Democracy Grant Program
We seek to strengthen quality of life in the East Metro and Greater Minnesota and support a vibrant region.
Program Overview
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation’s Democracy grant program offers multi-year general operating support to organizations, programs and initiatives that adapt, transform and/or disrupt systems to achieve more equitable results.
Grant Guidelines
Eligibility
Grants can be made to 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 nonprofits, government entities, educational institutions or organizations with a fiscal sponsor.
Organizations should have a demonstrated impact or potential for impact in the geography served.
Advancing an Equitable Democracy
Our Democracy Grant Program will consider proposals that address one or more of the following:
Geography
Through this grant program, we are proud to serve and fund Saint Paul’s East Metro region (Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties) and Greater Minnesota. We do not fund organizations primarily serving Anoka, Carver, Hennepin or Scott counties.
Types of Grants
- Grants will provide general operating support
- Grant amounts will be up to $100,000 per year for a five-year grant period, for total grant amounts up to $500,000 per grantee
- In 2026, up to $2,000,000 is available for this grant program, and we anticipate awarding approximately 20 grants
Download Eligibility and Priority Details
Selection Process & Timeline
Applications for our Democracy Grant Program begin with a letter of inquiry and initial screening.
January
Letter of Inquiry
May
Invitation to Apply for Select Organizations
June-July
Site Visits
October-November
Decisions
November
Grants Awarded
How to Apply
Step 1: Review Grant Guidelines
Familiarize yourself with the grant eligibility, types of grants and geography for each of this grant program.
Step 2: Talk to the Grants Team
All interested applicants are encouraged to email a member of our Grants Team before applying to ensure that the grant program fits your needs.