The Central Minnesota Special Needs Grant is offered by the Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) to support individuals with complex intellectual and physical disabilities. The foundation aims to build partnerships with organizations that can provide essential services or equipment that directly benefit these individuals. The grant is available to eligible organizations that serve residents in Benton County, Sherburne County, Stearns County, and the communities of Kimball and Watkins, as defined by their school district boundaries.

The primary purpose of the grant is to fund services, equipment, and programs that have a direct impact on individuals with disabilities. CMCF is particularly interested in supporting new or existing programs and projects that can create lasting benefits for the community. The funding can be used for capital purchases that address individual client needs or for program support that enhances service delivery.

The grant amount ranges from $5,000 to $10,000, with no specific duration mentioned for the grant. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities. The foundation does not fund general operating support, capital campaigns, religious organizations for religious purposes, multi-year requests, political organizations, endowments, completed projects, scholarships, or travel and conference expenses.

To apply for the grant, organizations must submit a proposal that aligns with the foundation's focus areas. The application process requires detailed responses to specific questions that assess the project's alignment with the foundation's objectives. Evaluation criteria will consider the project's potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with the needs of the target population.

The deadline for submitting applications is October 31, 2024. Organizations interested in applying should ensure that their proposals are complete and submitted by this date. For further information, applicants can contact the Central Minnesota Community Foundation directly at the provided phone number.

Overall, the Central Minnesota Special Needs Grant represents an opportunity for eligible organizations to secure funding that can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities in the specified geographic areas. Organizations are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility criteria and funding scope to determine if their projects align with the foundation's mission.