Graves Foundation Grants

Graves Foundation Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: John & Denise Graves Foundation
Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Summary

The Graves Foundation Grants support grassroots, community-led initiatives in Minneapolis, aiming to close equity gaps and enhance the lives of youth. With a focus on education, community-building, housing, and youth development, the foundation fosters partnerships with local leaders and organizations. They are committed to understanding community needs through active engagement rather than traditional reporting methods. By investing in systemic change, the foundation strives to create a vibrant and inclusive environment for all residents.

Overview

NOTE: If you’d like to speak to us about funding, you can start the process by filling out this alignment form. We’ll review your form and be in touch to begin the conversation if there is potential for funding. About Us We believe natural leaders exist on every block and in every neighborhood. The Graves Foundation partners with organizers, researchers, policy makers, institutional and grassroots community leaders to create systemic change from the inside and outside. We build long-term, trusting relationships in community with grantees and partners, by identifying and collaborating with key public and private organizations, leaders, and programs within our priority areas. We believe in being present and engaged. Rather than request reports, we show up. We listen, learn, and work to better understand values, mission alignment, past efforts, and current goals. Priority Areas In grantmaking the Graves Foundation focuses on closing equity gaps and improving the lives of youth by supporting education, community-building, housing, and youth development in and around Minneapolis. Education We’re committed to stable, rigorous, and welcoming school communities for every child. To achieve that, Minneapolis needs healthy school governing bodies, family empowerment, and diverse quality educators. We invest in leaders and schools doing that work. Youth Development We want to see a Minneapolis where all youth thrive into adulthood and are committed to listening to youth about what that means to them. We’re intensely focused on youth who have been impacted by foster care. We’re dedicated to institutional reform and to exploring youth entitlements. Community Our office is located in the Midtown Exchange building on Lake Street. We are committed to our community and to being a good neighbor in South Minneapolis. We want to partner with community-focused developers who help make our city a vibrant place, and we’re invested in leaders who prioritize cultural vitality. Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. We typically fund grassroots, community-led efforts and organizations, and initiatives to improve local, public institutions.

Ineligibility

Because our funds are finite, we do not approve many multi-year grant requests.