Small Town Grant

The Small Town Grant Program is administered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, a regional philanthropic organization dedicated to strengthening communities, fostering economic vitality, and enhancing quality of life across southern Minnesota. The foundation works collaboratively with local stakeholders to ensure that even the smallest communities have the opportunity to thrive. This program reflects the organization’s mission to support vibrant, inclusive, and resilient communities by investing in locally driven initiatives. The program is supported in part by a philanthropic gift from Paul Johnson and continued by his family, reinforcing a long-term commitment to rural community development. The purpose of the Small Town Grant Program is to fund collaborative projects that improve how communities function, build relationships, and create a sense of belonging for residents. The program specifically prioritizes initiatives that foster inclusivity, enhance community culture, and strengthen social, educational, or economic systems. Projects are expected to demonstrate meaningful collaboration among community stakeholders such as local governments, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers. The emphasis on collaboration ensures that funded initiatives have broad support and sustainable community impact. Funding is available for projects in communities with populations of 10000 or less within SMIF’s 20 county service region. Awards are offered up to 10000 dollars per project, with a required 25 percent cash match from the applicant. Projects must be new or include a significant new component and must be completed within a 12 month period between October 8 2026 and October 8 2027. Funds must be used directly for project related expenses, and capital expenses are generally not eligible. Ineligible uses include general operating expenses, routine maintenance, mandated services, and projects lacking meaningful collaboration. Eligible applicants include units or agencies of government, IRS designated 501c3 nonprofit organizations, Tribal governments, and public institutions such as schools and public higher education entities. Organizations that do not meet these criteria may apply using a qualified fiscal agent. The program excludes individuals, for profit businesses, and projects that do not demonstrate strong community collaboration. Applicants must also secure one to two letters of support from partner organizations to demonstrate buy in and partnership. The application process requires submission of a completed online application along with supporting documentation, including letters of support and evidence of the required cash match. Applicants must clearly describe how their project promotes collaboration and fosters a welcoming environment. Evaluation prioritizes projects that enhance belonging, address underserved populations, and demonstrate strong partnerships across the community. While not explicitly outlined, competitive proposals are those that align closely with SMIF’s mission and demonstrate measurable community impact. The program timeline includes an application opening date of July 22 2026 and a submission deadline of August 19 2026. Awards are announced on October 8 2026, and funded projects must be completed by October 8 2027. Grantees are required to submit a progress report six months after the award date and a final report within 60 days of project completion. The program appears to operate on an annual cycle, with similar grant rounds offered in prior years. For additional information or assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact Sarah Scheffert, Communications and Community Vitality Specialist at SMIF. She can be reached by phone at 5072147015 or via email at sarahs at smifoundation dot org. The foundation also encourages prospective applicants to seek guidance if they are unfamiliar with the grant writing process, reinforcing its commitment to accessibility and community support.

Prioritize strong collaboration across community partners clearly demonstrate how the project fosters belonging and inclusivity and include underserved populations in project design