Eden Prairie Community Foundation Grants

The Eden Prairie Community Foundation Grants support local organizations aligned with their mission of community enrichment. Since 1981, they have awarded over $2 million to nonprofits in Eden Prairie. The foundation focuses on Arts & Culture, Education, Recreation & Environment, and Social Services. Eligible applicants are charitable organizations serving Eden Prairie residents. Grants are not available for debt retirement, endowments, or individuals. Priority is given to projects addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, food insecurity, and affordable housing.

The Eden Prairie Community Foundation supports programs that align with its mission: “Enriching our community through philanthropy, collaboration and leadership.” Since its beginning in 1981, the Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in direct grants to more than 100 different nonprofits and agencies serving Eden Prairie.
Areas of Focus
The Foundation accepts applications in alignment with the following four granting priority areas:
Arts & Culture – Supports programs and organizations that enhance the quality of life in our community through music, visual and performing arts, and other means.
Education– Supports programs that provide educational and development opportunities for youth and adults – most often outside the classroom – which are offered by established institutions or nonprofit organizations, as well as programs that offer learning or community development opportunities.
Recreation & Environment – Supports programs that engage children and adults in activities that improve or sustain the quality of our natural resources. Also supports programs that provide opportunities for children and adults to engage in sports, fitness, and health and recreational activities.
Social Services –  Supports programs that provide for important community needs such as food, housing, safety, clothing, furniture, and assistance for people with disabilities.

Eligibility

The Foundation welcomes requests from eligible organizations that meet the following criteria:Classified as charitable organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; or classified as an organization under Section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code.Provides services to residents within the boundaries of Eden Prairie.Is part of a governmental body (such as schools or parks).The Foundation concentrates its support toward proposals that fill an unmet need and demonstrate significant community impact, including the number of Eden Prairie residents directly affected.

Ineligibility

The Foundation does not make grants to/for:Debt retirementEndowmentsFundraising activitiesIndividuals (aside from scholarships initiated or managed by the Foundation)Medical researchOrganizations with significant activity considered to be the influencing of legislationPolitical organizations or campaignsReligious organizations or those engaged in religious activitiesRequests from re-granting organizations for its own grant making activitiesTickets for benefitsTelephone solicitations