Mardag Foundation Grants

_NOTE: To create the capacity our staff needs to operationalize these changes, the Foundation will implement transitional grant rounds in 2025. For 2025, organizations that applied for and/or received grants in 2022, 2023 or 2024 may be invited to apply for a transitional grant._

_For 2026 and beyond, we expect that the new application processes and grant guidelines will be available in the second half of 2025, with the first grants made under the new processes in 2026._

Mardag Foundation Grants

Mardag Foundation has three primary interest areas for its grantmaking.

Improving the lives of low-income Children, Youth and Families that lack access to critical opportunities and resources that they need

Mardag Foundation seeks to support organizations focused on eliminating barriers and increasing access to equitable opportunities for children, youth and families.

This round, priority will be given to organizations working with marginalized communities (especially Black, Indigenous and communities of color) at the intersections of education, basic needs, mental health, access to healthcare, pathways to employment, and stable and affordable housing.

Supporting older adults across Minnesota who lack access or have barriers to critical opportunities to thrive and create community connections

Mardag Foundation supports organizations directly serving low-income older adults who may also be experiencing other forms of marginality (e.g., Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, etc.).

Priorities include meeting basic needs, improving the well-being and quality of caregiving, addressing isolation and mental health issues, services to help older Minnesotans age in place and/or in safe and stable housing, and intergenerational programming.

Building capacity to improve community vitality through Arts and Culture

Mardag Foundation shares Grantmakers in the Arts’ view that “all peoples, their cultures, and their art contribute to the meaning and understanding of our humanity and should be honored and celebrated.”

Priority will be given to arts and culture organizations that seek to amplify narratives and voices across BIPOC communities and other communities experiencing marginalization (e.g., older adults, people with disabilities, low-income children/youth/families, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, etc.) through the arts.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• Grants can be made to 501(c)3 organizations, education or governmental units and religious institutions.
• Mardag Foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations and public entities located within and serving residents of Minnesota.
  • The geographic focus of our grantmaking is the East Metro area of Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties, as well as Greater Minnesota.
• Current grantees are eligible to apply for funding that would begin after the end of their current grant period.
  • Nonprofits that have received three years of consecutive funding are eligible to apply for a grant.
• We will consider grant applications for:
  • General Operating Support:
  • These grants provide flexible funding for nonprofits in which at least 50% of the organization’s services benefit residents in the East Metro and/or Greater Minnesota.
  • Any organization meeting this threshold is eligible for general operating support (including organizations that have never previously received support from Mardag Foundation).
  • Program Support:
  • These grants are designed to provide support to a program or project serving 50% or more East Metro or Greater Minnesota residents.
  • The Foundation will consider proposals for established and/or new programs/projects.
  • Any organization is eligible for this type of grant (regardless of overall geographic focus), but the project or program must serve 50% or more East Metro and/or Greater Minnesota residents.
  • Priority will be given to organizations based in Minnesota.
  • Capital Projects:
  • The Foundation supports capital projects located in the East Metro or Greater Minnesota with 50% or more of services from that facility benefiting residents.
  • Grants are designed to support investment in buildings, facilities and equipment.
  • Foundation investments are typically limited to buildings owned by nonprofits or held by long-term lease agreement.
  • These grants are generally paid over multiple years.
• Current grantees are eligible to apply for funding that would begin after the end of their current grant period.
• Nonprofits that have received three years of consecutive funding are eligible to apply for a grant.

Ineligibility

• Arts & Culture applicants:
  • Please note that the Foundation has not historically supported specific productions, performances, exhibits, artist fees, etc. through this application-based process
• The Foundation will not consider grant applications for:
  • Organizations using fiscal sponsors
  • Programs exclusively serving Minneapolis and the surrounding West Metro area
  • Scholarships and grants to individuals
  • Sectarian religious programs or organizations
  • Federated campaigns
  • Events and conferences
  • Capital campaigns of private secondary schools
  • Capital and endowment campaigns of private colleges and universities