Advancing Economic Mobility – Capacity Building Grants

Advancing Economic Mobility – Capacity Building Grants is sponsored by The Minneapolis Foundation. Supports small- to medium-sized nonprofits working to advance economic mobility and racial and economic justice.

2025 ADVANCING ECONOMIC MOBILITY – CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS 2025 Economic Mobility – Capacity Building Grants The Minneapolis Foundation announces a call for proposals from organizations that advance economic mobility. This grant round reflects updates we have made to our Racial and Economic Justice grant program in response to feedback about the need for more flexible resources to support nonprofit organizations working in this space.

Our 2025 grants will focus on capacity building and operating support as these organizations adjust to changes in the funding and policy landscape. Eligibility and Priorities for Funding Funding will be awarded to organizations working to build a more sustainable economic landscape in which communities can thrive and individuals have greater economic mobility.

Eligible applicants include: Small- to Medium-Sized Nonprofits with budgets of up to approximately $3 million and a track record of demonstrated success in: Advancing structural and systems change through civic participation, community organizing, and policy advocacy. Investing in economic systems and practices that support economic mobility, close wealth gaps, and stabilize communities.

Nonprofit Intermediaries with larger budgets that have experience providing capacity-building services to small- to medium-sized nonprofits that align with the description above. Priority will be given to organizations based in and serving Minneapolis communities and the inner-ring suburbs of Hennepin County (Brooklyn Center, Edina, Golden Valley, Richfield, Robbinsdale, and St. Louis Park).

Priority will also be given to organizations that foster economic mobility by providing support to small businesses. The Minneapolis Foundation’s staff-directed grantmaking focuses on advancing equity in three core areas: Economic mobility, education, and the environment. Our work is guided by our Strategic Framework , which calls on us to support those most affected by issues and to invest in community-led solutions.

This grant round is the latest iteration of our Racial and Economic Justice grant program , which funds grant partners working on issues related to economic mobility. It was influenced by the voices of many key stakeholders as well as investments we have made over the past four years to support economic mobility by strengthening small businesses investing in key commercial corridors.

We aim to support those most impacted by economic issues and to invest in community-led solutions. We will fund activities that support scenario and transitional planning that build capacity and strengthen nonprofit organizational structures. These include, but are not limited to: Financial Assessment and Management to properly assess, manage, and identify private, institutional, state, and federal funding sources.

Diversifying and rightsizing funding and revenue sources Upgrading financial systems to track and report financials to ensure long-term financial health Staff and Administrative Capacity to manage and improve programs that have experienced increased demands. Staffing to meet increased demand Evaluation of program efficacy Technology Resources to help nonprofit organizations update and evolve the systems they use to meet community needs.

Database system updates to efficiently capture and organize data on service delivery and outcomes Cybersecurity updates to accurately track and protect data Organization Planning to help nonprofit leaders and their boards reflect and seek advice to increase organizational sustainability.

Leadership transition planning, including succession or collaborative leadership modeling Exploration of organizational mergers and consolidations Scenario planning and evaluation to identify long-term risks and opportunities Mission re-alignment to define mission, vision, and goals Community and Stakeholder Engagemen t to build stronger connections with the community, supporters, and donors for increased visibility and impact.

Development of strategic partnerships to amplify impact and responsiveness Advocacy and community organizing to foster civic participation Increased communications, information sharing, and engagement with community and stakeholders Legal Resources to ensure nonprofits can operate while minimizing legal risks and maximizing their ability to serve communities.

Implementation of risk management strategies Creation and review of contracts, mergers, acquisitions, and dissolutions Work to ensure compliance with changing state and federal regulations We have approximately $3 million available to grant, with awards expected to range between $50,000 and $75,000. Organizations may allocate up to 25% of the total grant amount for overhead costs.

These overhead costs are intended to cover indirect expenses that support the overall operation of your organization but are not directly tied to the execution of the capacity building project. Application Process and Deadline All applications must be submitted through our online portal. We will begin accepting applications on March 12, 2025.

The deadline to submit your application is 1 p. m. on April 15, 2025.

Late applications will not be accepted. Please do not submit multiple applications; only one application per organization will be reviewed. Before beginning your application online, we recommend downloading this document to preview the application questions.

These include links to the following templates, which you will be required to complete and upload as part of your application. Collaboration List Template (if applicable) Funding Decisions and Terms of Grant Funding decisions will be made in May 2025. The grant period for this opportunity will be from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026.

Grant recipients will be required to submit a final report 60 days after the conclusion of the grant period. We hosted an optional information session about this grant round on Monday, March 17. Review the slide deck we shared or watch the full recording .

Questions About Guidelines Contact Program Officer Josh Johnson at JJohnson2@mplsfoundation. org . Question: Our organization is located outside of Minneapolis but serves the Minneapolis area.

Answer: If more than 50% of your work is in Minneapolis and its first-ring suburbs, please specify that in your application if you choose to apply. Question: Can we apply for funding to contribute to our operating reserves? Question: Are the templates available outside of the application portal?

Answer: Yes, please find the template files located on the funding opportunity landing website. Foundation Awards $3. 4 Million in Grants to Advance Economic Mobility Giving Her All to Help Kids Experience Nature Thank you for subscribing!

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