The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation’s Democracy Grant Program seeks to strengthen organizing that builds power, narrative, leaders and infrastructure for lasting change.
Donor Name: Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
State: Minnesota
County: Dakota County (MN), Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/06/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: 5 Years
Details:
Priorities
The Democracy Grant Program will consider proposals that address one or more of the following:
- Organizing across issues (e.g., economic justice, climate justice) that builds power and strengthens democratic participation and/or works to improve the material conditions of Minnesota communities
- Narrative infrastructure and storytelling that expands civic voice and dialogue towards an equitable democracy and a just Minnesota
- Infrastructure and institution building that expands movement landscape, strengthens leaders and equips changemaking ecosystem for lasting power-building
Funded work could include any of the following and more:
- Cross-issue organizing around topics of economic justice, public safety, environment/climate, LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, immigration, Indigenous governance and sovereignty, civic engagement working to improve the material conditions of Minnesota communities
- Organizing strategies that expand base-building and grow new constituencies to build a bigger “They”
- Organizing that builds narrative infrastructure and power to shape storytelling and expand civic discourse for a just Minnesota
Funding Information
- Grant amounts will be $100,000 per year for a five-year grant period, for total grant amounts of $500,000 per grantee
- In 2026, up to $2,000,000 is available for this grant program, and anticipate awarding approximately 20 grants.
Geographic Areas
Through this grant program, they are proud to serve and fund the East Metro region (Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties) and Greater Minnesota. They do not fund organizations primarily serving the West Metro (Anoka, Carver, Hennepin or Scott counties).
Eligibility Criteria
- Grants can be made to 501(c)3, 501(c)4 and 501(c)6 nonprofits, government entities, educational institutions or organizations with a fiscal sponsor.
- Organizations should have a demonstrated impact or potential for impact in the geography served.
For more information, visit SPMCF.
