St. Cloud, Minn. – The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) is now accepting applications for its Central Minnesota Special Needs Grant Round, which supports programs and organizations serving individuals with complex intellectual and physical disabilities throughout Central Minnesota.
Through this grant round, CMCF seeks to support programs that enhance opportunities, provide resources and improve the quality of life for individuals with special needs and their families. Applications for the Central Minnesota Special Needs Grant Round are due October 31, 2026.
Last year, CMCF awarded $30,000 through the Central Minnesota Special Needs Grant Round to support local organizations serving individuals with special needs. Grant recipients included:
- $4,100 was awarded to ConnectAbility of MN for its 2026 Access to Assistive Technology through AEC and AT Lab initiative.
- $10,000 was awarded to Sartell Area Lions for its ADA Restroom w Adult Changing Table and Shelter for (2) wheelchair-accessible picnic tables project.
- $7,500 was awarded to True Friends for its Therapeutic and Adaptive Riding for Children with Developmental and Physical Disabilities program.
- $8,400 was awarded to WASCOSA for its Lift and Connect: Adaptive Equipment Project.
Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, schools or governmental entities. The grant must serve the residents of Benton, Stearns or Sherburne counties or the communities of Kimball or Watkins. For more information about the grant round and specific criteria for the grant round, visit communitygiving.org/grants
The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the local community. Since 1985, CMCF has grown to $177.7 million in assets and awarded $178.6 million in grants to non-profits. The CMCF is governed by a local board of directors and is a partner of CommunityGiving, which is a network of community foundations united under a single framework to create efficiencies that maximize the impact of our donors. Collectively, CommunityGiving administers over 1,300 funds totaling over $283 million in assets. Learn more at communitygiving.org/cmcf