Wilder Research is offering Pro Bono Research Grants for nonprofits in Minnesota, specifically targeting culturally specific organizations that require research and evaluation support. This initiative is designed to foster collaborative projects between Wilder Research and community organizations, providing valuable resources to enhance their research capabilities. The grant can cover projects valued up to $15,000 or approximately 150 to 200 hours of research and evaluation services. The application deadline for this opportunity is September 24, 2024.

The primary purpose of this grant is to support small, community-initiated research and evaluation projects that address the unique needs of organizations serving cultural communities. The projects may encompass a variety of activities, including the development of logic models, evaluation planning, survey creation and analysis, and utilizing existing data to effectively communicate the organization’s impact to funders and stakeholders. This support aims to empower organizations that may lack access to such resources otherwise.

Eligible applicants for this grant must be located in Minnesota and should not have contracted with Wilder Research in the past three years. The foundation prioritizes organizations that serve cultural communities, including communities of color and specific identity groups such as LGBTQIA2S+ populations and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, preference will be given to smaller organizations that may not have the means to access research and evaluation services. Proposed projects should be feasible within the timeline set for the grant, which spans from November 2024 to June 2025.

The submission requirements for the grant include a completed application form, which can be found on the Wilder Research website. Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed information about their proposed projects, including objectives, expected outcomes, and how the research will benefit their organization and community. It is important for applicants to clearly articulate their needs and how the support from Wilder Research will help them achieve their goals.

Evaluation of applications will be based on several criteria, including the relevance of the proposed project to the mission of Wilder Research, the potential impact on the community served, and the feasibility of the project within the specified timeline. The foundation seeks to support projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the research needs and how they align with the goals of the organization.

The timeline for this grant opportunity includes the application deadline of September 24, 2024. Following the submission, selected finalists will be notified and will have the opportunity to partner with Wilder Research to implement their projects. The grant period for funded projects will run from November 2024 through June 2025, allowing ample time for research and evaluation activities to take place.

For further inquiries or additional information, interested parties can contact Sophak Mom at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation via email at sophak.mom@wilder.org or by phone at 651-280-2769. This grant represents a valuable opportunity for Minnesota-based nonprofits to enhance their research capabilities and better serve their communities through informed decision-making.