Central Minnesota “Difference Maker” Grants

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About This Grant

Foundation: Central Minnesota Community Foundation

Brief Description

The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) seeks to make significant grants that will be the “Difference Maker” to organizations whose focus mission is to provide services that help individuals and families maintain stable housing. These services will strengthen long-term housing success and reduce the risk of individuals and families becoming homeless. 

What We Fund

Eligible organizations:

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

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

Funding Amount Range: $10,000-$30,000

Focus Area: Keeping People Housed

Favorable Considerations

  • Demonstrate active partnerships or collaborative initiatives with other local nonprofits helping clients access or maintain stable housing
  • Leverage multiple funding sources; applications relying solely on this grant are less competitive
  • Focus on sustainable housing outcomes and long-term stability
  • Address housing stability and permanence as a central part of their services
  • Address equity and disparities across the community (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy)
  • Offer the potential to inspire additional investments in the community

If you are interested in learning more about this grant, or getting feedback on a proposal idea before submitting, we encourage you to set up a time to connect with a team member at the Central Minnesota Community Foundation.

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.

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