Deadline: 30-Jul-20
The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently seeking applications for the Small Town Grants Program: COVID-19 Response.
Small communities are the fabric of their region, yet sometimes lack the financial resources to build on the assets and uniqueness of their communities. Economic and community changes are inevitable. SMIF believes communities have the ability and leadership to adapt to these changes given the proper resources.
This year, through a generous partner donation, the Small Town Grant Program will be focused on helping small towns respond and recover from the hardships created by the COVID-19 crisis and the effects on the community. Requests will be prioritized for projects that address a community issue that was created by COVID-19 and supports vulnerable community members. Requests will also be prioritized for projects that address economic gaps, educational gaps or racial inequities that were manifested or made worse by the current crisis.
Priority Considerations
- Asset-based approaches — projects that maximize the strengths, talents, and resources of the local community.
- Collaboration/partnership — projects that bring the community together and address issues that help many community members.
- Effectiveness — projects that aim to effectively address an identified need and/or opportunity.
- Measurable results — projects that will demonstrate impact within your community as defined by the community.
- Priority Consideration is given to smaller communities whose projects demonstrate the information above.
Funding Information
- The grant program is available for those communities of 10.000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region.
- SMIF is offering grants of up to $10,000 per grantee and has a total of $200,000 available for this grant round.
Application Requirements
- Completed application and budget including narrative of how this project will be transformative for your community.
- IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter (if nonprofit organization).
- Audited financials or filed tax forms if unaudited.
- Letter(s) of support from partner organization(s) other than the applicant organization and fiscal agent.
- If the application is from a County or entity that serves multiple communities, the applicant must demonstrate which communities are impacted.
- SMIF requires all grantees to submit final grant reports
Exclusions
- Individuals, businesses, or other for-profit organizations cannot apply directly. A non-profit or government agency can apply to support this group directly for COVID hardships.
- General operating expenses and expenses not directly related to the project/program.
- Existing deficits.
- Programs or services mandated by law.
- Routine city, county, or township planning or zoning.
- Routine maintenance.
- Routine capital projects that cannot demonstrate an impact within the community.
- Comprehensive plans or feasibility studies that will not have tangible results within a 12-month timeframe.
For more information, visit https://smifoundation.org/grants/for-grant-seekers/small-town-grants/