Systems Change Grant Program

About F. R. Bigelow Foundation
F. R. Bigelow Foundation funds programs and helps shape initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods and downtown Saint Paul, while enhancing the quality of life in the East Metro area.
Since its founding in 1946, F. R. Bigelow Foundation remains committed to its founding principle of making the Saint Paul community a better place to live, learn and grow. From 1946 through today, the Foundation has invested deeply into neighborhoods across the East Metro, with an emphasis on Saint Paul.
Our Systems Change Grant Program supports efforts to help systems adapt, transform and/or be disrupted to achieve more equitable results.
F. R. Creating solutions to today’s issues requires a collaborative approach.
The goal of our Systems Change Grant Program is to support efforts to help systems adapt, transform and/or be disrupted to achieve more equitable results.
To do this, we support organizations, programs or initiatives in or serving the East Metro working to address root causes of issues impacting the East Metro.
General operating support will be awarded to organizations, programs or initiatives in or serving the East Metro working to address root causes of any issue impacting the East Metro (including, but not limited to, the five funding priorities of our Community Solutions Grant Program).
In 2026, up to $1,200,000 is available for this grant program, and we anticipate awarding approximately two to three grants.
The Foundation’s Systems Change Grant Program seeks to address root causes of any issue impacting the East Metro, including, but not limited to, the five funding priorities of our Community Solutions Grant Program:

• Arts & CultureCommunity & Economic DevelopmentHealthHuman ServicesYouth & Education