Systems Change Grant Program
Funds collaborative, equity-driven systems change initiatives in Minnesota’s East Metro that address root causes of community inequity through research, advocacy, organizing, and community-led solutions.
Funder: Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Letter of Inquiry) | April 2027 (Full Application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $1,200,000 total program funding; typical awards are multi-year general operating grants, with up to $50,000/year per grant or up to $250,000 over two years for capital; 2–3 grants awarded per cycle.
Summary: Supports collaborative, equity-focused systems change initiatives addressing root causes of community issues in Minnesota’s East Metro.
Key Information: Invitation-only; both LOI and full application require an invitation.
Description
The Systems Change Grant Program, managed by the F. R. Bigelow Foundation in partnership with the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation, funds organizations and initiatives working to address the root causes of inequity in the East Metro region of Minnesota (primarily Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties, with emphasis on Saint Paul). The program’s focus is on systems-level change—helping systems adapt, transform, or be disrupted for more equitable outcomes—with a strong commitment to racial equity and community voice.
Grants support non-partisan activities such as advocacy, organizing, research, civic engagement, narrative change, and storytelling (excluding lobbying). Priority is given to collaborative, community-informed solutions that center those most impacted by inequity, especially BIPOC and other marginalized communities.
