West Central Initiative Grant (formerly Resilient Communities Grants)

West Central Initiative Grant (formerly Resilient Communities Grants)

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: West Central Initiative
Amount: US $3,000 - US $25,000
Last Updated: March 23, 2026

Summary

The West Central Initiative Grant supports sustainability, equity, and civic engagement projects in a resilient region. Grants range from $3,000 to $25,000, with most awards between $3,000 and $10,000. The funding prioritizes community-led initiatives focusing on sustainable development, support for historically marginalized populations, and nonpartisan civic engagement efforts. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and units of government serving West Central Initiative's nine-county geography.

Overview

West Central Initiative Grants Sustainability, equity, and civic engagement are vital for a healthy, resilient region. We created these grant opportunities with those priorities in mind. Grants will range from $3,000 to $25,000. However, most grants will range from $3,000 to $10,000. This spring, we’ll award grants in three priority areas: Sustainability Grants will support community-led projects and nonprofits with a focus on sustainability and climate action. Equity Grants will support organizations working to make our region more equitable by supporting historically marginalized populations. Civic Engagement Grants will support nonpartisan organizations that bring about social change, cultivate local leadership, provide community education on government and other civic systems, and encourage participation in public meetings. Funding Priorities Sustainability The organization or project is working to sustainable development and to meeting the environmental, social, and economic needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Projects focusing on climate action will be prioritized. Sustainability Grants Allowable Uses and Expenses Listed below are some examples of things that grant dollars might be used for: Training and development needed by a local sustainability-focused organization to operate more effectively or maintain services.Technical assistance that builds the capacity of local partners who are working together to figure out a complex sustainability focused issue, such as transportation of local foods. Expenses associated with work that mobilizes community members to take sustainability focused action. Research to better understand the scope and relevance of a sustainability issue in the community. Community convenings to identify sustainable development priorities and prompt dialogue. Community learning opportunities that educate and guide the general public on tangible ways of making sustainable choices. Educational campaigns targeted to getting important information into the hands of community stakeholders and decision-makers. Equipment or supplies needed to implement a local food system project, sustainable agricultural project, or a project designed to combat climate change. Equity The organization or project is working towards a community that is equitable, particularly with respect to historically marginalized populations. Historically marginalized communities are groups who have been overlooked, misunderstood, misrepresented, and/or excluded from places where decisions are being made. Many groups were (and some continue to be) denied full participation in mainstream cultural, social, political, and economic activities. Marginalized communities can include people of color, women, LGBTQ+, individuals who have been incarcerated and families that have been disrupted by crime, people with disabilities, older adults, people experiencing poverty, and many more. Equity Grants Allowable Uses and Expenses Listed below are some examples of things that grant dollars might be used for: Expenses associated with work that mobilizes community members to take action that will lead to a more equitable community.Equipment, supplies, training, communication, and/or staffing needed to take action that encourages civic engagement or to deliver services that promote inclusion and justice. Civic Engagement The nonpartisan organization or project is working to bring about social change, cultivate local leadership in the public or nonprofit sector, provide community education on government and other civic systems, and encourage participation in public meetings. Civic Engagement Grants Allowable Uses and Expenses Listed below are some examples of things that grant dollars might be used for: Education (e.g., educating about nonprofit leadership, civics and the constitution, voter registration, or curriculum development for schools on civic education and engagement.)Activities (e.g., speakers for New American audiences, sessions on how American democracy works, layers of government, intro to American democracy, registering to vote, workshops or seminars on civic responsibilities, or training programs for marginalized or underrepresented groups to increase participation in public decision-making and advocacy.) Removing barriers to voters and voter registration or encouraging engagement in other civic activities.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. To be eligible for West Central Initiative Grants, your organization must: Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, public or nonprofit school, or unit of government (including Tribal government or division) or must be fiscally sponsored by another organization with this status. Serve people in West Central Initiative’s geography, which includes nine counties: Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, and Wilkin and White Earth Nation.Requests can be for either general operating expenses or for a specific project or program. Events with long-term impact may be considered. General operating support is most likely to be awarded to an organization that has an established presence and several years of activity in their community.

Ineligibility

Grant dollars can’t be used to cover expenses incurred prior to grant approval or for religious activities, lobbying, or political activities.    Funds managed by West Central Initiative are not eligible at this time.