1,000+ Opportunities
Find the right grant
Search federal, foundation, and corporate grants with AI — or browse by agency, topic, and state.
Deadline March 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Decisions within 90 days.
The Central Minnesota Difference Maker Grants, offered by the Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF), provide $10,000 to $30,000 to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations focused on helping individuals and families maintain stable housing in Benton, Stearns, and Sherburne Counties. Applications open February 1, 2026, with a March 31 deadline.
Competitive applicants demonstrate partnerships with local housing nonprofits, leverage multiple funding sources, and address equity and disparities in their communities. The program prioritizes sustainable housing outcomes, long-term stability, and initiatives that inspire additional community investment.
Get alerted about grants like this
Save a search for “Central Minnesota Community Foundation” or related topics and get emailed when new opportunities appear.
Search similar grants →Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.
Central Minnesota "Difference Maker" Grants - CommunityGiving Central Minnesota “Difference Maker” Grants Application Open: February 1, 2026 Application Deadline: March 31 at 11:59pm - Decisions Made Within 90 Days of Deadline Foundation: Central Minnesota Community Foundation The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) seeks to make significant grants that will be the “Difference Maker” to organizations whose focus mission is to provide services that help individuals and families maintain stable housing.
These services will strengthen long-term housing success and reduce the risk of individuals and families becoming homeless. 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organizations Geographic Area: Grant must serve the residents of Benton, Stearns and/or Sherburne Counties.
Funding Amount Range: $10,000-$30,000 Focus Area: Keeping People Housed Demonstrate active partnerships or collaborative initiatives with other local nonprofits helping clients access or maintain stable housing Leverage multiple funding sources; applications relying solely on this grant are less competitive Focus on sustainable housing outcomes and long-term stability Address housing stability and permanence as a central part of their services Address equity and disparities across the community (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy) Offer the potential to inspire additional investments in the community If you are interested in learning more about this grant, or getting feedback on a proposal idea before submitting, we encourage you to set up a time to connect with a team member at the Central Minnesota Community Foundation.
Typically, we do not fund: Religious organizations for religious purposes Please see our Funding for Faith-Based Organizations Policy Political organizations or political campaigns This generally includes organizations with a 501 (c)(4) status that can advocate for causes and propositions and endorse specific candidates.
Event sponsorship or annual fundraising drives Organizations seeking continued support beyond the initial grant year are welcome to reapply in subsequent grant cycles.
For example, grant funds should not be used to: pay off an organization’s loans, lines of credit, unpaid bills, or deficits, cover past due obligations, such as back taxes or unpaid rent, refinance existing liabilities, even if related to previously funded projects Projects that have already been completed Applications seeking reimbursement for past work, retroactive funding, or previously concluded programs and completed capital projects are typically ineligible.
Individual academic scholarships for post-secondary education Grants solely for the purpose of travel or conferences Specifically, we do not fund travel for staff of agencies or organizations Government funding that has been reduced or eliminated Our resources are primarily intended to catalyze innovation, support sustainable solutions, and build long-term capacity, rather than substituting for public sector obligations.
Applicants who are unsure of their project or program’s eligibility are advised to reach out to our local staff prior to applying. This helps maintain an efficient review process for all. Submit application online using the CommunityGiving Grant Management System.
The Grant Advisory Committee will recommend applications for funding to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will make final funding decisions. All notification about this grant will be through emails.
Payout of Grants: upon recipient of electronically signed Grant Agreement. Grantee Required Documents: Grant Agreement and Final Report. Progress Report may be required if requested.
Required follow up documents will be submitted through the CommunityGiving Grant Management System. For questions about this grant or the online Grant Management System please call (320) 257-9715.
Scoring criteria used to review proposals for this grant.
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities serving residents of Benton, Stearns, and/or Sherburne Counties in Minnesota. Excludes individuals, religious organizations for religious purposes, political organizations, event sponsorships, multi-year requests, endowments, debt retirement. Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates $10,000 - $30,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is March 31, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Federal grant success rates typically range from 10-30%, varying by agency and program. Build a strong proposal with clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and a well-justified budget to improve your chances.
Requirements vary by sponsor, but typically include a project narrative, budget justification, organizational capability statement, and key personnel CVs. Check the official notice for the complete list of required attachments.
Yes — AI tools like Granted can help research funders, draft proposal sections, and check compliance. However, always review and customize AI-generated content to reflect your organization's unique strengths and the specific requirements of the solicitation.
Review timelines vary by funder. Federal agencies typically take 3-6 months from submission to award notification. Foundation grants may be faster, often 1-3 months. Check the program's timeline in the official solicitation for specific dates.
Many federal programs offer multi-year funding or allow competitive renewals. Check the official solicitation for continuation and renewal policies. Non-competing continuation applications are common for multi-year awards.