Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) is giving grants for emerging entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits driving economic growth and equity in Minnesota’s Asian American community.
Donor Name: Coalition of Asian American Leaders
State: Minnesota
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/13/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL) emerged out of the will of Minnesota’s Asian American community in 2013 when a small group of leaders came together to share their aspirations for creating an organization that would bring leaders from across sectors, generations, and ethnicities together. Throughout 2014, over 300 Asian Minnesotan leaders would come together, hosting multiple conversations using an asset-based approach and human-centered design processes to determine a course of action.
Leaders from across the state collectively affirmed their experiences of exclusion and invisibility, but they had a desire to demonstrate more impactful leadership to make Minnesota work better for all. These leaders created CAAL to be a network that equips and uplifts leaders, develops and takes action on shared agendas, and build across communities towards equity, justice, and prosperity.
This year, CAAL Ignite is offering grants for emerging entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations driving economic growth, equity, creativity, visibility, and community impact.
The purpose of this grant is to address the intersection of economic inequality and anti-Asian hate. Funded applications and projects must align with the goals of CAAL Ignite, which include:
- Building a stronger sense of cultural identity through history and solidarity across racial and ethnic groups
- Promoting socio-economic mobility with greater investments in Asian American leaders
- Increasing influence and decision-making power over policies that affect Asian American communities
- Changing the narrative to challenge anti-Asian stereotypes and combat hate.
Categories
The grant categories this year are:
- Emerging Entrepreneurs are individuals or very early-stage businesses still developing their idea or just getting started.
- Small Businesses are more established and generating consistent revenue Nonprofits are registered 501(c)(3) organizations or organizations/projects fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3)
Funding Information
- Emerging businesses → Apply for up to $5,000
- Small businesses → Apply for up to $15,000
- Nonprofits → Apply for up to $15,000
Eligible Projects
Eligible projects or activities may include:
- Emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Starting, growing, or expanding a business
- Projects aligned with CAAL’s community-defined priorities
- Nonprofits and community-based organizations
- Strengthening day-to-day operations
- Building organizational capacity
- Launching new or expanded programs or services
- Community initiatives
- Efforts that create lasting benefits for Minnesota’s Asian American community
Eligibility Criteria
CAAL seeks grantees dedicated to making a meaningful impact in Minnesota’s Asian American community. They seek emerging entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofits with innovative ideas that drive economic growth and create opportunities. Grantees should have a strong vision for addressing community needs, building equity, and strengthening connections, all while contributing to a more resilient and thriving future for all. Grantee qualifications include:
- For Emerging Entrepreneurs must:
- Be in the early stages of starting or developing a business.
- Have a business registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State as of December 31, 2025.
- Be majority-owned (51% or more) by a Minnesota resident.
- Generate less than $500,000 in gross annual revenue (if applicable).
- Provide tax documentation for 2025.
- For Nonprofits must:
- Be registered as a 501(c)(3) or be fiscally sponsored.
- Be registered to do business in Minnesota as of December 31, 2025.
- Have at least two years of financial reports (2024 & 2025).
- Provide IRS 990 or 990EZ forms.
- Have an annual operating budget of less than $500,000.
- Meet at least 2 of the following:
- The executive director is Asian American.
- At least 51% of board members are Asian American.
- At least 51% of staff are Asian American.
- For Small Businesses must:
- Be owned and operated in Minnesota.
- Be majority-owned (51% or more) by a Minnesota resident.
- Be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State as of December 31, 2025.
- Generate less than $500,000 in gross annual revenue.
For more information, visit CAAL.
