Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled in Minnesota

NOTE: For nonprofit organizations new to U.S. Bank Foundation, a Letter of Interest is available. Community Affairs Managers will review Letter of Interest submissions periodically to learn about new and innovative programs and organizations in their regions and markets. After reviewing a Letter of Interest, a Community Affairs Manager may reach out with a request for a full application. You can access the Letter of Interest by clicking the “Submit a letter of interest” link at the bottom of this page. Letters of Interest may be submitted at any time during the year.

Community Possible Grant

Through U.S. Bank’s Community Possible® grant program, we invest in efforts to create stable jobs, safe homes and communities.

Funding Types

Within these general guidelines, we consider the following funding request types:

Operating grants

An operating grant is given to cover an organization’s day-to-day, ongoing expenses, such as salaries, utilities, office supplies and more. We consider operating support requests from organizations where the entire mission of the organization fits a Community Possible grant focus area.

Program or project grants

A program or project grant is given to support a specific, connected set of activities, with a beginning and an end, explicit objectives and a predetermined cost. We consider highly effective and innovative programs that meet our Community Possible grant focus areas.

Capital grants

A capital grant is given to finance fixed assets. The U.S. Bank Foundation considers a small number of requests for capital support from organizations that meet all other funding criteria, whose entire mission statement fits a Community Possible grant focus area, and with which the Foundation has a funding history. All organizations requesting capital funding must also have a U.S. Bank employee on the board of directors. U.S. Bank does not fund more than 1% of the non-endowment total capital campaign fundraising goal. All capital grant requests are reviewed and approved by the national U.S. Bank Foundation Board or by the U.S. Bank Foundation President.

Focus Area: PLAY

Creating vibrant communities through play.

Play brings joy, and it’s just as necessary for adults as it is for kids. But in low-income areas there are often limited spaces for play and fewer people attending arts and cultural events. That’s why we invest in community programming that supports ways for children and adults to play and create.

Access to artistic and cultural programming and arts education

Our investments ensure economic vitality and accessibility to the arts in local communities, as well as support for arts education. Examples of grant support include:

• Programs that provide access to cultural activities, visual and performing arts, zoos and aquariums and botanic gardens for individuals and families living in underserved communities
• Funding for local arts organizations that enhance the economic vitality of the community
• Programs that provide funding for arts-focused nonprofit organizations that bring visual and performing arts programming to low- and moderate-income K-12 schools and youth centers

Supporting learning through play.

Many young people across the country do not have the resources or access to enjoy the benefits of active play. Supporting active play-based programs and projects for K-12 students located in or serving low- and moderate-income communities fosters innovation, creativity, and collaboration and impacts the overall vitality of the communities we serve. Funding support includes:

• Support for organizations that build or expand access to active play spaces and places that help K-12 students learn through play and improves the health, safety and unification of neighborhoods in low- and moderate-income communities
• Programs that focus on using active play to help young people develop cognitive, social and emotional learning skills to become vibrant and productive citizens in low- and moderate-income communities

Focus Area: WORK

Supporting workforce education and prosperity.

We know that a strong small business environment and an educated workforce ensure the prosperity of our communities and reducing the expanding wealth gap for communities of color. We provide grant support to programs and organizations that help small businesses thrive, allow people to succeed in the workforce, provide pathways to higher education and gain greater financial literacy.

Investing in the workforce.

We fund organizations that provide training for small business development, as well as programs that support individuals across all skill and experience levels, to ensure they have the capability to gain employment that supports individuals and their families. Examples of grant support include:

Small business technical assistance programs

Job-skills, career readiness training programs with comprehensive placement services for low- and moderate-income individuals entering or reentering the labor force

Providing pathways for educational success.

To address the growing requirements for post-secondary education in securing competitive jobs in the workplace, we support:

• Organizations and programs that help low- and moderate-income and at-risk middle and high school students prepare for post-secondary education at a community college, university, trade or technical school and career readiness
• Programs and initiatives at post-secondary institutions that support access to career and educational opportunities for low- and moderate-income and diverse students

Teaching financial well-being for work and life.

Financial well-being is not only critical for financial stability, it’s crucial in helping individuals be successful in the workplace. Examples of grant support include programs that positively impact:

• K-12 and college student financial literacy
• Adult and workforce financial literacy
• Senior financial fraud prevention
• Military service member and veteran financial literacy

Focus Area: HOME

Working to revitalize communities one neighborhood at a time.

Children and families are better positioned to thrive and succeed in a home that is safe and permanent. Access to sustainable low-income housing is increasingly challenges for low-moderate income families. In response, our giving supports efforts that connect individuals and families with sustainable housing opportunities.

Access to safe, affordable housing

We provide financial support to assist people in developing stability in their lives through access to safe, sustainable and accessible homes. Examples of grant support include:

• Organizations that preserve, rehabilitate, renovate or construct affordable housing developments for low- and moderate-income families, individuals, seniors, veterans, and special-needs populations
• Organizations that provide transitional housing as a direct steppingstone to permanent housing
• Organizations that focus on Veterans housing and homeownership
• Construction of green homes for low- and moderate-income communities
• Energy retrofit programs for low- and moderate-income housing developments

Home ownership education

Owning and maintaining a home requires significant financial knowledge, tools, and resources. We support programs that assist low- and moderate-income homebuyers and existing homeowners. Examples of grant support include:

• Homebuyer education
• Pre- and post-purchase counseling and coaching
• Homeownership-retention programs designed to provide foreclosure counseling

COVID-19 Northeast Minnesota Response Fund

Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation is partnering with Head of the Lakes United Way, Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, Northland Foundation, and Ordean Foundation, all serving people and organizations throughout Northeast Minnesota, to coordinate this fund.

The mission of the COVID-19 Northeast Minnesota Response Fund is to respond to the needs identified in our community to deploy resources to non-profit organizations at the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak. These organizations are those working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and its consequences.

The priorities of this fund include:

• Addressing the needs of staff of nonprofit organizations impacted by reduced or lost employment or benefits, as well as program providers (e.g., contractors, volunteers, etc.)
• Supporting adaptions necessary to continue functioning (e.g., protective equipment for staff and volunteers, technology, supplies)
• Developing community wellbeing for coping and healing, including youth development, mental health, healthy relationships, etc.
• Providing one-time operating support to organizations experiencing increased demand for services, diminishing volunteer support, and those serving vulnerable populations, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, people with physical and mental disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, people with low incomes, people with limited English proficiency, etc.

Mission

The fund promotes environmental education, particularly through programs that increase access for children who have a physical and/or mental disability. It also advances medical science through research, particularly for cancer and diabetes. In addition, it increases educational opportunities for international students attending post-secondary institutions, especially by providing academic support. 

Examples

The following are representative but not exclusive examples of projects:

• Support for a naturalist or other staff member from organizations such as Hartley Nature Center, the Great Lakes Aquarium and Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center to work with students with disabilities
• Support for a naturalist or other staff member from environmental organizations to attend a workshop or class that will help that staffer learn how to use sign language or teach the staffer how to physically move disabled children
• Support for transportation, school staff, assistive technology or equipment that would increase access for students with disabilities to environmental programs
• Assistance for books, language translation and other academic resources for foreign students at institutions such as the University of Minnesota Duluth, the College of St. Scholastica, Lake Superior College, Minnesota North College-Vermilion and Minnesota North College-Hibbing
• Medical research at local facilities such as Essentia Health in Duluth, St. Luke’s, the University of Minnesota Duluth or the College of St. Scholastica
• Support for local chapters of disease-specific nonprofit organizations, such as the American Cancer Society, for projects that help physically or mentally disabled children or those with illnesses such as cancer or diabetes attend camp or learn about the environment

NOTE: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 2023 or until all grant funds are spent, whichever comes first. If the program is extended or additional funding is secured, we will send a program update.

Who We Are

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is a statewide community foundation that serves all of Minnesota. We got our start in Saint Paul in 1940, and today we steward nearly $2 billion in charitable assets for community good.

East Metro Main Street Revitalization Program

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation has been selected as one of the partners for the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)’s first round of the Main Street Economic Revitalization Program.

Our East Metro Main Street Revitalization Program will distribute $7 million in grants to businesses and nonprofit organizations in the Snelling-University-Rice Cultural District, the East Side community and along West Seventh Street.

Grants will support economic recovery from the impacts of civil unrest and the COVID-19 outbreak, including hardship suffered due to the pandemic, civil unrest and other challenges to these commercial corridors since March 15, 2020.

Funding

Grants of up to $750,000 may be awarded to eligible recipients for eligible projects.

Creative Support for Organizations

This program is designed to help arts organizations and non arts organizations that regularly offer arts programming as an integral part of their mission adapt to the changing environment caused by the global pandemic. Grantees will be able to use funds to support people and activities that will be needed to stay relevant and connected to audiences, participants, students, or communities now and in the future.

The coronavirus pandemic brought about profound changes for organizations providing arts programming in Minnesota. While there are promising signs on the horizon that the pandemic may be subsiding, it has taken a serious toll on Minnesota’s arts and cultural sector. A period of reimagining and rebuilding will be needed. The purpose of this grant program is to help organizations continue to adapt their arts programming to the changing environment in which they work so that they may continue connecting with communities through the arts.

Creative Support grants are flexible. Grantees will be able to determine how best to use funds to rebuild connections to the audiences, participants, students, or communities through their arts programming. By using their creativity and connection to community, this grant program is intended to help Minnesota organizations maintain the long-term viability of their arts programming.

Use of funds

Creative Support grants are flexible funds that can be used to allow grantees to focus on their arts programming priorities. The following are a few examples, but not an exhaustive list, of how funds might be used:

• To develop and deliver ways to meaningfully engage Minnesotans in the arts during the pandemic and after;
• To pay salaries or fees for arts program administrators, artists, or arts collaborators;
• To seek professional development or training that enables planning, adaptation, or rebuilding of arts programming;
• To purchase supplies, equipment, or services needed to accomplish arts programming priorities.

Minnesota Housing Mission and Strategic Priorities

Housing is the foundation for success, so we collaborate with individuals, communities and partners to create, preserve and finance affordable housing.

Minnesota Housing’s strategic priorities are:

• Improve the Housing System
• Preserve and Create Housing Opportunities
• Make Homeownership More Accessible
• Support People Needing Services
• Strengthen Communities

Impact Fund Program Overview

The Community Homeownership Impact Fund (Impact Fund) Program is the umbrella name for a variety of Minnesota Housing’s limited funding resources for single family housing, including the Economic Development and Housing Challenge Fund (Challenge), Workforce and Affordable Homeownership Development Funds, Agency funds, and other resources when available.

The goal of the Impact Fund is to increase the supply of affordable, owner-occupied, single family housing, while maintaining the safety and habitability of existing owner-occupied, single family homes in communities throughout Minnesota.

Types of Funds Available

Interim Loan

A short-term unsecured loan made to an Administrator to assist with acquiring, demolishing, rehabilitating or constructing owner-occupant homes. Interim loans may not be transferred to eligible homebuyers. An interim loan requires monthly interest payments, quarterly financial reporting and must be repaid.

Deferred Loan

A non-amortizing, zero percent interest loan made to a household or to an Administrator that must be repaid. Deferred loans made to a household are originated and closed by the Administrator then assigned to Minnesota Housing.

Grant

A grant to finance value gap (i.e., the difference between the total development cost and the after-improved appraised value of a home) and other eligible activities for which Minnesota Housing may not recapture loans without increasing housing costs beyond affordability to the eligible homebuyer. In deciding whether to award grant funds, Minnesota Housing will consider administrative ease and whether the award will expand and preserve affordable housing opportunities over time.

Funding Terms

All funded housing activities must result in safe, habitable, affordable single family owner- occupied housing that conforms to the Minnesota State Building code and local codes and regulations. Applicants are encouraged to form working partnerships with one or more entities to achieve the objectives stated in their proposal.

The type, terms and conditions of assistance will vary depending on the needs outlined in each proposal and the availability of funding resources. Generally, if an activity may be addressed through a loan rather than a grant, a loan will be offered.

Awarded projects must be completed within 20 months from the effective date of the contract. Awarded interim loans may have a Repayment/Expenditure Date of up to 26 months; however, the Agency may adjust the loan terms based on a financial feasibility analysis by Agency staff or requirements and conditions of other funding sources. The determination of financial feasibility is based on whether all sources of funding are available and sufficient to cover the total development costs of the housing.

Co-Funder Information

Greater Minnesota Housing Fund (GMHF) and the Metropolitan Council each have their own program requirements and guidelines. While applications are solicited through the Consolidated Single Family RFP, GMHF and the Metropolitan Council have funding timelines and approval processes separate from Minnesota Housing. Below is a summary of funding provided by the co-funders:

• GMHF provides funding for homebuyer affordability gap in the form of deferred, subordinate loans at 0% interest. The maximum loan amount per homebuyer is $8,500. GMHF will give preference to proposals which apply a racial and economic equity lens to promote economic inclusion in the benefits of homeownership among households of color, immigrant households, and households with disabled members, and that seek to leverage cross-sector health and housing partnerships to improve community and individual health through investments in affordable housing.
• The Metropolitan Council’s Local Housing Incentives Account (LHIA) funds are intended to assist Livable Communities Act (LCA) participating communities meet their negotiated affordable and lifecycle housing goals through the preservation or expansion of single family and multi-family Single Family  affordable housing. Only LCA participating cities OR development authorities (i.e. County, port authority) serving those cities can receive LHIA funds. Grantees must match LHIA awards on a dollar- for-dollar basis with a source of funding that is either directly from or is designated by the participating city or development authority; sources include CDBG, HOME, TIF, Housing Trust Fund dollars, tax abatements, local housing revenue bonds, and the appraised value of donated land. For single family awards, development gap funds are limited to no more than half of the difference between the purchase price of the home and the total per-unit hard costs, unless a mechanism is in place to ensure a minimum affordability term of 15 years.

We encourage applicants to review each co-funder’s program information guides, which are posted on the Impact Fund webpage.

Workforce and Affordable Homeownership Development Program

Minnesota Housing will also provide funding to preserve and increase the supply of workforce and affordable housing throughout Minnesota. Priority will be given to smaller projects in Greater Minnesota and suburban communities within the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area, for communities with populations of less than 10,000 and new construction projects.

NOTE: This grant provides pro-bono services. 

Pro bono Research Opportunity

Wilder Research is inviting applications from culturally specific organizations to collaborate on community-initiated pro bono research and evaluation.

This work will support culturally specific organizations’ needs by providing useful, actionable research and evaluation services at no cost.

Since 2015, Wilder Research has dedicated funding to support research projects with culturally specific organizations or organizations working to meet the needs of communities of color and other communities (e.g., LGBTQ+, specific disability communities).

This collaborative effort will result in information your organization can use to inform your work, improve programs, or report to funders. Wilder Research looks forward to developing a relationship with your organization, learning about your community, responding to emerging needs, and increasing accessibility of quality research and evaluation consultation.

What pro-bono research will be funded?

Wilder Research will select 3-4 applicant organizations to work with.

Just getting started with evaluation? Want to tackle the next piece of your existing evaluation plan? This is your opportunity to move ahead with help from the experts. We will work with your organization to determine how our services can support your needs.

Projects could include – but are not limited to – logic model development; evaluation planning and capacity building; or survey development, administration, and analysis. We can also help you use that data you already collect to tell your organization’s story to funders and others.

Your organization should expect to contribute work hours to the project. Some projects may require a minimum of 1-2 meetings per month, while others may require a higher level of engagement.

Examples of Past Projects:

Below are examples of previous research with culturally specific organizations through pro bono work. These examples are intended to help inform ideas.

MN8:

• MN8’s mission is to keep Southeast Asian communities together through direct support, advocacy, community organizing, and leadership development for social and systems change. MN8 and Wilder Research partnered to conduct a community needs assessment of the Cambodian community in Minnesota to learn about their needs, challenges, and how MN8 can support them. Topics included access to food, elections and voting, health care, and immigration.

Rebound, Inc.

• Rebound, Inc. aims to improve well-being and reduce systems involvement among Black youth by providing therapeutic supports, life skill development services, and enrichment activities. Wilder Research worked with Rebound, Inc. to identify the short-term, intermediate, and long-term outcomes of Rebound, Inc.’s programming, which informed the creation of a logic model. We also developed an evaluation plan, based on the logic model, aligning Rebound, Inc.’s data collection activities with program outcomes and identifying opportunities to improve data collection, management, and analysis processes. Rebound, Inc. is using the logic model and evaluation plan to inform evaluation activities, demonstrate impact, improve programming, and secure funding.

Raíces Sagradas:

• Raíces Sagradas is a community mental health organization that serves the Spanish-speaking immigrant community and is committed to providing free, culturally appropriate therapy in both Spanish and English. Wilder Research partnered with Raíces Sagradas to build a logic model for their organization, which involved working with stakeholders to identify short-term, intermediate, and long-term goals for the services they provide. Using this logic model as a guide, we then built an evaluation plan to measure the impact of a newly launched community mental health initiative. For this evaluation, we worked together to build a data collection and analysis plan that would work best for those they serve and offered detailed guidance so program staff would be able to carry out the evaluation on their own. Raíces Sagradas plans to use these tools to better communicate the scope of their work, demonstrate their impact, and secure funding.
• The Wolves Den: The Wolves Den is a nonprofit organization that provides housing and supportive services for Native American women who are addicted to opiates and in recovery using methadone therapy. Wilder Research developed a theory of change that showed how this new nonprofit’s services and activities lead to outcomes. We also developed an evaluation plan to help them measure their outcomes. These tools helped The Wolves Den guide the development of the program and seek funding and other types of support.

Oromo community assessment

• We worked members of the Oromo community in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis to conduct a basic community assessment. The results of this study will help the Oromo community to tell their story to various stakeholder groups. They will also use it to make the case to funders for the need to conduct a more comprehensive community assessment that could provide an accurate picture of the number of Oromo households in the Twin Cities or Minnesota.

Somali community mental health

• Wilder Research staff responded to a request by a psychologist in the Somali community by exploring a research plan related to Somali mental health. We conducted a literature scan and key informant interviews with Imams, mental health staff, and other leaders from the Somali community. At the end of the project, we provided a summary of lessons learned, research implications and final considerations. The project showed a desire for health promotion activities around mental health in the Somali community in order to reduce stigma.

Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition

•  Wilder Research staff worked with MTHC to analyze the results of a web survey of gender reassignment surgery recipients and their post-surgery caregivers. The survey, written and administered by MTHC staff, explored the financial, social, and emotional challenges faced by post-surgery caregivers. MTHC will make results available to potential post-surgery caregivers as an informational tool.

The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) seeks to make grants that will serve those with complex intellectual and physical disabilities. CMCF is looking to build partnerships with those who are able to provide individuals with services or equipment that directly impacts clients.

Focus Areas

• Services for people with complex intellectual and physical disabilities
  • Equipment needs that directly affect the client
  • Programs or projects that directly affect the client

Funding Amount Range: $5,000 - $20,000