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The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, F. R. Bigelow and Mardag Foundations Announce $10.3 Million in 2024 Second-Round Community Grants.

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, F. R. Bigelow Foundation and Mardag Foundation today announced that, together and independently, we have awarded more than $10 million to Minnesota nonprofits in our second round of 2024 grantmaking. These grants will provide crucial funding resources to community organizations making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families across the East Metro and Greater Minnesota.

"Our community partners have been clear with us," said Senior Director of Community Impact Tsega Tamene. “We must respond to the most pressing and immediate needs of our neighbors. At the same time, we must bolster the ecosystem for deep and lasting systems change. And together, we can do both."

The following organizations were among the recipients in this round:

Urban Bird Collective was awarded $50,000 over two years by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation and $25,000 by F. R. Bigelow Foundation to get more BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ people outdoors in nature. The organization’s primary goal is to see a sustained increase in BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ people's participation in birding and other outdoor activities including biking, kayaking and snowshoeing. Urban Bird Collective strives to build authentic relationships with program participants through environmental education and stewardship.

Hmong Early Childhood Coalition (HECC) was awarded $30,000 by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation and $30,000 by F. R. Bigelow Foundation to ensure children have access to culturally appropriate early learning services through training, resources and advocacy. HECC is the only nonprofit organization solely focused on Hmong children and families with a specific focus on the early years. HECC aims to raise awareness about the importance of early learning and development within the Hmong community. HECC’s priority areas include bridging multi-generational families and services, translating and disseminating information and encouraging advocacy.

Art of the Rural was awarded $40,000 over two years by Mardag Foundation to support their work in Winona. Art of the Rural works closely with Native communities as well as agencies and organizations such as the Winona County Historical Society and Engage Winona to help change the narrative. It partners with organizations led by members of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and low-income communities to change narratives, ensuring that those stories are heard and included.

(Neo)Muralismos de Mexico en Minnesota was awarded $10,000 by F. R. Bigelow Foundation to reclaim muralism as the cultural heritage of Mexican and broader Latino communities. The organization leverages intergenerational mural and public arts, community arts education, and cultural organizing with and in support of its transnational communities. Its current focus is the development of the Minnesota Latino Museum to be located at Harriet Island Regional Park.

Family Values For Life was awarded $75,000 by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, $50,000 by Mardag Foundation and $75,000 by F. R. Bigelow Foundation to support their basic services, food, household goods and crisis financial assistance. For the last 14 years this organization has been dedicated to empowering families, primarily on Saint Paul's East Side, by focusing on four key pillars of wellbeing: spiritual empowerment, mental alertness, physical fitness and financial stability. With deep roots in the African American community, the organization emphasizes diversity, equity and inclusion in all its efforts. Programs like Jump Start to the New You and Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies equip single parents with vital skills and support to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Ain Dah Yung Center was awarded $30,000 by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation and $30,000 by F. R. Bigelow Foundation. The Ain Dah Yung (Our Home) Center was organized to provide a healing place within the community for American Indian youth and families to thrive, dedicated to empowering American Indian youth in the Twin Cities, fostering a future filled with hope, safety and independence. By seamlessly integrating culture with expert case management, Ain Dah Yung has developed comprehensive, solution-oriented approaches that cater to the entire individual, family and community.

We must respond to the most pressing and immediate needs of our neighbors. At the same time, we must bolster the ecosystem for deep and lasting systems change. And together, we can do both.

Tsega Tamene, Senior Director of Community Impact

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