Back

The Foundation and our donors are learning from and supporting local organizations that put democracy into action.

A healthy and thriving democracy depends on engaged residents, both during an election year and beyond. The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is proud to invest in and learn from incredible organizations leading the charge on voter turnout and civic engagement in our communities.

The Foundation recently made several grants to nonpartisan organizations and hosted a Giving+Together event for fundholders on advancing democracy and civic engagement.

$500,000 in Grantmaking Supports Civic Engagement Efforts

The Foundation recently granted $500,000 for community-led democracy and civic engagement efforts across Minnesota to the following organizations. These funds were granted through both the open application-based and discretionary grantmaking processes.

Asian American Organizing Project (AAOP): $30,000

Ayada Leads: $20,000

ISAIAH Minnesota: $50,000

Believe In What’s Possible: $25,000

Conservation Minnesota: $50,000

Jewish Community Action: $25,000

Minnesotans for the American Community Survey (MACS): $25,000

Minnesotans for Our Great Outdoors: $50,000

Minnesota Voice: $15,000

Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI): $35,000

OutFront Minnesota: $20,000

Reviving the Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment (RISE): $25,000

TakeAction Minnesota: $25,000

Tending the Soil: $100,000

Giving+Together: Advancing Democracy and Civic Engagement

In addition to these grants, on August 1 Foundation fundholders had the chance to engage with leaders from three organizations working on equity, voting rights and legislative advocacy in our state. The featured panelists and organizations were:

Arleta Little, The Loft Literary Center

Nick Muhammad, Black Civic Network

Megan Peterson, Gender Justice

The panelists provided various perspectives on how to cultivate a healthy, engaged and active resident base.

The Loft: A Safe Space for All Writers and Readers

To make sure writers and readers have a safe space to have their voices heard and feel seen, the Loft has implemented policies and practices that are equitable, inclusive and anti-racist.

Arleta discussed how in serving Minnesota, The Loft prioritizes Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and marginalized communities in its work, recognizing that race, power and resources impact people's ability to share their stories.

Black Civic Network: Empowering Black Voters for Change

The Black Civic Network (BCN) is dedicated to focusing on Black voter engagement. By building a strong Black voter base BCN hopes to dismantle the disparities that impact the Black community by providing tools to push policy change.

Nick shared that the BCN is measuring real-life outcomes of residents, and the success in their neighborhoods, to gauge efforts and legislation aimed at improving quality of life for the Black community.

Gender Justice: Fighting for Equity Through the Law

Founded in 2010, Gender Justice has made it their mission to use the law to advance gender equity.

Megan shared how the organization is breaking down barriers that prevent people from thriving, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. The organization also works on dismantling discriminatory laws and structures through policy and advocacy work aimed at upholding the rights of all individuals to bodily autonomy, safety, health and equal opportunities.

“ The work of organizations committed to increasing civic engagement is essential to build a movement of informed neighbors and community members.”

No matter the outcome of any election, the work of organizations committed to increasing civic engagement is essential to build a movement of informed neighbors and community members who are actively shaping the policies that impact their communities.

The Foundation invests in community-led solutions and offers a variety of grant programs to nonprofits meeting our state’s diverse needs.