Advocacy Grant Program

Geographic Scope: Minnesota (statewide focus)

Focus Areas: Advocacy efforts that increase access to high-quality, culturally appropriate early childhood care and education and youth development/out-of-school time opportunities.

Vision of Success: The opportunity gap will be significantly diminished because broad public will exists to make investments to assure that all Minnesota children succeed in school and life.

Eligible Advocacy Activities

• Political networks, coalitions, and campaigns that lobby, advocate, and organize for children's early learning and life success
• Training to help parents become advocates for their children's early learning and out-of-school time success

Background: The Foundation invests in innovative advocacy campaigns designed to improve Minnesota's policies that impact children and their families. The Foundation works in partnership with organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children in Minnesota.

Application Process

1. Determine Eligibility
   • Review frequently asked questions to verify organizational eligibility
   • Check funding guidelines to ensure program fits
2. Contact the Foundation
   • Organizations must contact Foundation staff before submission
   • Phone: 612-871-9210
   • Email: info[@]sheltering-arms.org
   • Staff provides technical assistance and responds to questions about program ideas, review process, timeline, or budget items
3. Review Application Questions
   • Review application questions before logging into the online grant system
4. Submit Application via Online System
   • Create account in grantee portal
   • Click "Apply" and select "Advocacy" program
   • Complete eligibility quiz
   • Complete all required fields (marked with asterisk)
   • Upload required documents: financials (audit), program budget, organization logo (one document per question)
   • Click "Save Application" before logging off to save progress
   • Click "Submit Application" button when complete
   • Automatic email confirmation sent upon submission
5. Foundation Review Process (February - March)
   • Grants Committee of Board of Trustees and staff review applications
   • Staff or trustees may contact for clarification in April
   • Site visits may be requested (do not constitute grant commitment)
   • External field experts may be consulted confidentially
6. Grant Awards
   • Recommended applications presented to Board of Trustees at May annual meeting
   • Grant payments begin the following July
   • Grant recipients sign agreement requiring final project report
   • All unexpended money must be refunded unless prior extension approval given

Online System Access: https://sheltering-arms.org/online-application-system-instructions/
Tutorial Video: https://support.foundant.com/hc/en-us/articles/4479853059991-GLM-Applicant-Tutorial