Rural Needs Grant Round
Forecasted
Rural Needs Grant Round supports organizations serving Central Minnesota with planning and implementation of rural projects that address poverty, meet immediate needs, and build long-term capacity.
Funder: Initiative Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Application deadline) | June 2028 (Application deadline — even-years cycle)
Funding Amounts: $1,000–$5,000
Summary: Supports planning and implementation of rural projects addressing poverty, immediate needs, and community priorities in Central Minnesota.
Key Information: Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, or government entities serving the specified Central Minnesota counties and Native nations.
Description
The Rural Needs Grant Round is jointly offered by the Initiative Foundation and the Central Minnesota Community Foundation to support planning and implementation of projects or programs addressing rural needs. Its population focus is people experiencing poverty, including those with specific, immediate needs that emergency and transitional activities can address.
Funding can establish new activities or supplement existing services, support assessments of community needs and assets, develop action plans, and carry rural projects into implementation. General operations, new programs and projects, and expanded programs and projects are eligible areas of support. Proposals must relate to identified program or agency needs. Matching funds, local cash or in-kind support, and work supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion receive favorable consideration.
