Deadline: 7-Feb-22
The Initiative Foundation is offering grants through its 2022 Innovation Fund to empower people across Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity.
Innovation Fund grants primarily support start-up or capacity-building projects across the 14 counties of Central Minnesota. Applications to the Innovation Fund are accepted on an ongoing basis, with quarterly awards made through a competitive review process.
Funding Information
Innovation Fund grants seldom exceed $5,000.
Eligibility Criteria
Grant applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or local units of government that serve the people and communities in Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, and/or Wright counties, and the sovereign tribal nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe.
Criteria
Proposals that focus on at least one of the following areas will be given priority consideration:
- General operating support for nonprofits addressing the urgent needs of vulnerable populations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Cost share for projects intended to create behavioral change associated with combating racism, and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Advancement of strategies to address workforce shortages and/or re-training by those displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Support for nonprofits engaged in business planning, fund development, training or other capacity building initiatives that advance economic security for those they serve.
- Support for local and regional community and economic development entities advancing early-stage feasibility or pilot projects.
Ineligible
The following expenses are ineligible and will NOT be considered for Innovation funding:
- Grants or reimbursements to individuals and businesses.
- Expenses incurred prior to the receipt of a grant award.
- Capital expenses (e.g., buildings, equipment, vehicles, etc.).
- Programs or projects that do not directly benefit residents in the Initiative Foundation’s 14-county service area.
- Replacement of or substitution for government funding.
- Religious activities.
- Lobbying or campaigning for a candidate, issue or referendum vote.
- Development or purchase of school curriculum or support for school athletic programs.
- Out-of-state travel.
For more information, visit Initiative Foundation.
For more information, visit https://www.ifound.org/community/grants/#guidelines,_eligibility_tab