The Central Minnesota Community Foundation is offering grants through the Boys and Men’s Competitive grant round, aimed at supporting initiatives that uplift and empower boys and men in the community. The foundation is particularly focused on addressing key challenges faced by males, including educational disparities, mental health stigma, fatherhood support, and career development opportunities. The goal of this grant is to foster a more equitable and supportive environment where every male can thrive and contribute positively to the community. Grants of up to $2,500 are available for programs and projects that align with these objectives.

The purpose of the Central Minnesota Boys and Men Grants is to provide funding for programs that focus on several key areas. These areas include education and skill-building, fatherhood and family engagement, mental health support, mentorship and leadership development, and the promotion of positive masculinity. The foundation seeks proposals that can either initiate new programs or enhance existing ones, as well as other strategic investments that will have a lasting impact on the community.

Eligible organizations for this grant include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities. The foundation prioritizes applications from organizations with an annual budget of $500,000 or less. This focus aims to support smaller organizations that may have limited access to funding opportunities. The grants are specifically intended for projects that serve residents of Benton, Stearns, and Sherburne Counties in Minnesota.

The foundation does not fund certain types of requests, including those from individuals, religious organizations for religious purposes, multi-year requests, political organizations or campaigns, annual fundraising drives, endowments, debt retirement, projects that have already been completed, scholarships, medical research, travel or conference grants, and government funding that has been reduced or eliminated. This ensures that the funding is directed towards initiatives that align with the foundation's mission.

Submission requirements for the grant include a detailed proposal outlining the project, its objectives, and the anticipated impact on the community. Applicants should be prepared to answer specific questions regarding their project’s alignment with the foundation's focus areas and how they plan to measure success. Evaluation criteria will consider the innovative approaches proposed, the potential for impact or transformative change, and the collaborative partnerships with community stakeholders.

The application process is open until October 31, 2024. Interested organizations should ensure that their proposals are submitted by this deadline to be considered for funding. For more information about the grant and to access the application, organizations can visit the Central Minnesota Community Foundation's website. The foundation encourages all eligible organizations to apply and contribute to the empowerment of boys and men in the community.