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Find similar grantsInnovation Fund Grant Program is sponsored by Initiative Foundation. This program supports start-up or capacity-building projects across 14 counties of Central Minnesota. Priority is given to projects with local financial support and those addressing urgent needs, behavioral change, workforce shortages, or early-stage feasibility/pilot projects.
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About the Innovation Fund | Contra Costa County, CA Official Website The Innovation Fund is an initiative of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors to stimulate and seed demonstration programs and innovative public service projects for the benefit of Contra Costa County residents.
The Board allocated $2 million of Measure X sales tax dollars in FY 2022/23 and an additional $2 million in FY 2024/25 to sponsor this competitive grant program among nonprofit community-based organizations in response to local service needs. The Innovation Fund is administered by the County Administrator's Office on behalf of the Board of Supervisors. What distinguishes the Innovation Fund from other County grant programs?
The Innovation Fund seeks to Invest in approaches that may have a higher risk of failure, but also have the potential to be lasting and truly game changing if they succeed. Unlike traditional grantmaking, the Innovation Fund intentionally seeks to trade off probability of success in return for greater potential impact. The Innovation Fund acts as a proving ground for new, untested public service models.
Existing programs are ineligible for the Innovation Fund. Grant rounds are conducted in two Phases: (1) Project Concept Proposals, up to $5,000 and (2) Project Implementation Proposals up to $1,950,000. Five projects were funded in the total amount of $1,820,737 during the first grant round for the period December 1, 2023 through January 15, 2025.
Seven projects were funded in the total amount of $2,027,455 during the second grant round for the period May 1, 2025 through July 15, 2026. (the second round relied on a portion of the first round fund balance). Continue reading to learn about the Board's priorities, parameters, and eligibility criteria for the Innovation Fund.
Click on the buttons below to find links to previous public reports and more information on the fabulous First Round projects, and on the process to be conducted for the Second Round of grants. 📺 🎥 Meet the 2025 Contra Costa County Innovation Fund Round 1 Grantees! Watch our new video series, powered by Measure X: 🔗 https://www.
youtube. com/watch?
v=1pTIcDfkYs4 Innovation Fund Priorities The Board established four priorities that distinguish the Innovation Fund from other County-sponsored community grant opportunities: Innovation Fund Eligibility The Board established eligibility criteria for the Innovation Fund applicants to be verified by written evidence provided by the applicant: IRS Tax-Exempt Organization designation under section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code (most nonprofits) Operate in Contra Costa County or provide documented services for residents of Contra Costa County Meet County insurance requirements, including: General Liability Insurance coverage of at least $500,000 Indemnifying the County, and covering for any emergent liabilities Workers compensation insurance is required for organizations that have employees, or if volunteers receive ANY stipends/payment Have bylaws or policies that describe the way business is conducted including management, fiscal policies and procedures, and policies on nepotism and the management of potential conflicts of interest.
Have at least one year of experience with the project or in the program area being proposed. Have staff or authorized representatives adequately trained to administer and provide the program described. Project/Program Categories The Board defined five broad program/project categories to guide the Fund's Review Panel in evaluating and recommending projects for the Board's final consideration.
In October 2023, the Board awarded Innovation Fund grants totaling $1,820,737 to five promising projects (click on First Round Awards, above). With the adoption of the FY 2024/25 County Budget, the Board made a second $2 million Measure X allocation to fund a new competitive grant round that was, again, conducted in two phases.
The application period for Round 2, Phase 2 closed on January 27, 2025 and final awards were made on March 25, 2025. See Second Round Awards for more information. Government Websites by CivicPlus®
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Nonprofits in Central Minnesota. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows seldom exceeds $5,000. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Innovation Fund Grant Program is funded by Initiative Foundation. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in Minnesota. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
Early Literacy Grant is a grant from the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) that provides books to organizations serving children from birth to age eight in southern Minnesota. The program partners with Mankato-based publishers Capstone and ABDO to supply free books that families can keep, supporting school readiness and early reading skills. Organizations—including schools, libraries, and nonprofits—working directly with young children in SMIF's 20-county region are eligible to apply. There is no stated cash award; recipients receive book distributions. The 2026 application window runs February 17 through March 17, with award decisions by May 1 and book pickup scheduled in Owatonna in late June 2026.
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation Economic Development Grant is sponsored by Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF). This program funds projects that boost local businesses, create jobs, and encourage innovation across SMIF's 20-county region and Native nation. It specifically targets organizations providing direct services to help people start or expand small businesses.