The Wilder’s Community Equity Programming is a catalyst for transformative change, empowering community members to lead, advocate, and reimagine Minnesota’s legislative landscape.
Donor Name: Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
State: Minnesota
County: Anoka County (MN), Carver County (MN), Dakota County (MN), Hennepin County (MN), Ramsey County (MN), Scott County (MN), Washington County (MN)
Type of Grant: Program
Deadline: 06/15/2025
Size of the Grant: Not Available
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Community Equity Program’s mission is to deepen engagement of diverse communities in the legislative process by building connections to people, communities, groups, and organizations that influence or enact public policy.
Why participate in CEP?
By participating in the program you will:
- Develop skills and knowledge necessary for navigating and advocating during a legislative session including: legislative timelines, state budgets, navigating the Capitol campus, reading/drafting bill language, policy analysis, coalition building, preparing and delivering testimonies, and more
- Collectively cultivate a space to discuss and critique the historic and present harms of political systems, its impact on underrepresented communities’ physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, and dream of and integrate restorative pathways of governance
- Engage in an immersive experience by participating in legislative coalitions and supporting legislation that directly impacts people from underrepresented communities and their respective communities
- Build meaningful relationships with your AMAZING cohort and alumni through monthly social events and activities (ex. hiking, museums, bowling, trivia, etc.)
- Connect with other leaders outside the cohort who are passionate and knowledgeable about different topics and work in relevant fields, such as legislative staff, community organizers, activists, journalists, elected officials, lobbyists, etc.
- Examine and cultivate personal leadership through reflection and critical analysis of your experience navigating the legislative process
- Share your knowledge from this program and help to engage others’ in advocacy.
Eligibility Criteria
Their program is open to applicants who are both early and seasoned in their political leadership journeys. At CEP, they are more interested in learning about your passions and commitment to activating change in community than popularity, degrees or accolades (though they’re sure you worked hard for those as well!). Everyone has something to learn and share from/with one another and they welcome the unique experiences that each person brings with them to the program. In order to apply, applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older by September 1st, 2025
- Be a part of an underrepresented community or a strong ally of underrepresented communities
- Reside in the Twin Cities metro area (this program year will be predominantly in person with a few virtual sessions) – Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties
- Have an interest and commitment to impacting state-level legislative policy in Minnesota
- Be committed and available to attend at least 90% of scheduled cohort meetings and program-related activities during the extent of the program (students are welcome to apply if they can guarantee their availability the ENTIRE program year)
- Committed to creating a safe space for people to share about their lived experiences with empathy and solidarity.
For more information, visit AHWF.
