Fourth Generation Awards 2024 Grants, Announces Next Focus Issue

Fourth Generation, a giving circle hosted at the Minneapolis Foundation, wrapped up its 14th grantmaking cycle by awarding $90,000 to six local organizations. 

Fourth Generation is composed of rising leaders who care about local issues and want to make a bigger impact. The group’s next grantmaking cycle, which begins in September, will focus on youth-led initiatives. Fourth Generation welcomes new members, and fall is the perfect time to join. Sign up for their e-mail list to receive updates about the September kick-off meeting. 

This past year, the group focused on housing equity, with an emphasis on efforts to end homelessness and support Minnesotans experiencing housing insecurity.

One of their 2024 grants will support 180 Degrees. “Fourth Generation support ensures our shelters and housing programs are available for some of the most vulnerable in our community—girls healing from sex trafficking, youth who are homeless, and men rebuilding lives after incarceration,” said Dan Pfarr, CEO of 180 Degrees.

In 2023-24, Fourth Generation had 38 members who came together monthly to learn, pool their own contributions, and raise additional funds to support their chosen focus issue. As part of their grantmaking process, they researched community-based strategies and public policies to support people experiencing homelessness. They also heard from expert speakers, including community organizers and individuals who have personally experienced homelessness.  

After compiling a list of local organizations that provide housing services, they issued invitations to apply for funding and reviewed the resulting 11 applications. The group chose six organizations to fund, then got to know them in person through site visits, tours, and community events chosen by the grantees. 

In addition to making personal contributions, Fourth Generation members received corporate sponsorship from Cargill and Cordis Financial and hosted their annual Graze 4 Good fundraiser to expand their grantmaking. All told, the group raised $90,000.  

Each of the group’s six grantee partners received a base award of $10,000. Fourth Generation members voted on how to distribute the remaining $30,000. 

Fourth Generation’s 2024 grants include:  

• $17,200 to 180 DEGREES. This organization provides a range of services, including emergency shelter and transitional housing for youth at risk of homelessness and sexual exploitation, as well as housing and supportive services for formerly incarcerated men. Funding from Fourth Generation will support their community re-entry services for men at risk of or experiencing homelessness.    
• $15,100 to LIVED EXPERIENCE ADVOCACY NETWORK. This group supports people who have experienced homelessness as they engage in advocacy to end homelessness in Minnesota. A grant from Fourth Generation will support the network’s Day on the Hill programming and board stipends that will remove barriers to participation and help the network recruit board members with more diverse perspectives.  
• $15,400 to ONWARD EDEN PRAIRIE. This site-based youth transitional housing program provides housing and support for young people age 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Funding from Fourth Generation will support this nonprofit’s operating expenses and fuel their long-term plans for program expansion.   
• $15,400 to PHUMULANI MINNESOTA AFRICAN WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE. This nonprofit provides culturally specific resources to women and girls of African descent, with the goal of preventing domestic violence and sexual abuse in communities of color throughout Minnesota and the nation. Fourth Generation’s grant will support operational costs of the organization’s outreach and housing navigator services, as well as feasibility studies on the housing needs of survivors.   
• $13,600 to THE BRIDGE FOR YOUTH, an organization that empowers youth experiencing homelessness through safe shelter, basic needs, and healthy relationships. Fourth Generation’s grant will support programming such as the organization’s youth response center, housing programs, and outreach services.  
• $13,300 to UNITED RENTERS FOR JUSTICE, which convenes low-income, BIPOC, and immigrant tenants to organize for a just housing ecosystem in North and South Minneapolis. Funding from Fourth Generation will support geographic expansion of the organization’s usual organizing in one neighborhood at a time and expand access to their services by covering direct program expenses and occasional court fees.  

Learn more about Fourth Generation and join their mailing list.