[McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org)

September 1, 2025 (recommended for current-year funding) | Rolling submissions

Operating and project grants; award size and duration vary by proposal.

Supports Minnesota organizations advancing policy improvement, nonpartisan information sharing, and policy research for vibrant and equitable communities.

Proposals accepted year-round; submit by September 1 for consideration in the current calendar year.

--- ## Description The McKnight Foundation’s Vibrant and Equitable Communities program provides operating and project grants to organizations in Minnesota. The program aims to accelerate economic mobility, build community wealth, cultivate a fair and just housing system, and strengthen democratic participation. Funding supports efforts to improve policies and administrative rules, share neutral and nonpartisan information on legislative issues, and conduct policy research. The Foundation may support organizations that engage in advocacy or lobbying, provided activities comply with IRS regulations. --- ## Due Dates - **Recommended submission for current-year funding:** September 1, 2025 - **Rolling submissions:** Applications are accepted year-round, but those submitted after September 1 may be considered for the following year due to year-end priorities. --- ## Funding Amount - **Award size:** Varies by project and organizational need; both operating and project grants are available. - **Duration:** Flexible, based on proposal (multi-year requests are possible). - **Note:** No set minimum or maximum; applicants should request amounts appropriate to their project or operating needs. --- ## Eligibility - **Geographic focus:** Minnesota-based organizations or projects serving Minnesota communities. - **Eligible applicants:** - IRS tax-exempt nonprofit organizations (most applicants) - Government entities (for innovative projects not traditionally the sole responsibility of government) - **Ineligible activities:** - Basic social services (e.g., food shelves, emergency shelter) - Health services - Parks, open spaces, or transit/transportation (see other McKnight programs) - Pre-K-12 education, workforce training, scholarships, or individual assistance - Conferences, endowments, capital campaigns (except in rare cases) - Activities with a specific religious purpose - Lobbying prohibited by the Internal Revenue Code (e.g., attempts to influence specific legislation) --- ## Application Process - **Step 1:** Review [program approach and priorities](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/vibrant-and-equitable-communities/our-approach/). - **Step 2:** (Optional but encouraged) Contact the [Communities team](mailto:tgibson@mcknight.org) to discuss your fit before applying. - **Step 3:** Prepare your application. Preview the [application form (PDF)](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/Vibrant-and-Equitable-Communities-Application.pdf) or [Word version](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/Vibrant-and-Equitable-Communities-Application-Word-Version.docx). - **Step 4:** Submit your application online via the [application portal](https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_1082?SA=SNA&FID=35138). - **Step 5:** Foundation staff will contact you within two weeks of submission. Funding decisions are typically made within three months. **Required documents:** - Organization’s current year budget - Statement of activities (income and expenses, year-to-date vs. budget) - For project/capital/multi-type requests: detailed project budget for the first year --- ## Additional Information - The Foundation may fund advocacy and policy work, but not direct lobbying on specific legislation. - Proposals should align with at least one of the program’s four strategies: economic mobility, community wealth, housing, or democratic participation. - The application includes questions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and organizational demographics. - For current-year funding, submit by September 1 due to year-end review timelines. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & How to Apply](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/vibrant-and-equitable-communities/how-to-apply/) - [Program Approach & Priorities](https://www.mcknight.org/programs/vibrant-and-equitable-communities/our-approach/) - [Funding FAQ](https://www.mcknight.org/grants/funding-faq/) - [Application Form (PDF)](https://www.mcknight.org/wp-content/uploads/Vibrant-and-Equitable-Communities-Application.pdf) - [Start Application](https://www.grantrequest.com/SID_1082?SA=SNA&FID=35138) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://www.mcknight.org/about/contact-us/) | | Phone | +1 612-333-4220 | | Program Email | [tgibson@mcknight.org](mailto:tgibson@mcknight.org) (Vibrant & Equitable Communities) | | Foundation Website | [https://www.mcknight.org](https://www.mcknight.org) |

Vibrant and Equitable Communities

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