The Civic Affairs Trust

Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation

St. Paul, MN

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation funds community-led work in areas including economic development, health and human services, youth and education, arts and culture, democracy, and nonprofit capacity, serving the East Metro and communities statewide. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,000, while the Management Improvement Fund offers up to $15,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through open application programs, though some opportunities are invite-only.

The Bush Foundation

St. Paul, MN

The Bush Foundation funds organizations developing, testing, or spreading community solutions across issue areas, with emphasis on equity, Native people, and regional problem-solving. Community Innovation awards are typically large—2024 grants ranged from $472,000 to $8.2 million—and support work in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations in the region. Community Innovation grants are open year-round, so unsolicited applications are accepted; the foundation encourages applicants to speak with staff before applying.

John and Denise Graves Foundation

Minneapolis, MN

The John and Denise Graves Foundation supports education, housing, youth development, and community-building, with a focus on closing equity gaps and improving young people’s lives in Minneapolis and Hennepin County. Its 2024 grants ranged from $516 to $250,000, with a median of $30,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through an alignment form, and also reads letters of interest submitted according to its guidelines as staff capacity allows.

New Schools Fund

Oakland, CA

NewSchools Venture Fund supports early-stage education organizations and new initiatives in K–12 public education, including innovative schools, learning solutions, teaching approaches, learning differences, and diverse leadership and racial equity. Its current one-year unrestricted grants are typically $150,000–$250,000, and it funds organizations across the country. It uses open application calls; the 2026 funding window is closed.

Wem Foundation

Minneapolis, MN

WCA Foundation supports Twin Cities nonprofits serving women, with its current project grants focused on direct services for adult women in health, economic stability, shelter, and safety. Project grants are typically $10,000–$30,000; the much larger amounts in tax filings reflect a broad range of grants and are not a reliable typical level. Although the filing says WEM Foundation does not accept unsolicited requests, WCA Foundation runs an annual open project-grant round when applications are invited.

The Labrador Foundation

Minneapolis, MN

Leon Lowenstein Foundation Inc

Madison, CT

The Leon Lowenstein Foundation funds measurable, innovative projects in health, education, and the environment, with a nationwide reach. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $700,000, with a median of $25,000; it does not accept unsolicited requests and supports preselected organizations only.

Youthprise

Minneapolis, MN

Youthprise funds nonprofits and community organizations advancing equity for Indigenous, low-income, and racially diverse youth, especially through learning and leadership, economic opportunity, and health and safety. Its typical grant was about $25,000 in 2024, with awards ranging from $5,853 to $612,865; funding is centered in Minnesota, though some grants support work elsewhere. It posts grant opportunities and program-specific application information; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.

Mortenson Family Foundation

Minneapolis, MN

The Mortenson Family Foundation funds community-driven work advancing equity and opportunity for children and families in Minnesota’s seven-county metro, environmental health across Minnesota, and sustainable development in 14 Central American and African countries. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $250,000, with a median of $15,000; applicants can submit when an opportunity is open, while some opportunities are by invitation, and the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.

Great MN Schools

Minneapolis, MN

Great MN Schools funds school improvement and education-related support for schools, families, and community partners, including student learning, connectivity, and well-being needs. Its 2025 grants ranged from $10,000 to $315,000, with a median of $30,000, and all reported grant dollars went to Minnesota recipients, including Minneapolis-area schools and organizations. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

The Jay and Rose Phillips Family

Minneapolis, MN

The Jay and Rose Phillips Family funds efforts addressing unmet human and social needs, with Minnesota giving focused on economic stability through employment, housing, education, and transit; its Minnesota work must benefit people in the seven-county Twin Cities area. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,000 to $237,500, with a median of $10,000. It generally funds preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests, though its Northside Real Estate Developer Grants program has a stated application opportunity.

The Minneapolis Foundation

Minneapolis, MN

The Minneapolis Foundation supports civic, social, and economic needs, including economic mobility, education equity, community safety, health, and the environment. In 2025, its grants had a median of $25,000, though awards varied widely; 77% of grant dollars went to Minnesota recipients. It does not state a general policy on unsolicited requests; current opportunities are closed, and some programs are invitation-based.