Who: Must identify as a LGBTQ+ small business owner based in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, or Midwest

Deadline: Rolling - Last business day of each month

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides $10,000 in funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to start the Community Heart & Soul model. Grant funding requires a $10,000 cash match from the participating municipality or a partnering organization.  

Community Heart & Soul is a resident-driven process that engages the entire population of a town in identifying what they love most about their community, what future the want for it, and how to achieve it. They are unique in how they engage its communities. It is a highly inclusive process that reaches deep into communities to ensure all voices are represented in determining a town's future. Instead of bringing residents to the table, they bring the table to them at community events, neighborhood block parties, schools, businesses, and virtual gatherings.

Evaluation Criteria | Seed Grant Program for Small Cities

All applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Resident Leadership: Community Heart & Soul efforts must be planned and led by at least 5 residents who are directly affiliated with and reside in the community that grant intends to serve.

• Geography: U.S. cities and towns with populations under 30,000 are eligible for funding.

• Applicant Organization: Applications must designate a lead organization that will play a significant role in supporting Community Heart & Soul.

• Fiscal Sponsor: A fiscal sponsor must be designated in order to receive the grant funds.

Grantee Obligations

Communities should demonstrate their readiness and commitment to using Community Heart & Soul to plan for their community's future. Please review grant guidelines for full list of grantee obligations.

Benefits

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides start-up funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns. The selected recipients will receive a 10,000 seed grant, which requires a 1:1 cash match.