
• incentivize business growth that provides family sustaining wages to employees
• encourage entrepreneurial activity
• complete feasibility analysis or other preliminary design or business model assessment.

Central Minnesota Arts Board

Established in 1979 as a non-profit arts organization, the Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB) increases access to the arts as one of eleven Regional Arts Councils in Minnesota by providing grants and arts development services in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties (Region 7W).

CMAB strives to enhance appreciation of the essential economic and social roles the arts play by providing grants and professional development services to arts and community organizations, schools, local government and individuals.

Community Arts Support Grant Program

The CMAB Community Arts Support Program provides biennial grants for administration, operations, equipment purchases and to improve access and outreach to underserved groups.

Applicants are eligible to receive a minimum of $3,000 or 20% of a completed fiscal year’s eligible operating expense, up to $10,000 whichever is less, distributed annually for a biennium. These funds are awarded to nonprofit arts organizations that demonstrate efficient management and high-quality artistic programming.

The Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to organizations committed to improving our world. Solutions to the problems of today's world still lie in the values of innovation, practicality, hard work, and compassion.

The Foundation considers applications for grants in the following areas:

• Education
• Social Service
• Health care
• Civic and cultural
• Environmental

The categories above are not intended to limit the interest of the Foundation from considering other worthwhile projects. In general, the Foundation guidelines are broad to give us flexibility in providing grants.

The majority of our grants are made in the U.S. However, like Dr. Scholl, we recognize the need for a global outlook. Non-U.S. grants are given to organizations where directors have knowledge of the grantee.

Central Minnesota Arts Board

Established in 1979 as a non-profit arts organization, the Central Minnesota Arts Board (CMAB) increases access to the arts as one of eleven Regional Arts Councils in Minnesota by providing grants and arts development services in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties (Region 7W).

CMAB strives to enhance appreciation of the essential economic and social roles the arts play by providing grants and professional development services to arts and community organizations, schools, local government and individuals.

Project Grant

The Project Grant program provides funds of up to $8,000 to nonprofit organizations, schools, local government, community groups, and individuals in support of arts-focused events. Funding for this program comes from the Minnesota State General Fund and Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Program Outcomes

• Regional residents experience increased access to the arts via a reduction in geographic, cultural and/or physical barriers.
• Regional residents experience a change in knowledge, attitude, behavior, or condition due to public art, arts festivals, or arts events.
• Regional residents build connections to their own and others’ cultural heritage through regional arts and cultural events and/or activities.

About

Together we unite foundations in Alexandria, Brainerd, Carver County, the greater St. Cloud area, Willmar and beyond under a single framework to create efficiencies that maximize the impact of our donors.

Mission:

Engaging People. Connecting Resources. Building Community.

We Believe In:

• Capturing and preserving the legacy of our donors … Forever
• Our duty to provide unparalleled, personalized service to our donors
• Inspiring philanthropy across generations
• Utilizing financial resources as a tool to bring about lasting, positive change
• Our responsibility to serve as a trusted local leader and community catalyst, building connections between people who share a common geography

Central Minnesota Arts Grant

In even years (2024, 2026, 2028…) the Central Minnesota Community Foundation opens this grant round to support small to medium sizes arts organizations in Central Minnesota and arts activities conducted by other organizations. The goal is to make the arts more accessible to area residents.

Focus Areas

Arts: Visual Art or Performing Arts (dance, music, drama)

• Support small to medium size organizations
• Support organizations to:
  • Create access to the arts
  • Support the appreciation of the arts
  • Increase art education
  • Engage people in arts performances or arts exhibits

Brief Description

In even years (2020, 2022, 2024…) the Central Minnesota Community Foundation and the Initiative Foundation are jointly offering the Rural Poverty Fund grants for planning and implementation of projects or programs that address rural poverty. Grant funds may: Establish or supplement existing emergency and transitional activities which directly address specific and immediate needs that rural people have due to poverty or be used to assess community needs and assets, develop action plans, or provide for project implementation in rural areas. Grants must relate to a variety of identified programs or agency needs.

Focus Areas

• Establish or supplement existing emergency and transitional activities
• Assess community needs and assets
• Development of action plans
• Provide for project implementation

What We Fund

• General Operations
• New programs/projects
• Expanded programs/projects

Community Partnership Award

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award recognizes outstanding nonprofit organizations in the United States that have shown exemplary leadership by facilitating partnerships with public, private or social sector leaders who are working together as equal partners, not as donors and recipients, to build a cohesive community that serves as a model for collaborating with others for the greater good.

Each year, the Mutual of America Foundation sponsors a national competition in which hundreds of organizations demonstrate the value of their partnership to the communities they serve, their ability to be replicated by others and their capacity to stimulate new approaches to addressing significant social issues.

Six organizations are selected by an independent committee to receive the Community Partnership Award.

• The Thomas J. Moran Award is given to the national award-winning program and includes $100,000 and a documentary video about the program.
• The Frances R. Hesselbein Award is given to a partnership that is addressing social challenges in more than one community, or which demonstrates the potential to be replicated in other communities. This recipient receives $75,000.
• Four other organizations are named Honorable Mention recipients for their programs, and each receives $50,000.

Since its inception in 1996, the Community Partnership Award has recognized 262 partnerships from cities and towns across America. Like so many of our clients working in the nonprofit community, Mutual of America is dedicated to having a direct, positive impact on society.

Mission & Strategy

The Initiative Foundation’s mission to serve the people of Central Minnesota hasn’t wavered since its inception in 1986. Its goal is to inspire hope and to create opportunity through its mission:

To empower people throughout Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity.

Our Vision

• Economy
  • We have an abundance of talented people and job-creating enterprises in our region that contribute to inclusive economic growth and vitality. 
• Community
  • We are a region of robust, highly engaged communities where people choose to live, work, give and play. 
• Generosity
  • People across our region give generously of their time, talent and resources. 

Joy & Connection Grants

Looking to spark joy and build stronger connections in your community? The Initiative Foundation’s Joy & Connection grant round is here to help! With $100,000 available in grants ranging from $1,000 to $7,500, this special funding supports local projects that bring people together, foster belonging, promote healing, and inspire community purpose across Central Minnesota. We will use a randomized selection process to choose 25 organizations from the pool of eligible interest forms. These organizations will be invited to complete a full application. Let’s work together to create more moments of joy and connection!

CMAB Artist in Residence Grant

The Artist in Residence (AIR) program provides funds of up to $3,500 to schools and nonprofit organizations in support of activities directed by, or conducted in cooperation with an artist who engages students and enables learning through the creative process. These funds are provided through the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Resident artists must be chosen on the basis of their ability to enhance programs and curriculum. Resident artists must be chosen based on their ability to enhance programs and curriculum. An ideal residency is composed of a balance between demonstration and hands-on activity.

Program Outcomes

• Regional residents learn new arts skills & techniques.
• Regional residents gain awareness and appreciation for a variety of artistic disciplines and mediums.
• Regional artists build their capacity through professional development.

Proposals to the Artist in Residence program must contain the following components:

• Arts Learning activities conducted with a core group
• A Community Component that invites and informs the community surrounding the school or organization to learn about or participate in residency activities
• A Staff In-Service component that builds staff capacity and/or supports residency activities

Mission & Strategy

The Initiative Foundation’s mission to serve the people of Central Minnesota hasn’t wavered since its inception in 1986. Its goal is to inspire hope and to create opportunity through its mission:

To empower people throughout Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity.

Our Vision

• Economy
  • We have an abundance of talented people and job-creating enterprises in our region that contribute to inclusive economic growth and vitality. 
• Community
  • We are a region of robust, highly engaged communities where people choose to live, work, give and play. 
• Generosity
  • People across our region give generously of their time, talent and resources. 

Energy Efficiency & Community Resiliency Planning Grants

Boost energy efficiency and community resilience with the Initiative Foundation’s 2025 Energy Efficiency and Community Resiliency Planning Grants. Open to local governments, Tribal nations, school districts and nonprofits across Central Minnesota, these grants provide up to $15,000 to support innovative projects that advance clean energy adoption, improve infrastructure resilience, and prepare communities for future energy challenges.

Gupta Family Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, USA. Our mission is to support organizations that provide focused intervention in the lives of people who have been disadvantaged in some way to help them become self-reliant. We take a very broad view of “disadvantage” to include anything that holds a person back from realizing their potential, such as poverty, physical or mental disability, social alienation, etc. The foundation also supports relief agencies that serve people affected by emergencies such as natural disasters.

The foundation evaluates and awards annual and multi-year grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000 (USD). Our focus is on funding smaller organizations all around the world that are led by individuals with a deep personal commitment to their missions. 

Our selection criteria include:

• Mission alignment
• The organization is run by the founder or, if not, by a successor who embodies the original inspiration, passion and commitment of the founder.
• At least 90% of grant monies reaches the intended beneficiaries.
• The organization is non-sectarian, i.e.,
  • It does not, directly or indirectly, support or condone the proselytization of any religion,
  • It is not supported by or affiliated to a religious organization.