The Constellation Fund, a Minneapolis-based philanthropic organization, focuses on supporting high-impact, poverty-fighting nonprofit service providers in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area of Minnesota. Constellation’s grantmaking approach emphasizes proximity to the challenges of poverty, meaning they prioritize organizations deeply embedded in and serving local low-income communities. The Fund aims to raise the living standards of individuals and families earning at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.

For the 2025 grant cycle, applications will be accepted from April 1 through April 30. This competitive grant process is open to organizations operating in the counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington. Eligible applicants must predominantly serve low-income populations and focus their programming on Constellation’s core poverty-fighting impact areas: education, employment, and health. Housing is currently excluded from the 2025 grant round, though it remains a focus of internal learning and future consideration.

Within the education category, Constellation seeks applications from organizations offering academic tutoring to PreK–12 students from qualifying low-income households. These services can occur inside or outside school settings and may include curriculum development, software creation, and tutor training. Programs that incorporate mentorship and focus on reading, writing, and math are especially encouraged. However, individual private tutors are not eligible.

In the employment category, eligible organizations must provide direct workforce development services. This includes Adult Basic Education, job training programs, apprenticeships, career coaching, and support services like transportation or childcare that enable job retention. Organizations that focus solely or primarily on job placement are not eligible for this grant cycle.

Applications under the health impact area will only be accepted by direct invitation. Due to current staffing capacity, unsolicited proposals related to oral or dental health will not be reviewed in 2025. Similarly, housing-related proposals are not being considered at this time, though Constellation continues to engage with its housing grantees to refine its strategy.

All applicants must operate within the specified seven-county metro area and deliver services that align closely with one or more of the Fund’s core areas. Additional questions or requests for clarification can be directed to impact@constellationfund.org. The Fund's headquarters are located at 323 N. Washington Ave., Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401.