[Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation](https://spmcf.org)

Rolling (requests accepted year-round)

$2,500–$20,000 per grant; total pool $250,000 for 2026; one-year grant period

One-time emergency grants for Food Access or Housing organizations in East Metro and Greater Minnesota facing urgent needs from disasters or unexpected repairs.

Requests are accepted via email; no formal application portal required.

--- ## Description This program provides rapid, one-time emergency funding to Food Access or Housing organizations serving low-income children, youth, families, or older adults in Minnesota's East Metro (Dakota, Ramsey, Washington counties) and Greater Minnesota. The grants are intended to address urgent, unexpected financial gaps resulting from natural or environmental disasters, or for critical, unforeseen maintenance and repairs to buildings, vehicles, technology, or equipment. The program prioritizes organizations advancing equity and involving those most affected in shaping and leading initiatives. --- ## Due Dates - Rolling: Requests are accepted at any time throughout the year. --- ## Funding Amount - Grants range from **$2,500 up to $20,000** per award, based on need. - Grant periods will not exceed **one year**. - The total pool for this program is **$250,000** in 2026. - Two-thirds of funds are allocated to Greater Minnesota, one-third to East Metro. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible organizations:** - 501(c)(3) nonprofits - Government entities - Educational institutions - Groups working through an eligible fiscal sponsor - **Geographic focus:** Must be located within and serving residents of Minnesota; priority for East Metro (Dakota, Ramsey, Washington counties) and Greater Minnesota. - **Program focus:** Must be a Food Access or Housing organization serving low-income children, youth, families, or older adults. - **Grant frequency:** - An organization may receive only one emergency grant at a time and must wait a full calendar year before reapplying. - Priority is given to organizations that have not received a grant from this program in the last 18 months. - **Preference:** For organizations addressing disparities and promoting equitable outcomes for marginalized communities, and for those based in Minnesota. - **Not eligible:** - Organizations exclusively serving Minneapolis or the West Metro (Anoka, Carver, Hennepin, Scott counties). - Proposals seeking to replace a loss of government funding. --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Grant Guidelines:** Ensure your organization and project fit the program criteria. 2. **Contact the Grants Team:** Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Derek Taylor or another member of the [Grants Team](https://mardag.org/grants-team/) to discuss eligibility and fit before submitting a request. 3. **Submit Request:** There is no formal application portal. Requests are accepted on a rolling basis via email. Interested applicants should email Derek Taylor at [derek.taylor@spmcf.org](mailto:derek.taylor@spmcf.org?subject=Mardag%20Foundation%20Emergency%20Grant%20Program). 4. **Stay Connected:** Regardless of award outcome, applicants are encouraged to stay in touch and join the Foundation's email list. --- ## Additional Information - Current grantees may be eligible for funding, but must contact the Grants Team for guidance. - Organizations may only hold one active Community Emergency grant at a time. - The program emphasizes involvement of those experiencing barriers in shaping and leading funded initiatives. --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines & Application Page](https://mardag.org/grants/community-emergency-grant-program) - [Download 2026 Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://mardag.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/Mardag-Foundation-Community-Emergency-Grant-Program-Guidelines.pdf) - [Grant Application Resources](https://mardag.org/grant-resources/) - [Meet the Grants Team](https://mardag.org/grants-team/) - [Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation](https://spmcf.org) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |-----------------|---------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|--------------| | Derek Taylor | Community Impact Partner | [derek.taylor@spmcf.org](mailto:derek.taylor@spmcf.org?subject=Mardag%20Foundation%20Emergency%20Grant%20Program) | 651.325.4237 | | Grants Team | General Inquiries | [communityimpact@spmcf.org](mailto:communityimpact@spmcf.org?subject=Mardag%20Foundation%20Inquiry) | 651.325.4253 | For technical support with applications, email [grantsadmin@spmcf.org](mailto:grantsadmin@spmcf.org?subject=Technical%20Support). ---

Community Emergency Grant Program

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