Central Minnesota Boys and Men Grants

Apply For This Grant
Row edge-slant Shape Decorative svg added to top
Row edge-slant Shape Decorative svg added to bottom

About This Grant

Foundation: Central Minnesota Community Foundation

Brief Description

The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) seeks to make grants to support initiatives that uplift and empower boys and men in our community through the Boys and Men’s Competitive grant round. We’re seeking proposals for programs and projects that address key challenges facing males, such as educational disparities, mental health stigma, fatherhood support, and career development opportunities. This grant aims to cultivate a more equitable and supportive environment where every male can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our community. Preference will be given to organizations with an annual budget of $500,000 or less.

What We Fund

  • New or existing programs/projects
  • Other strategic investments that will have a lasting impact

Eligible organizations:

  • 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organizations
  • Schools
  • Government entities

Geographic Area: Grants must serve the residents of Benton, Stearns and/or Sherburne Counties

Funding Amount Range: 4 – $2,500 grants

Focus Areas

  • Education and skill-building
  • Fatherhood and family engagement
  • Mental health support
  • Mentorship and leadership development
  • Positive masculinity promotion

Favorable Considerations

  • Agencies with an annual budget of $500,000 or less
  • Collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders
  • Innovative approaches
  • Potential for impact and/or transformative change

Typically, we do not fund:

  • Individuals

  • Religious organizations for religious purposes 

    Please see our Funding for Faith-Based Organizations Policy

  • Political organizations or political campaigns

    This generally includes organizations with a 501 (c)(4) status that can advocate for causes and propositions and endorse specific candidates.

  • Event sponsorship or annual fundraising drives

  • Multi-year requests

    Organizations seeking continued support beyond the initial grant year are welcome to reapply in subsequent grant cycles.

  • Endowments

  • Debt retirement

    For example, grant funds should not be used to: pay off an organization’s loans, lines of credit, unpaid bills, or deficits, cover past due obligations, such as back taxes or unpaid rent, refinance existing liabilities, even if related to previously funded projects

  • Projects that have already been completed

    Applications seeking reimbursement for past work, retroactive funding, or previously concluded programs and completed capital projects are typically ineligible.

  • Individual academic scholarships for post-secondary education

  • Grants solely for the purpose of travel or conferences

    Specifically, we do not fund travel for staff of agencies or organizations

  • Government funding that has been reduced or eliminated

    Our resources are primarily intended to catalyze innovation, support sustainable solutions, and build long-term capacity, rather than substituting for public sector obligations.

Applicants who are unsure of their project or program’s eligibility are advised to reach out to our local staff prior to applying. This helps maintain an efficient review process for all.

Application Process

1)

Submit application online using the CommunityGiving Grant Management System.

2)

The Grant Advisory Committee will recommend applications for funding to the Board of Directors.

3)

The Board of Directors will make final funding decisions.

All notification about this grant will be through emails.

Payout of Grants: upon recipient of electronically signed Grant Agreement.

Grantee Required Documents: Grant Agreement and Final Report. Progress Report may be required if requested. Required follow up documents will be submitted through the CommunityGiving Grant Management System.

For questions about this grant or the online Grant Management System please call (320) 257-9715.

Start Application