WACF Community Impact Grant: Small Grants

WACF Community Impact Grant: Small Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: CommunityGiving
Amount: US $5,000 - US $20,000
Last Updated: November 30, 2025

Summary

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.

Overview

NOTE: Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the grant coordinator to see about programmatic fit with current WACF priorities. Who We Are Mission: Our mission is to strengthen local communities by empowering community foundations. We Believe In: Capturing and preserving the legacy of our donors … Forever Our duty to provide unparalleled, personalized service to our donors Inspiring philanthropy across generations Utilizing financial resources as a tool to bring about lasting, positive change Our responsibility to serve as a trusted local leader and community catalyst, building connections between people who share a common geography We Value: Community - We bring people together to leave our world better than we found it. Everyone is welcome at the Community Foundation table. Integrity - We recognize that our assets are our people, capital and reputation. If any of these is ever diminished, the last is the most difficult to restore. Commitment - We possess an authentic and genuine dedication to the communities and people we serve. Innovation - We are committed to being flexible and improving what we do and how we do it, each and every day. Optimism - We have a “can-do” attitude that inspires creative solutions.Diversity - We integrate the diversity of our local communities in our discussions and actions.Generosity - We nurture a "pay-it-forward" approach that supports community-based philanthropy to grow and serve local communities. WACF Community Impact Grant 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

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 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. Annual fundraising drives Endowments Debt retirement or deficit financing Projects or portions of projects that have already been completed Scholarships or medical research Grants for travel or conferences