Funding Resources
Funding for Community Projects:
Minnesota-based and Local Grants
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Wal-Mart Community Giving - The Wal-Mart Foundation gives priority to traditionally underserved groups, veterans, people with disabilities, and those surviving natural disasters through the four focus areas of education, workforce training (job counseling, etc. ), health and wellness, and environmental sustainability. Individuals may not apply (for full list of eligible and ineligible applicants, see the above web page). Grant awards are from $1,000-$5,000 and are made to local nonprofit organizations. To apply, ask for an application from the Community Involvement Coordinator at your local Wal-Mart. The phone number of the store in Faribault is (507) - 332-0232 Once the application is completed, hand it in person to the Community Involvement Coordinator, as faxed or mailed applications will be immediately disqualified.
The Rockefeller Foundation - a generally philanthropic organization, usually funds things on a large scale. The application must be filled out online, and after reviewing the application if the foundation is interested in your project they will contact you for further information.
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Minnesota-based and Local Grants
The Northfield Area Foundation - A part of the Minnesota Community Foundation, it makes annual grants of $1,000-$5,000. Applications are due by November 1st every year, and then awards are given in February. Grants are made only to tax-exempt organizations and do not cover general operating costs. The priorities of the foundation are projects that: preserve the heritage and improve the quality of life and well-being in the Northfield area (ie cultural arts, multiculturalism, youth development, senior adults, historical preservation, community livability, and the environment); facilitate cooperation between Northfield organizations; respond to community needs; encourage volunteerism; increase funds and other resources for the Northfield community.
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Search Engines
Foundation Center - a website with a search engine for grants, free tips and online tutorials about looking for and writing grants, and a list of philanthropy organizations looking for projects to fund (the RFP page).
USA.gov for Nonprofits - a US federal website with searches for all federal grants that are available to nonprofits. It also has some grantwriting tips, listings of surplus government property set aside for nonprofits, and tax-exempt information.
