Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless, a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization, has transitioned its primary grant program to be known as the Community Impact Grant. This rebranding reflects a strategic shift towards emphasizing measurable, positive community change, with an increased focus on accountability, transparency, and alignment with the organization's mission. The newly named Community Impact Grant replaces the former Hunger and Homeless Grant, highlighting a commitment to supporting crisis service providers addressing food and housing insecurity.

The Community Impact Grant is specifically designed for organizations that serve adults, families, and youth who are experiencing food and housing insecurity across the state of Minnesota. The program emphasizes providing these agencies with the necessary infrastructure, tools, and equipment to enhance their service delivery. A strong preference is given to organizations assisting those currently unhoused, whether on the streets or in shelters.

Eligible applicants include agencies whose primary mission is to serve food and housing insecure Minnesotans. These organizations must have 501(c)(3) status or be recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS, including schools, governmental units, or tribal governments. Additionally, agencies that do not have direct tax-exempt status may apply if they operate under a fiscal agent that has 501(c)(3) status. Each eligible agency may submit only one application per year, and any outstanding grant closures must be resolved before submitting a new application.

The Community Impact Grant opens three times a year, each with its own submission window. For 2025, the first round opened on February 3 and closed on February 28. The second round opens on May 5 and closes on May 30, while the third round opens on August 4 and closes on August 29. Each deadline requires submissions to be completed by 4:00 PM on the respective closing date. The average grant size awarded through this program is approximately $7,000.

Grantees are required to complete a closure form within 45 days of fund utilization, certifying that the funds were used in accordance with the original proposal. This form is available via the same grant portal used for the initial application and is mandatory for future funding eligibility. A new portal system was introduced in 2024, requiring applicants to create a new user profile, even if they have applied previously.

For technical assistance with the grant portal, applicants may contact Z2Support@wizehive.com. For general questions about the grant process, priorities, or eligibility, inquiries can be directed to office@oyh.org or by calling 612-338-5577. The organization is located at 2909 S. Wayzata Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55405.