PHILANTHROFUND FOUNDATION INC logo
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Funding Amount

$5,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Equity Fund

Status: Active annual grant program

Geographic Scope: Twin Cities/Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro area of Minnesota; serves Upper Midwest including Wisconsin

Focus Areas:

  • Support for LGBTQ+ BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) small businesses and entrepreneurs

  • Small business development and growth

  • Economic empowerment of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities

    • Eligibility:

  • LGBTQ+ BIPOC owned small businesses

  • Entrepreneurs in the Upper Midwest region

    • What They Fund:

  • Direct grant awards to businesses

  • Participation in Equity Fund Cohort Program

  • Business education and networking sessions (monthly)

  • Professional development and peer support

  • Membership in Quorum (MN LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce)

    • Program Details:

  • FY26 awarded $80,000 total to 16 grantees ($5,000 each)

  • 44 total applications submitted for FY26

  • 16 selected (6 returning organizations, 10 new recipients)

  • Community review panel: 18 volunteers, 100% BIPOC and LGBTQ+

  • Program launched during pandemic to support struggling LGBTQ+ small businesses

  • Proven track record: participating businesses have added jobs, increased pay, strengthened queer economy

    • Funding Sources (FY26): Minneapolis Foundation (primary), Steven Walker, Hugh J. Anderson Foundation, Bigelow Foundation

    Contact: PFund Foundation, Minneapolis, MN (612) 870-1806

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Submit application during open application period
    2. Community review panel evaluates all applications (18 volunteer panelists, 100% BIPOC and LGBTQ+)
    3. Selection of grantees based on review panel recommendations
    4. Awards announced (FY26 announced December 2025)
    5. Cohort participation begins post-award

    Program Includes:

  • Monthly business education and networking sessions facilitated by PFund

  • Membership in Quorum (MN LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce)

  • Access to peer support network

    • Note: Check website for FY27 application period and deadline

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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    lgbtq-businessessmall-businessesbipocminority-businessesworkforce-development

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Grants for LGBTQ+ BusinessesSmall Business GrantsGrants for BIPOCGrants for Minority-Owned BusinessesWorkforce Development Grants

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