GRANTS
Be The Change MN Community Impact Grant Program
Be The Change MN raises funds to support nonprofit organizations making a significant impact in the lives of underrepresented youth and the communities they serve. Grant awards range from $1,000 to $10,000.
Through initiatives that promote education, opportunity, equity, and youth development, Be The Change MN invests in organizations working to create meaningful and sustainable change throughout the Twin Cities and beyond.
Applications are now open.
Application Deadline: July 31, 2026
Our grant program is designed to recognize and support nonprofit organizations that are creating measurable impact and expanding opportunities for underrepresented youth.
Grant Eligibility & Selection Criteria
Organizational Eligibility
- Applicants must be a registered nonprofit organization with current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
- Organizations must primarily serve underrepresented youth and demonstrate a commitment to improving outcomes for young people and their communities.
- Organization must have an annual operating budget of less than $300,000.
Funding Considerations
- Preference will be given to organizations that do not receive substantial funding from large corporations or foundations.
- Priority will be given to grassroots and community-based organizations with limited access to traditional funding sources.
Community Impact
- Demonstrates a clear and measurable impact on underrepresented youth.
- Addresses a documented need within the communities it serves.
- Promotes inclusion and strengthens communities across diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, generational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Program Considerations
- Demonstrates innovation in addressing community challenges.
- Includes a plan for sustainability and long-term impact.
- Encourages collaboration with community organizations and stakeholders.
- Measures effectiveness through evaluation and outcomes.
- Has the potential for growth, replication, or expanded community impact.
- Actively engages youth, families, and community members in planning and implementation.
Additional Requirements
- Grantees must grant permission for Be The Change MN to use photos and/or video of funded programs for promotional and media purposes.
- Be The Change MN may request an interview, site visit, or additional documentation as part of the application review and vetting process.
Through this grant program, Be The Change MN is committed to investing in the organizations that are creating opportunities, removing barriers, and helping underrepresented youth reach their full potential.
Grantee Testimonials: See the Change in Action
Curious about what our grants can do? Hear directly from previous grantees about how Be the Change MN’s support helped bring their visions to life. These stories highlight the real-world impact of our grants, from empowering local nonprofits to uplifting entire communities.
Let their experiences inspire you as you consider how your organization can benefit from our grants. Your story could be next!
The Man Up Club
A Mother’s Love
Sickle Cell Foundation of MN
Urban Ventures
Our Efforts are Meaningful, Intentional, and Valuable.
We produce events with the intention of creating experiences that will cultivate connection between participants & sponsors, who have a mutual desire to help individuals leaders & local grassroots organizations working tirelessly to offer resources and programs that help underrepresented youth & families.
Our hope is that ultimately, lasting relationships are formed from the connections made at our events, and that somehow those connections load to the implementation of yet another initiative that creates positive change and strengthens our community.
The effort & participation by our sponsors, donors, attendees, and volunteers allows us to award scholarships & grants to individual and/or grassroots organizations with limited access to funding, that are leading by example and embody what it means to Be The Change in MN.
