Community Solutions Grant Program
This grant program supports solutions that improve quality of life for East Metro residents.
Program Overview
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation seeks to strengthen quality of life in the East Metro by supporting organizations, programs and initiatives that are informed by, formed by and benefit residents.
Through general operating, program/project and capital support, our Community Solutions grants focus on organizations, programs and initiatives serving the East Metro (Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties). The program’s funding priorities include:
- Community & Economic Development
- Health & Human Services
- Youth & Education
The program is intended to be responsive to ongoing and timely community opportunities through an open and rolling application process.
Grant Guidelines
Eligibility
Grants can be made to 501(c)3 nonprofits, government entities, educational institutions or organizations with a fiscal sponsor.
Organizations should have a demonstrated impact or potential for impact in the East Metro (Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties).
While an organization may be eligible to apply, attention and preference will be given to organizations:
- Addressing disparities and/or creating more equitable outcomes for communities experiencing marginalization due to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability or geography
- Establishing a clear connection to the Informs, Forms, Benefits framework, which states that those experiencing barriers should not only benefit from the work we support, but inform, form, and lead it as well
Funding Priorities
Our Community Solutions Grant Program has three focus areas and will consider proposals that address one or more of the following:
Community & Economic Development
The Foundation seeks to invest and partner in solutions informed and formed by the people facing the highest barriers to wealth creation, economic security and family-sustaining career pathways. This includes BIPOC, women, veterans, young people, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated people and LGBTQIA+ people.
Specific priorities for wealth creation include strengthening the entrepreneur ecosystem, increasing local ownership of businesses and homes, and expanding access to culturally appropriate services. Regarding economic security, the Foundation recognizes the importance of anchor institutions embedded at the neighborhood level. For workforce development, we will prioritize employment pathways that meet the needs of individuals and employers alike.
Health & Human Services
The Foundation continues to prioritize health organizations that focus on health equity and increase access to affordable, culturally relevant health services. The Foundation hopes to align its health grants to be inclusive of programs and organizations that serve low-income families and provide free or affordable, culturally relevant services and holistic care.
Given the increase in severity, cost of and demand for mental health services, urgent care and/or crisis prevention, access to reproductive health care, trauma-informed health care, and free or reduced services for uninsured or underinsured communities, the Foundation will prioritize these programs and organizations to continue to serve our most vulnerable and marginalized communities.
In addition to supporting work that centers the voices of the people most impacted, special priority will be given to disability support services, child welfare support services, family and parent support services, food relief and assistance, older adult services, immigration and legal services, and re-entry supports for formerly incarcerated people.
Youth & Education
The Foundation recognizes how important it is for students and young people to feel cared for, protected, valued and seen. This is complex and urgent work, and the Foundation will prioritize organizations that blend academic, social and emotional supports for young people most impacted by educational inequity.
The Foundation will also support organizations working toward ensuring a robust early childhood system that gives children and families access to high-quality early care and education programs.
Download Grant Guidelines [PDF]
Geography
Through the Community Solutions Grant Program, we are proud to serve and fund the East Metro region (Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties).
Types of Grants
The Foundation will consider grant applications for:
General Operating Support
These grants provide flexible funding for nonprofits.
To be eligible for general operating support, organizations must primarily serve the East Metro area with 50% or more of all services provided by the entire organization benefiting East Metro (Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties) residents.
Program/Project Support
These grants provide funding for programs/projects serving 50% or more East Metro residents. Any organization is eligible for this type of grant, regardless of overall geographic focus.
Capital Support
To be eligible for capital support, organizations must demonstrate ongoing or potential significant benefit to East Metro (Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties) residents. Capital grants will support an organization’s long-term resiliency or infrastructure including:
- Efforts to ensure critical resources remain stable and present in the East Metro (e.g., “comprehensive campaigns” intended to grow or strengthen organizational capacity; program innovations or compliance updates needed to ensure responsiveness and relevancy, etc.)
- Physical or digital capital needs such as purchase, updates to or maintenance of buildings, facilities, technology and/or equipment
Grant Details
Grant amounts will be up to $50,000 per year for a one-year grant period.
In 2026, up to $2,350,000 is available for this grant program, and we anticipate awarding approximately 50 grants.
This program is intended to be responsive to ongoing and timely community opportunities through an open and rolling application process. Decisions will be made and grants distributed by June, September and November 2026.
Current & Past Grant Status
Current grantees are eligible for funding. Please contact a member of our Grants Team with questions.
Grant Requests Not Accepted
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation will not consider grant requests for support of:
- Sectarian religious programs or organizations
- Direct work of individuals
- Organizations that are not classified as 501(c)3 nonprofits, government entities, educational institutions or organizations with a fiscal sponsor
- Organizations exclusively serving the West Metro (Anoka, Carver, Hennepin or Scott counties)
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning January 2026. Decisions will be made and grants distributed by June, September and November 2026.
Step 1: Review Grant Guidelines
Familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria and funding priorities for this grant program.
Step 2: Talk to the Grants Team
All interested applicants are encouraged to contact a member of our Grants Team before applying to ensure that the grant program fits your needs.
Step 3: Review Application Materials
Review required application materials and instructions on how to apply.
View Grant Application Resources
Step 4: Register and Apply
This grant program requires applicants to register for GranteeView to apply for a grant. Registration is open now.
Step 5: Stay Connected
Whether or not your organization is selected for a grant opportunity, we want to stay connected. Our Grants Team is always excited to connect with community partners.