Rural Poverty Fund Grants

Online Application Open: April 1st, 2024
Deadline: June 30 at 11:59pm - Decisions Made Within 90 Days of Deadline

Brief Description

In even years (2024, 2026, 2028…) the Central Minnesota Community Foundation and the Initiative Foundation are jointly offering the Rural Poverty Fund grants for planning and implementation of projects or programs that address rural poverty. Grant funds may: Establish or supplement existing emergency and transitional activities which directly address specific and immediate needs that rural people have due to poverty or be used to assess community needs and assets, develop action plans, or provide for project implementation in rural areas. Grants must relate to a variety of identified programs or agency needs.

What we fund

• General Operations
• New programs/projects
• Expanded programs/projects

Eligible organizations: 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations, schools or government entities.

Population Served: Those in poverty

Geographic Area: 14 counties that encompass Central Minnesota: Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, and Wright

Funding Amount Range: $1,000-$5,000

Focus Areas

• Establish or supplement existing emergency and transitional activities
• Assess community needs and assets
• Development of action plans
• Provide for project implementation

Favorable Consideration

• Matching Funds
• Local cash and in-kind project support is encouraged
• Projects/Programs that support diversity, inclusion and equity. (Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Policy)

What We Don't Fund

• Individuals
• Religious organizations for religious purposes (Funding for Faith-Based Organizations Policy)
• Political organizations or political campaigns.
• Annual fundraising drives
• Endowments
• Debt retirement or deficit financing
• Projects that have already been completed

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.

*Note - Organizations may only submit one grant application per year.

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 at end of year one. Required follow up documents will be submitted through the CommunityGiving Grant Management System.

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

Click here to begin the application process