The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is currently accepting applications for its Economic Development Grant Program.
Donor Name: Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
State: Minnesota
City: Selected Cities
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 08/10/2026
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Economic Development Grant supports projects that strengthen local business activity, promote steady economic growth across SMIF’s 20-county region and Native nation, encourage innovation, job creation, and broader access to opportunity. The program supports organizations that provide direct services to help people start or expand small businesses, and that create welcoming environments where more residents can participate in southern Minnesota’s business support network. While all communities in SMIF’s region will be considered, preference is given to organizations or projects serving communities with populations.
Funding Information
Requests of up to $10,000 will be considered.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be:
- In 2026, this grant is open to IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. In 2027, this grant will be open to units/agencies of government and public institutions.
- Other IRS-designated 501(c) nonprofit organizations or informal/grassroots groups may apply with an eligible fiscal host that is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organization.
- Projects must directly benefit SMIF’s 20-county region and/or Native nation
- Only one application per organization will be considered. If your organization submits more than one application (for example, from different departments), only the first application submitted will be considered.
Ineligibility
- Individuals, businesses, or for-profit entities regardless of eligible fiscal agent.
- General operating or day-to-day costs not directly tied to the project, including application preparation.
- More than 10% of project related staffing or administrative costs
- Capital expenses, real estate purchases, fixed assets, or equipment.
- Capital campaigns, endowments, general marketing efforts for the organization, fundraising, public relations, R&D, political activities, lobbying, or membership in lobbying focused organizations.
- Completed projects, existing deficits, bad debt, late fees, contingency funds, or project expenses incurred before application.
- Mandated programs or services, routine municipal maintenance, planning, or zoning.
- Workforce development projects/programs.
- Re-granting or loan pool creation/replenishment.
- Research only projects or school related internships
- Participant stipends (Support for participant fees for individuals with limited financial means may be considered.)
- Entertainment, social activities, gifts, alcohol, meals, or related costs.
- Organizations with an open Economic Development Grant.
For more information, visit Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.
