Minnesota Community IDEAS Grant Program
Forecasted
Minnesota Community IDEAS Grant Program supports Minnesota organizations in designing, testing and spreading community-led ideas that address root causes and create lasting, equitable change.
Funder: Bush Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Interest form) | April 2027 (Invited full application)
Funding Amounts: $1.6 million annually, 2025–2027; nine awards of $125,000 each in 2026
Summary: Supports Minnesota organizations designing, testing and spreading community-led ideas for lasting, equitable change.
Key Information: Previous Minnesota Community IDEAS award recipients are ineligible; full applications are by invitation following random selection.
Description
The Minnesota Community IDEAS Program supports organizations designing, testing and spreading ideas that make communities better for everyone through meaningful, community-led change. Funded by the Bush Foundation and administered by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, the program launched in 2025 to serve Minnesota and the 11 Native Nations within the same geography. It seeks transformational, long-lasting impact through ideas, communities and organizations of all sizes.
Five values guide the program: Innovation, Development, Equity, Agency and Solutions. Priorities include bold responses to community challenges, actionable plans for developing and testing ideas, and equitable outcomes for historically underserved communities. Community members should help shape and implement the work, reflecting local experiences, priorities, culture and strengths. Proposed solutions should address root causes and systemic challenges, with potential to inspire others or become models for future success.
