WACF Community Impact Grant: Small Grants

The WACF Community Impact Grant aims to empower local organizations in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, by providing funding between $5,000 and $20,000 for initiatives that address community needs. This grant supports projects focusing on youth development, enhancing community connections, and promoting productive aging. Organizations that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, innovation, and sustainable community impact are encouraged to apply. The foundation prioritizes grants that foster collaboration and improve the quality of life for residents.

NOTE: Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the grant coordinator to see about programmatic fit with current WACF priorities.
The Willmar Area Community Foundation (WACF) supports specific community initiatives through a variety of grants. WACF seeks to make smaller grants for general operations and programs to address changing community needs. WACF also seeks to make significant grants that will be the "Difference Maker” in bringing about community-wide, lasting, and positive changes in the Willmar area. WACF is looking to provide leadership and financial support that goes beyond the grant in order to advance the project or initiative that needs a large dollar amount to get started or completed.
Focus Areas
Addressing the Achievement Gap for our Youth:Projects that address access to quality early childhood programming and address barriers to access.
Projects that improve access to enrichment activities for low income and underserved children.
Projects that provide ‘on ramps’ for skills, training and experiences beyond a four year college prep focus including apprenticeships, skills training, innovative programming, etc.
Projects are preferred that help build foundational, technical and soft skills that prepare young people for our future workforce and that help students with challenges to become productive members of our community.Increasing Community Connections and Welcoming Diverse Populations:Projects that welcome newcomers to our community, that create social connections, create an open/welcoming community, address aesthetics and improve the quality of life through art and active recreational opportunities.
Leadership development projects for emerging leaders of varied ages and backgrounds.
Newcomer Programs that are community led and culturally relevant or that connect New Americans to education and civic systems.Supporting Productive Aging:Projects that provide basic needs for low income seniors or enrich the quality of life for seniors across the spectrum.
Activities that deploy multigenerational approaches to connect seniors and youth or projects that meaningfully engage seniors as a volunteer force to address an unmet community need.
Funding
Amount Range: $5,000 to $20,000 (focused on single organization, issue or program)

Eligibility

What We Fund:Small grants: General operations and project/program supportEligible organizations: 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations, schools or government entities.Geographic Area: Kandiyohi County in MinnesotaOrganizations may only submit one grant application per year per grant round.

Ineligibility

What We Don't Fund:Individuals
Religious organizations for religious purposes View our Funding for Faith-Based Organizations PolicyPolitical organizations or political campaigns.
Debt retirement or deficit financing
Projects or portions of projects that have already been completed