Economic Mobility

The Economic Mobility Grants program is administered by the Minneapolis Foundation, a private philanthropic organization focused on strengthening communities and advancing equitable economic opportunity. The foundation has invested in small business development and community resilience for more than five years, guided by community input and a commitment to addressing systemic inequities. This grant opportunity reflects an evolution in its strategy, responding to emerging economic disruptions and prioritizing organizations that support entrepreneurship and local economic vitality. The program is positioned within a broader portfolio that includes direct support to small businesses through complementary funding streams. The primary purpose of the grant is to support nonprofit organizations that advance economic mobility by strengthening small business ecosystems, particularly in historically underinvested areas. The program emphasizes organizations that provide technical assistance, access to capital, and business development services to entrepreneurs. It is designed to enhance the resilience of commercial corridors and local economies, especially those impacted by economic instability, workforce disruptions, and reduced customer activity. The funder highlights the importance of supporting communities disproportionately affected by systemic barriers, including immigrant communities and entrepreneurs of color. Funding is provided as general operating support, allowing grantees flexibility in how funds are used. Eligible uses include strengthening service delivery, expanding access to financial resources, investing in staffing and operational systems, and building partnerships across the small business support ecosystem. The program prioritizes scalable and sustainable solutions that enhance long-term economic mobility. Grants are structured over a two-year period, enabling organizations to implement longer-term strategies and deepen their impact. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that primarily support small businesses. Applicants must demonstrate a track record of delivering services such as capital access, technical assistance, and business development initiatives. Priority is given to organizations based in and serving Minneapolis and specific inner-ring suburbs of Hennepin County. Additionally, applicants should focus on entrepreneurs facing systemic barriers and businesses located in historically underinvested commercial corridors. The program encourages comprehensive service models that address multiple aspects of business growth and sustainability. Applications must be submitted through the Minneapolis Foundation’s online portal. The application process requires organizations to register in the system if they have not applied since June 2025. Only one application per organization is permitted, and late submissions are not accepted. Applicants are encouraged to review a preview document of the application questions and ensure their organizational information is current in the portal. Technical assistance for the application system is available through the foundation’s grants administration team. The application timeline begins with the opening of submissions on April 15, 2026, and closes at 1 p.m. on May 15, 2026. Funding decisions are expected in mid-June 2026, with the grant period running from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. Grantees are required to submit an interim report after the first year and a final report within 60 days after the grant period concludes. The program is structured as a recurring initiative, though specific future cycles are not explicitly detailed. For additional information, applicants may contact Program Officer Josh Johnson via email. General application support is available through the grants administration team. The foundation also provides an informational session recording and supporting materials to help applicants prepare competitive proposals. This program reflects a strategic effort to concentrate funding into a smaller cohort of organizations while increasing award sizes and extending grant duration to maximize impact.

Focus on demonstrating measurable impact on small business ecosystems; highlight support for underserved entrepreneurs; show strong track record in technical assistance and capital access