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Grant guidelines

A note from the Foundation:

In times of crisis, we recognize that the ways we support our community need to be flexible and responsive. Our grant program has been redesigned with that in mind.

Geography

The Mardag Foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations and public entities located within and serving residents of Minnesota. The geographic focus of our grantmaking is the East Metro area of Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties, as well as Greater Minnesota.

Priorities

The Mardag Foundation has three focus areas and will consider proposals that address one or more of the following.

• Improving the lives of low-income Children, Youth and Families that lack access to critical opportunities and resources that they need
• Supporting older adults across Minnesota who lack access or have barriers to critical opportunities to thrive and create community connections
• Building capacity to improve community vitality through Arts and Culture

Eligibility

Grants can be made to 501(c)3 organizations, education or governmental units and religious institutions.

Current & Past Grant Status

Current grantees are eligible to apply for funding that would begin after the end of their current grant period. For this year only, nonprofits who have had three years of consecutive funding are eligible to apply for one year of general operating support. Questions? Please call your program officer.

Types of Grants Available

In 2020, the Foundation WILL consider grant applications for:

• General operating - these grants provide flexible funding for nonprofits and will be made for a one-year period.
• Capital projects - these grants are generally paid over multiple years.
• We will also consider second and third year program grants for current grantees.

Grant Requests Not Accepted

The Foundation WILL NOT consider grant applications for:

• Programs exclusively serving Minneapolis and the surrounding West Metro area
• Scholarships and grants to individuals
• Sectarian religious programs or organizations
• Federated campaigns
• Events and conferences
• Capital campaigns of private secondary schools
• Capital and endowment campaigns of private colleges and universities

Important Dates

Grant applications for this cycle open on June 30 and close on August 4 at 3 p.m. Applicants will be notified if they are being considered for full review by early September. The board meets to make funding decisions in mid-to-late November.

Contact Us

Before applying, all interested applicants are encouraged to contact a program officer to ensure that your grant fits the requested need.