The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) is administering the Cultural and Ethnic Studies Grants, funded through the State of Minnesota’s 2023–2025 biennial legislation and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (Legacy). This grant program will distribute a total of $500,000 to individuals and organizations in Minnesota who are developing educational materials that support K–12 students, with a specific focus on underrepresented communities that primarily rely on oral traditions. These include, but are not limited to, the Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Oromo cultures.

The grant aims to promote the creation of culturally relevant teaching resources for K–12 students, addressing the educational gaps for communities without a formal writing system. Eligible applicants must be based in Minnesota and may apply as individuals or as organizations. The grants are open to anyone able to demonstrate how their materials will serve K–12 students in Minnesota, especially those from the identified underrepresented communities.

The maximum amount a single applicant can request is $472,500, with the total program funding set at $500,000. Applicants requesting $25,000 or more are required to submit financial documentation with their application. Applicants must also include a letter of support from a licensed Minnesota teacher or school district official. In addition, applicants must explain how they will work with educators and demonstrate the intended creation and application of their materials.

Applications are due by April 7, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. CDT. The grant term runs through May 31, 2026, with final reports due by June 30, 2026. Two virtual information sessions were held via Zoom to assist applicants with both program and technical questions. A recording of these sessions is available through MHC’s website.

Interested applicants can reach out directly to Briza Maldonado at briza@mnhum.org for further information or questions. All applications must be submitted according to the guidelines in the official Request for Proposals (RFP), which includes detailed instructions on eligibility, required documentation, and selection criteria.