Twenty-seven groups each received a $50,000 grant. The MN Forward Pooled Fund is a new grant program for organizations and coalitions with annual or program budgets of $3 million or less and serve one of the three target communities: Twin Cities Metro, Greater Minnesota, or Native-led, Native-serving entities.

This new statewide grant program was started by a collaborative of funders to address communities that were impacted by short- and long-term effects brought on by recent federal shifts. Grant funding supported projects falling under two categories: Fortify Grants and Futuring Grants. Fortify Grants support strategic planning and response efforts of organizations and collaboratives in the current moment. Futuring Grants support organizations and collaboratives building for futures where impacted communities are leading and thriving.

“These grant recipients are fortifying our nonprofit sector and also creating bold visions where this sector could lead us,” said Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation Senior Vice President of Community Impact Alfonso Wenker. “Through the MN Forward Pooled Fund, we are proud to invest in solutions that are rooted in collaboration and a shared goal of strengthening a sector that provides critical services to Minnesotans.”