51³Ô¹Ï

Why we care

51³Ô¹Ï is proud to have called the Twin Cities our home since its founding more than 100 years ago. Our commitment to our hometown region continues to be a signature legacy of 51³Ô¹Ï Foundation.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul region is home to more than three million people. The region’s assets include the natural beauty of its parks, woods and lakes; a deep, vibrant and robust history of craft, visual arts, music and theater; numerous longstanding international anchor corporations; and the richness of the people who live and work here. Nevertheless, there are many communities who continue to be at an economic disadvantage despite our region’s thriving job market and strong economy.

Similar patterns can be found across the nation — gaps in health, education, employment, income and wealth preventing all people from realizing their full economic potential. As the demographics of our region continue to shift, the costs of inequality will grow.

However, the Twin Cities not only mirrors what is happening throughout the United States, but in several key areas, our hometown actually fares worse. Recent statistics on home ownership, income inequality, wages and educational attainment all paint a picture of glaring disparities that could impact the region’s long-term success.

Advancing economic opportunities for underserved and under-resourced communities is not just important for these families and communities but also critical to a vibrant and growing economy, which ultimately benefits all.

Our desired outcome

In our hometown program area, the Foundation envisions economic opportunity that enables shared prosperity for all. To achieve this vision, 51³Ô¹Ï Foundation believes that our hometown region needs:

• A strong frontline direct service organizations that are well-resourced, connected and able to serve the most marginalized communities, lifting them out of poverty and into economic vitality.
• Well-coordinated and well-resourced multi-sector networks, coalitions and alliances that are catalyzing economic development in the Twin Cities’ poorest neighborhoods, while displacing no one and leaving no one behind.

Who do we want to impact?

• Underserved and under-resourced communities.
• Individuals with low income.

Key considerations and eligibility

Organizations focused on transformational and long-term change must be empowered to deliver — over a prolonged period of time — meaningful, measurable and financially sustainable results for the people or missions they exist to serve.

To achieve this, the Foundation will prioritize support for organizations engaged in strengthening networks, coalitions and movements. Driven by the understanding that social change is complex and is not solely in the purview of the nonprofit sector or the mission of a single organization, collaborative networks of organizations within a field, as well as across sectors that are aligned around a common agenda are an important condition of success. 

Eligibility

To be considered eligible for support, applicants must be registered U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in good standing.

Grants are made only to organizations based in Minnesota, with priority given to organizations based in the Twin Cities' seven-county metro area.

In addition, to extend the reach of the Foundation’s work, we will prioritize organizations with annual budgets of less than $5 million.

Estimated grant size will range from $25,000-$200,000.

Exclusions

The Foundation does not support:

• Grants to individuals.
• Religious organizations for religious purposes.
• Sponsorships or fundraising events.
• Direct political lobbying.
• Endowments or capital requests.
• Government entities.

Funding priorities

51³Ô¹Ï Foundation looks to strengthen nonprofit organizations that address barriers facing under-resourced communities in the Twin Cities metro area and greater Minnesota. The Foundation will concentrate its investment in making grants in four priority areas: 

Entrepreneurship and Small Business: The Foundation supports entrepreneurs and small businesses that address current gaps, drive inclusive practices and create access to knowledge, services, networks and capital for entrepreneurs at all stages.

Examples include:

• Training and technical assistance.
• Financial services/loans/grants.
• Network building.

Workforce Development: The Foundation supports employment and technical training opportunities for the unemployed and underemployed to ensure the workforce development system operates effectively and connects job seekers and workers with the skills they need to secure job placement and succeed long-term. .

Examples include:

• Career pathways.
• Job training and skills development.  

Housing: The Foundation supports efforts that increase housing availability, stability and access — creating pathways to greater opportunity.

Examples include:

• Affordable housing.
• Fair and just housing (eviction prevention, tenant rights).
• Sustainable homeownership.

Asset Building: The Foundation supports organizations that improve the asset-building opportunities, especially those that are engaged in work to increase financial inclusion, wealth-building and overall financial health.

Examples include:

• Financial education.
• Financial supports and services.