Constellation Fund Grant

The Constellation Fund is a private philanthropic organization focused on identifying and supporting effective, community-based solutions to poverty. The fund prioritizes initiatives that directly improve the health and economic outcomes of individuals living below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Its grantmaking approach emphasizes funding organizations that are closest to the challenges they aim to address and that demonstrate measurable impact. Through its structured grant cycles, the fund seeks to build long-term relationships with nonprofit partners delivering proven, scalable interventions. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support established nonprofit programs operating within the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area that deliver direct services in the areas of education, employment, and health. The fund is particularly interested in programs that have already demonstrated effectiveness and are positioned to scale their impact or expand operations. Eligible activities vary by focus area but include school-based academic interventions, adult literacy and workforce advancement programs, and maternal and infant health services targeting underserved populations. Funding is restricted to one-year grants and is intended to support programmatic or operational activities rather than capital expenditures. The Constellation Fund explicitly does not fund startup organizations, advocacy or policy work, capital projects such as buildings, or individual sponsorships. Eligible applicants must have been operational for at least one year and must demonstrate that their core services are actively delivered in the community. Organizations must also serve populations within the specified geographic region and primarily target individuals experiencing economic hardship. Applicants must meet several organizational requirements, including operating within designated Minnesota counties and serving populations below the income threshold. Additional eligibility considerations include maintaining non-discriminatory practices and demonstrating alignment with one or more of the fund’s core impact areas. Certain entities, such as large health systems and federally qualified health centers, are excluded from specific focus areas. The fund also encourages organizations with larger budgets to consult program staff prior to submission to determine the most appropriate funding approach. The application process consists of multiple stages beginning with submission during designated application windows. For the April cycle, applications are accepted from April 1 through April 30, 2026. Following submission, program officers conduct an initial review and notify applicants in May regarding advancement to a full evaluation stage. Selected applicants undergo a comprehensive assessment that includes financial review, program data analysis, and organizational meetings. Final funding decisions are made by the board in November, with awards distributed in December. Evaluation criteria include program effectiveness, leadership strength, organizational capacity, and financial health. Applicants are assessed on their demonstrated outcomes, strategic planning, staffing structure, and fiscal management practices. The fund prioritizes organizations that fill unmet community needs and maintain strong internal systems for tracking impact and improving performance over time. Leadership and governance are also critical, with emphasis on diverse and effective boards and leadership teams. The grant operates on a recurring cycle with two annual application periods, one in April and one in October. Each cycle follows a similar review and decision timeline. Applicants may only apply once per year and must wait one full calendar year to reapply if unsuccessful. Questions and technical issues related to the application process are handled through the program officers via email, and prospective applicants are encouraged to review application materials and guidance prior to submission to ensure alignment with funding priorities.

Ensure strong alignment with focus areas; provide clear measurable outcomes; demonstrate proven impact and scalability; include detailed data supporting effectiveness