Eligibility

Grants can be made to 501(c)3 nonprofits, government entities, educational institutions or organizations with a fiscal sponsor.

Organizations should have a demonstrated impact or potential for impact in the East Metro (Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties).

While an organization may be eligible to apply, attention and preference will be given to organizations:

• Prioritizing those experiencing the most marginalization, especially due to rate, ethnicity, gender, age, ability or geography.
• Establishing a clear connection to the Informs, Forms, Benefits framework, which states that those experiencing barriers should not only benefit from the work we support, but inform, form, and lead it as well.

Funding Priorities

Our Community Solutions Grant Program has three focus areas and will consider proposals that address one or more of the following:

Community & Economic Development

The Foundation seeks to invest and partner in solutions informed and formed by the people facing the highest barriers to wealth creation, economic security and family-sustaining career pathways. This includes BIPOC, women, veterans, young people, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated people and LGBTQIA+ people.

Specific priorities for wealth creation include strengthening the entrepreneur ecosystem, increasing local ownership of businesses and homes, and expanding access to culturally appropriate services. Regarding economic security, the Foundation recognizes the importance of anchor institutions embedded at the neighborhood level. For workforce development, we will prioritize employment pathways that meet the needs of individuals and employers alike.

Health & Human Services

The Foundation continues to prioritize health organizations that focus on health equity and increasing access to affordable, culturally relevant health services. The Foundation hopes to better align its health grants to be inclusive of programs and organizations that serve low-income families and provide free or affordable, culturally relevant services and holistic care.

Given the increase in severity, cost of and demand for mental health services, urgent care and/or crisis prevention, access to reproductive health care, trauma-informed health care, and free or reduced services for uninsured or underinsured communities, the Foundation will prioritize these programs and organizations to continue to serve our most vulnerable and marginalized communities.

In addition to supporting work that centers the voices of the people most impacted by an organization’s work, special priority will be given to disability support services, child welfare support services, family and parent support services, food relief and assistance, older adult services, immigration and legal services, and re-entry supports for formerly incarcerated people.

Youth & Education

The Foundation recognizes how important it is for students and young people to feel cared for, protected, valued and seen. This is complex and urgent work, and the Foundation will prioritize organizations that blend academic, social and emotional supports for young people most impacted by educational inequity.

The Foundation will also support organizations working toward ensuring a robust early childhood system that gives children and families access to high-quality early care and education programs.

Download eligibility and priority details

Geography

Through the Community Solutions Grant Program, we are proud to serve and fund Saint Paul’s East Metro region (Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties).

Types of Grants

The Foundation will consider grant applications for:

General Operating Support

These grants provide flexible funding for nonprofits.

To be eligible for general operating support, organizations must primarily serve the East Metro area with 50% or more of all services provided by the entire organization benefiting East Metro (Washington, Dakota and Ramsey counties) residents.

Program/Project Support

These grants provide funding for programs/projects serving 50% or more East Metro residents. Any organization is eligible for this type of grant, regardless of overall geographic focus.

Capital Projects

These grants are designed to support your organization’s investment in buildings, facilities and equipment. Foundation investments are typically limited to buildings owned by nonprofits or held by long-term lease agreement. These grants are generally paid over multiple years.

Capital projects must be located in the East Metro AND 50% or more of all services provided by the entire organization are benefiting East Metro residents. We will consider capital grants for projects located in Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties for:

• Renovations/repairs
• Land acquisition
• Construction costs
• Technology hardware and software
• Equipment
• Furniture
• Appliances

Grant Amount & Grant Period

Grant amounts will be up to $50,000 per year for a grant period of one to two years.

In 2026, up to $2,350,000 is available for this grant program, and we anticipate awarding approximately 50 grants.

Current & Past Grant Status

Current grantees are eligible for funding that would begin after the end of their current grant period. Please contact a member of our Grants Team with questions.

Contact Our Grants Team