Collaborative Leadership Grant (Ames Fund)

Geographic Scope: Northfield, Minnesota area

Funder: The Ames Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation (administered through Northfield Shares)

Contact:

• Phone: 507-403-9755
• Email: info@northfieldshares.org
• Address: 158 N Water St., Suite 1, Northfield, MN 55057

Program Overview

Northfield Shares sets aside funding from the Ames Fund each year to award a special Collaborative Leadership Grant. This grant supports organizations working on community-engaged initiatives that demonstrate collaborative leadership and generate significant multiplier effects in the Northfield community.

Focus Areas

The grant supports projects that:

• Create long-term solutions to pressing community problems
• Demonstrate collaborative approaches involving multiple stakeholders
• Encourage volunteerism and community engagement
• Generate leveraging of other funds and resources
• Address core issues affecting the Northfield community

Example Recipient

Community Action Center (CAC) of Northfield received the 2018-2019 Collaborative Leadership Grant for its Community Engaged Housing project—a multi-income community of homes, transitional housing, and emergency shelter for homeless youth, homeless families, low-income families, and working-class families seeking affordable housing. The funding was used to hire a project engagement coordinator to mobilize volunteers and community resources.

Background

The Ames Fund of The Minneapolis Foundation has been a major supporter of Northfield Shares' work:

• Initial capacity-building grant: $140,000
• Community grants to local nonprofits: $45,000
• Technology research for online volunteer platform: $5,000
• Three-year unrestricted operational grant (2019-2021): $150,000 ($50,000 annually)

Application Process

The Collaborative Leadership Grant follows Northfield Shares' standard competitive grants process:

Timeline:

• Applications open: September 1
• Deadline: October 15
• Grant decisions announced following committee review

Submission:

• Apply online at northfieldshares.org/grants

Application Materials:
Applicants should demonstrate how their project meets the grant criteria, particularly emphasizing:

• Collaborative leadership and multi-stakeholder engagement
• Long-term, sustainable solutions
• Community involvement and volunteerism
• Leveraging of additional funds and resources
• Impact on Northfield's most pressing needs

See the main Northfield Shares Competitive Grants Program entry for full evaluation criteria and process details.