Community Sharing Fund
Community Sharing Fund supports individuals and families in three Minnesota counties with emergency help for housing, utilities and other essential needs to resolve unforeseen, short-term financial crises.
Funder: Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation
Due Dates: Incomplete/unsubmitted applications: closed 60 days after starting
Funding Amounts: $100–$1,000 per grant; up to $1,500 for housing assistance
Summary: Emergency assistance for individuals and families facing verifiable, short-term financial crises when other resources are unavailable.
Key Information: Caseworkers apply on clients’ behalf through referring nonprofit organizations; individuals cannot apply directly.
Description
The Community Sharing Fund is an emergency assistance program run by the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation. Working with more than 100 community organizations, it identifies individuals and families facing short-term financial setbacks in Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties, Minnesota. The fund supports rent, damage deposits, utilities, medical expenses, childcare, transportation and other critical health and human services needs when other services or funds are unavailable.
Assistance is intended to resolve immediate crises caused by unforeseen events, rather than problems expected to recur in the near future. For 2025–2027, the Foundation’s strategic goals are to respond to emerging community needs, address systemic issues alongside immediate needs, support community partners’ sustainability and ensure the fund’s financial future.
