Central Minnesota Grants

The Central Minnesota Community Foundation and its affiliates the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation and the Willmar Area Community Foundation, support specific community initiatives through a variety of grants.

We are excited to announce that the Central Minnesota Community Foundation and its affiliates are now channeling all grants through an online grant system. This will make it easier to receive and evaluate online applications, record decisions, and measure the outcomes using this online grants system. To apply, select the "Learn More" link associated with the grant round you are interested in. No paper applications will be accepted. All grant applications must be submitted online by midnight on the deadline. Below is a list of our grant rounds:

Applying for a Grant

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Applicant Tutorial

Bernick Family Foundation Grants

Deadline: September 1st of each year
Supports youth and education or health and fitness projects in the regions in which Bernick’s operates. Grants may be for capital projects, strategic investments in operations and new or expanded programs. Learn More...

Fund For the Arts Grants

Deadline: April 1st
Supports small and medium-sized arts organizations in central Minnesota and art activities conducted within the community. The Fund for the Arts is an important resource for both new and existing organizations by allowing depth and diversity of the arts in the region and making the arts more accessible to area residents. Learn More...

Julianne Williams Fund Grants

Deadline: March 26th
Promotes the building of self-esteem, safety, confidence and overall empowerment of girls and young women through the use of physical activities, especially outdoor activities. The Fund is also committed to supporting youth activities that enhance mutual respect between girls and boys. Learn More...

Rural Poverty Fund Grants

Deadline: June 30th
The Central Minnesota Community Foundation and the Initiative Foundation offer grants for planning and implementing projects or programs that address poverty. This may include establishing or assisting emergency and transitional activities or assessing community needs. Learn More...

Thomas A. Ritsche Fund for Youth

Deadline: No current grant round. Please check back Spring of 2012.
The Thomas A. Ritsche Fund serves youth in the St. Cloud area and broader communities including Benton, Sherburne and Stearns counties. Grants are awarded for general operating or capital costs youth organizations or special projects identified by the fund holder or advisor.

Women's Fund Grants

Deadline: March 26th
The Women's Fund creates and supports programs that enhance the lives of all women and children, involving women as leaders and donors in the process. Grants help girls in their middle school years, women in transition and women in later years in the St. Cloud area. Learn More...

Central Minnesota Community Foundation
Alexandria Area Community Foundation l Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation l Willmar Area Community Foundation l Minnesota Real Estate Foundation