RAF Better Communities Grants: Spring Focus Areas

RAF Better Communities Grants: Spring Focus Areas

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Rochester Area Foundation
Amount: US $10,000 - US $20,000
Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Summary

The RAF Better Communities Grants provide vital funding to nonprofits in the Rochester, MN area, focusing on youth, education, and vibrant community development. These grants empower organizations to enhance their core missions and build capacity for future growth. With awards ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, the program also aims to support emerging nonprofits. The Rochester Area Foundation emphasizes equity, collaboration, and responsible stewardship in its grantmaking practices.

Overview

Mission The Mission of the Rochester Area Foundation is building and enhancing the quality of life in the greater Rochester area through philanthropic leadership and community partnerships. RAF Grantmaking Values Clearly articulated values will guide our work with nonprofit partners, stakeholders, donors, volunteers, and community members. They will also hold RAF accountable to the communities we seek to serve. Steward ResponsivelyManage all entrusted resources—people, funds, reputation, time—with care to balance stewardship with an agile approach to risk.Partner in a Spirit of ServiceBe a supporter and collaborative partner, prioritizing trust, respect, and humility over compliance and regulations. Recognize and seek to minimize power differentials between grant-maker and grant-seeker.Seek EquityBuild grantmaking practices and policies that minimize bias and support decisions that promote justice, inclusion, and equity. We seek to partner with all nonprofits, including those who historically have not had access to funding opportunities.Embrace LearningWe can only advance impact if we remain open to learning as we go and embrace opportunities for growth and evolution along the way. We are accountable to the communities we serve.Center RelationshipsPrioritizing healthy, open, honest relationships can help us navigate the complexity of our work and our world with greater confidence and effectiveness. Transparent and open communication helps minimize power imbalances and maximize shared learning. We move the work forward when we seek solutions together. Better Communities Grants Better Communities Grants are Rochester Area Foundation’s competitive grant awards, providing unrestricted funding for the core mission of critical community organizations. The purpose of these grants is twofold. First, we seek to empower nonprofits to expand, improve or pursue their best ideas, and second, to build the capacity and infrastructure of organizations that are poised for growth. RAF recognizes that support for general operations is some of the hardest funding to secure. Yet the uninterrupted running of core organizational activities is essential to the success of thriving communities. Rochester Area Foundation will offer competitive grant funding in four focus areas annually, during Spring and Fall. Eligible nonprofit organizations may apply to one focus-area of their choosing annually. Spring Focus Areas Youth and Education Vibrant Communities (culture, arts, environment, recreation) Each grantmaking focus area will also award at least one Emerging Nonprofit Grant Award annually to an organization that meets one or more of the following criteria: Has one or fewer paid staffHas been in existence fewer than five yearsHas an annual operating budget of less than $250,000 Funding Grants will be for one year and have a minimum award of $10,000 and a maximum of $20,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Eligibility for funding is determined based on due diligence and assessment of the following:Serve Rochester, MN area residents without discrimination (Rochester Area is defined as within 35 miles of Rochester, MN)Nonprofit organizations, exempt from Federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or governmental bodies and municipalities, are eligible to apply. If an organization does not have its own 501(c)(3) designation, Rochester Area Foundation will accept proposals from nonprofits that are working under the formal agreement of a fiscal sponsor that does have its own 501(c)(3) letter.Complete IRS Form 990 or 990EZ AnnuallyAnnual Audit (if required) or a financial review by an independent CPA within the last 24 monthsWe may consider other ways of determining the financial integrity of an organization if you have not had any kind of formal review done, such as board-approved financial statements. However, we would encourage you to obtain a CPA review in the future.In good standing with all existing awards and contracts with the Rochester Area FoundationMay not receive grants from the same focus area for more than 3 consecutive yearsProvide organizational Non-Discrimination Policy meeting all federal requirements as it applies to your type of organization

Ineligibility

Please note RAF will not typically fund:Creation of a new organizationSchoolsRegrantingCapital campaigns/capital costs (equipment, building costs, maintenance)Political campaignsExpenses incurred before the grant is awardedCemetery associationsReligious causes that further a specific belief/agenda