Central Minnesota "Difference Maker" Grants

The Central Minnesota "Difference Maker" Grants support services that help individuals and families in the region maintain stable housing. Funded by the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, these grants, ranging from $10,000 to $30,000, support eligible nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving Benton, Stearns, and Sherburne Counties. The initiative encourages collaborative projects addressing racial disparities and community engagement, promoting sustainable impacts and additional investments.

Background
The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) seeks to make significant grants that will be the “Difference Maker” to organizations whose focus mission is to provide services that help individuals and families maintain stable housing. These services will strengthen long-term housing success and reduce the risk of individuals and families becoming homeless.

Eligibility

What We FundEligible Organizations:501(c)3 Nonprofit OrganizationsSchoolsGovernment entitiesGeographic Area: Grant must serve the residents of Benton, Stearns and/or Sherburne Counties.Organizations may only submit one grant application per year

Ineligibility

Typically, we do not fundIndividualsReligious organizations for religious purposesPolitical organizations or political campaignsEvent sponsorship or annual fundraising drivesMulti-year requestsEndowmentsDebt retirementProjects that have already been completedIndividual academic scholarships for post-secondary educationGrants solely for the purpose of travel or conferencesGovernment funding that has been reduced or eliminated