The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is offering a Request for Proposals (RFP) under its Welcoming Communities initiative. The Foundation seeks to support nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and tribal organizations in the Northwest Minnesota region that aim to enhance equity-focused initiatives that foster inclusion and belonging, particularly for immigrants and refugees. The goal is to create more welcoming communities by improving the social, civic, and economic fabric of the region through focused efforts on building stronger connections among residents and institutions.

The Foundation is interested in projects that specifically work to improve the inclusion of newcomers, prioritizing immigrant and refugee communities. Initiatives may include efforts to build connections and trust between immigrant and non-immigrant residents, foster cooperation among local institutions (such as government, businesses, and nonprofits) to address gaps in services for newcomers, and support immigrant and refugee rights through legal services and advocacy. Projects should work towards a stronger culture and policy environment where all residents are empowered to work together for the betterment of the community.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and tribal organizations located within the Northwest Minnesota Foundation's service area. This area encompasses Red Lake Nation, White Earth Nation, and the following 12 counties: Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, and Roseau. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that focus on equity and inclusion, particularly in rural settings, but should avoid seeking funding for one-time events.

The grant timeline opens on February 14, 2025, and the closing date for applications is March 10, 2025. Expected funding amounts range from $2,500 to $10,000 per project. Eligible expenses may include costs for cultural inclusion initiatives, community events, collaborative work, and other efforts that advance the goals of the Welcoming Communities program. However, grants cannot be used for political or religious activities, past debts, or building construction, among other ineligible expenses.

To apply, interested organizations must first register on the Northwest Minnesota Foundation’s grants web portal. After registration, applicants will need to log in, select the appropriate grant, and complete all required fields. Applications must be submitted by the closing date of March 10, 2025. For technical difficulties or assistance with paper submissions, applicants are advised to contact the Foundation via the provided email addresses.

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation also encourages grantees to share progress reports, media coverage, and impact stories related to their projects. Grantees will also be asked to participate in peer-to-peer learning opportunities as part of the program’s broader goal to build a more welcoming and inclusive environment for newcomers.