Small and Mighty Nonprofit Grants
The Initiative Foundation is pleased to offer Small and Mighty (SAM) Nonprofit Grants to support program and project needs of small nonprofit organizations making a difference across Central Minnesota. These flexible grants are designed to help organizations sustain their current work or grow their impact. These grants are supported in part by a gift from Debra Prazak.
Eligible organizations must have annual operating expenses of $100,000 or less.
What to Know
View the grant guidelines to learn more.
Who Can Apply?
This grant opportunity is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are based in and serve the Initiative Foundation’s Central Minnesota region and have annual operating expenses of $100,000 or less.
Preference will be given to organizations that have been actively working in their community for at least two years.
Grant Amount
- Up to $5,000 for organizations with operating expenses of $50,000 or less
- Up to $10,000 for organizations with operating expenses of $100,000 or less
What We’ll Fund
- Basic needs, such as food, housing and emergency support
- Economic programs, such as workforce development and financial stability
- Support for individuals impacted by crime or discrimination
- Non-clinical mental health and substance use support
Important Dates
- Oct. 1, 2026, at 4 p.m.: Application closes
- Grant selection notifications will be made within three weeks of the application deadline.
- Oct. 31, 2027: Proposed work must be completed and final report submitted.
Grant Questions
We encourage prospective applicants to reach out with questions or to discuss whether an idea may be a good fit. The Initiative Foundation team is happy to provide guidance and support throughout the process. Staff support is typically available from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.
Initiative Foundation staff members respect that there are varying levels of experience in completing applications and encourage open communication with applicants needing additional assistance. Send an email to [email protected] with questions.
