Last year forced us to reflect on ourselves, the world, and what it means to be strong. It also marked the Minneapolis Foundation’s first full year of work guided by our new Strategic Framework. As we continued to respond to local needs inflamed by the pandemic and civil unrest, we were inspired by the many donors, nonprofits, and community members who power our work.
Our approach to grantmaking flows from the insights we gained in building our new Strategic Framework – a process of deep listening and co-creation with our community. Today more than ever, we strive to invest in community-led systems change, tackling problems at their roots by uplifting the voices, ideas, and leadership of those most affected by injustice and racism. As a result, we re-visioned our grant programs to offer funding opportunities that are more frequent, more streamlined, and more responsive to emerging needs.
As part of these changes, in early 2021 we launched two new annual grant rounds:
Our Reimagine Education grants elevate student and community voices, provide opportunities for educators to build their understanding of race and implement strategies that create inclusive schools, and advance policy changes to create a more equitable education system.
Our Racial and Economic Justice grants fuel organizations that advance systems change, build wealth and stabilize communities, and promote narrative strategies focused on racial and economic justice.
Ran 7 competitive grant rounds and engaged 90+ community members in grant design, decision-making, and evaluation.
“This grant provided our scholars with a chance to breathe in peace and focus on creation instead of the grief and loss of this year.”
– Kate Mensing, teacher, Sojourner Truth Academy, 2021 Safe Communities Micro Grant recipient
Our work is powered by our donors—individuals, families, and businesses who care about strengthening communities in Minnesota and beyond. Here’s a glimpse of the impact they’re making:
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The Minnesota Housing Partnership advocates for equitable housing policy, conducts research to inform solutions, and delivers community development services throughout the US.
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Bridgemakers is a holistic civic social and financial capacity-building platform that amplifies the stories and mentors the leadership of black, brown, and otherwise marginalized youth.
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Change Starts With Community is working to eliminate hunger amongst children and adults in North Minneapolis and to use food as a violence prevention tool for gender-based violence.
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As our community marked the first anniversary of George Floyd’s murder in May 2021, we partnered with Westminster Town Hall Forum on a special series of talks featuring nationally prominent voices in the pursuit of racial justice.
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What can we do together to ensure that Minnesota remains an arts haven? We’re diving into that question this year in a series of interviews with local artists and arts organizations.
Learn MoreIn 2021, we launched a new online space for our community to learn, grow, and take action together.
Now celebrating its third year, Conversations with Chanda has produced 80+ episodes with local and national thought leaders, reaching thousands of listeners in Minnesota and around the world.
Here are three ways our generous community is coming together to address critical needs:
Inspired by the work we’re doing together with our partners? Find out how a fund at the Minneapolis Foundation can help you make an impact on the issues you care about.
