Rural Needs Grant Round

About this program

The Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation and Central Minnesota Community Foundation, in partnership with the Initiative Foundation, offer Rural Needs Grants of $1,000–$5,000 for projects addressing poverty-related needs in rural Central Minnesota. Funding supports emergency or transitional services, community-needs assessments, action planning, and new, expanded, or operational programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving the 14 designated counties or the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe; matching funds and local cash or in-kind support are encouraged. Applications are due June 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. for the grant round opening April 1, 2026.