Ameriprise Financial provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations to strengthen communities and promote financial independence for individuals. Their grantmaking focuses on three main areas: Meeting Basic Needs, Supporting Community Vitality, and Volunteer-Driven Causes. This strategic focus ensures that their resources have a broad and meaningful impact on the communities they serve. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, demonstrate measurable outcomes, and show financial stability, with detailed documentation such as a Federal 990 and a financial audit or review.

The first priority area, Meeting Basic Needs, focuses on programs that address hunger, shelter, and adult self-sufficiency. For hunger, Ameriprise funds food banks, pantries, and hunger-relief efforts, prioritizing programs that serve large numbers of individuals and specific populations such as children, seniors, and ethnic communities. The shelter focus supports emergency housing, transitional and permanent housing, and efforts to end chronic homelessness. It also includes homeownership assistance and repairs for vulnerable populations. Adult self-sufficiency programs focus on job readiness, financial literacy, and employment services for adults aged 21 and older, particularly targeting financial stability and employability.

Supporting Community Vitality includes funding for community development, cultural enrichment, and disaster relief. Community development initiatives eligible for grants include economic development, small business support, and neighborhood revitalization. Cultural enrichment programs that feature diverse artists and arts education, particularly those reaching underserved communities, are also supported. While disaster relief and recovery are part of this priority, funding in this area is by invitation only, as Ameriprise has existing partnerships with organizations like the American Red Cross.

The Volunteer-Driven Causes focus area specifically supports nonprofit organizations in the Minneapolis and St. Paul region that engage at least 25 Ameriprise volunteers. Volunteerism is a significant aspect of Ameriprise’s corporate culture, and while volunteer engagement is prioritized, it is not mandatory for all grant applications. Grants under this category are typically around $5,000.

Ameriprise also places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion in their grantmaking. They support organizations that share these values and adhere to their non-discrimination policy. Applications that do not align with this policy or fail to meet other eligibility criteria, such as funding requests for capital campaigns, multi-year commitments, or international projects, will be denied. Additionally, Ameriprise does not fund medical research, political activities, religious organizations, or startup funding for new organizations.

The grant application process is straightforward, with deadlines on January 15 and May 15 each year. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply through Ameriprise’s online portal, ensuring that all required documentation is uploaded at the time of submission. Incomplete applications, or those with placeholder documents, will not be considered. After submission, nonprofits can expect to receive funding decisions within approximately four months.

Ameriprise has a history of supporting national partners, including Feeding America, the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels America, and others. Local grants were distributed across 29 states and Washington, D.C., in 2023, further reflecting the wide geographical reach of their grantmaking efforts. Organizations interested in applying should ensure their programs align with the grantmaking criteria and focus areas to maximize their chances of receiving support.