The West Bank Community Fund Grants are offered through the West Bank Community Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation. The Minneapolis Foundation is a longstanding philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life for residents in the Minneapolis area. The West Bank Community Fund specifically focuses on supporting projects and organizations that serve the needs of residents living in the West Bank neighborhood of Minneapolis, defined by ZIP code 55454 and the area bounded by Interstate 94, the Mississippi River, and Interstate 35W.

The purpose of these grants is to support projects that recognize and celebrate the diverse cultures of West Bank residents, improve social connections across cultures and generations, and encourage residents to engage in community and policy issues important to them. The fund prioritizes projects that foster partnerships and collaborations bridging cultural divides, close gaps in access to public services and support, empower African youth and their families, support immigrant elders, and build on community assets. Projects that enhance community participation in arts, culture, the local business community, and broader society are especially encouraged.

Applicants may request grants of up to $5,000, with a total of approximately $30,000 available for distribution. Up to 10 grants are expected to be awarded, depending on the number and quality of applications received. Funded projects must be short-term in nature, with all activities completed within 12 months. Funds cannot be used for capital requests, individual applicants, or to cover organizational deficits.

Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, government entities including schools, religious institutions, or other entities working through a fiscal agent. Applicants must either be located within ZIP code 55454 or demonstrate that they provide services directly benefiting West Bank residents. Additionally, applicants must be up to date with reporting requirements for any previous grants received from the Minneapolis Foundation. Preference will be given to organizations physically located in the West Bank area.

Applications open on February 19, 2025, and must be submitted online through SurveyMonkey Apply. The deadline to apply is 1 p.m. on March 12, 2025. Required application materials include a completed application form, project budget, and organization budget. Funding decisions will be announced in late March or early April 2025, with a grant period running from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to download a preview document to prepare for the application process and to log into the portal well ahead of the deadline to ensure all contact information is current. For questions, applicants can contact Program Officer Josh Johnson at jjohnson2@mplsfoundation.org or 612-672-3862. Technical assistance with the application portal is available through the Grant Administration team at grantsupport@mplsfoundation.org or 612-672-8665.