Northfield Shares Grant Program

The Northfield Shares grant program is administered by Northfield Shares, a community foundation based in Northfield, Minnesota, dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that serve the local community. The foundation operates with guiding principles of integrity, trust, transparency, and accountability, and focuses its funding on projects that strengthen the Northfield School District area. Through its annual grant cycle, Northfield Shares seeks to invest in initiatives that address community needs while fostering long-term organizational growth and impact. The primary purpose of the grant program is to support projects that align with the mission of Northfield Shares and contribute to a thriving and equitable community. Applicants are required to demonstrate how their proposed projects meet current community needs, produce measurable outcomes, and provide clear community benefits. Projects must also show alignment with the applicant organization’s capacity and include a sustainability plan to ensure that the impact extends beyond the grant period. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, responsible financial management, and leveraging volunteers and partnerships to enhance project reach. Funding is available to eligible nonprofit organizations, specifically those with 501(c)(3) status or those fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) entity. Organizations must serve individuals within the Northfield School District geography. The grant program does not fund individuals, political or religious activities with theological purposes, for-profit organizations, or projects involving capital campaigns, real estate purchases, debt repayment, or lobbying. Additionally, funds cannot be used for expenses incurred prior to the award or for fundraising-related activities. The application process is conducted entirely online, with the application portal opening on July 1, 2026. Applicants must complete all required fields and submit supporting documentation by the stated deadline. During the review process, applicants may be contacted for additional information. The evaluation is conducted by the Grants Committee, which assesses applications based on eligibility, alignment with guidelines, feasibility, and available funding. Final funding decisions are approved by the Board of Directors. The application deadline for the current cycle is September 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM. Following submission, applications undergo a structured review process, with award decisions announced in November. Successful applicants are required to sign a Grant Agreement prior to receiving funds, which are distributed by the end of the calendar year. Previous grantees must submit their Grant Impact Reports before applying for new funding, ensuring accountability and documentation of outcomes. Grantees are expected to comply with post-award requirements, including submitting a Grant Impact Report with photos by the end of the grant cycle. Any unused funds must be returned unless an extension has been formally approved. The grant program operates on an annual cycle, with recurring opportunities each year. For inquiries, applicants may contact Northfield Shares via email at info@northfieldshares.org or by phone at 507-403-9755.

Align project with community needs, demonstrate measurable outcomes, include sustainability plan, and ensure organizational capacity matches project scope