We serve local communities in Minnesota and florida

Our Focus Areas

We award grants to non-profit organizations serving local communities.

We serve seven counties in Minnesota and five counties in Florida. Learn geographic eligibility here.

Last year, our funding impacted over 900 organizations, 400+ college scholars, and 212 preschool families.

Mark Dienhart, Ph.D.
President & CEO

Our Service Categories

  • Adult Education and Workforce Development Programs and Services. Programs and services focused on leadership, professional development, workforce development, and employment training. Programs that expand an adult’s knowledge in a particular field or discipline.
  • Early Childhood Programs and Services. Educational programs that provide a learning foundation. Engagement in early learning and brain development programming for children aged birth to five years old.
  • Scholarship and Financial Support. Financial help that students need to meet their educational expenses while in school.
  • Special Education: Individualized programming, instruction, and support services for gifted and disabled children and youth. Modified curricula, teaching methodologies, or instructional materials to learn.
  • Youth Education Programs and Services. Classroom support, after-school tutoring, and instruction for school-aged students that enhances formal education. Semi-skilled, skilled, technical, or professional post-secondary programs for college-aged students.

Learn more about our Education focus area.

  • Children’s and Family Services. Services that promote a child’s well-being. For example, childcare, adoption, foster care, family counseling, and parenting education that strengthen their families.
  • Disability and Special Needs Services. Individual and group support and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Services that promote self-determination, employment, connection, and involvement in community life.
  • Domestic Abuse. Domestic violence support and prevention. Programs that address the needs of individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. Work that helps prevent the (re)occurrence of these situations.
  • Food Banks, Food Pantries, and Food Distribution. Hunger relief in communities.
  • Homeless, Shelter & Crisis Services. Help for individuals and families who experience homelessness. Increased housing stability through direct interventions, basic needs, and advocacy.
  • Housing. Placement into permanent, supportive, or transitional housing. Services that promote housing stability through wrap-around or support services. Rental or utilities help. Landlord-tenant mediation or eviction prevention. Affordable housing unit development or preserving existing affordable housing units.
  • Mental Health: By invitation only. Prevention and early intervention needs of children and adolescents experiencing mental health issues.
  • Multipurpose Human Service Organizations. Direct services to the communities served. YMCAs, YWCAs, Red Cross, and Salvation Army are examples.
  • Youth Development. Outside-of-school activities that promote the ongoing development and growth of youth. Activities that connect them to caring adults and mentors. Camping experiences for young people.

Learn more about our Human & Social Services focus area.

  • Diseases, Disorders, and Disciplines. Direct services that promote medical disciplines. Advocating for public understanding and support.
  • Patient and Family Support. Wish-granting programs and camps for individuals diagnosed with a specific disease/disorder. Financial help with housing and travel expenses because of a life-limiting illness. Grief support services. Other health-related support for patients at various life stages.
  • Treatment and Prevention Services. Medical service and education on ways to prevent disease and reduce health risks.

Studies and re-evaluation of support for certain types of medical research are underway. We have an emerging interest in regenerative medicine and stem cell research. We support proposals in biomedical research by invitation only.

Learn more about our Health and Medicine focus area.

How to apply