Grantmaking

Grantmaking Focus Areas – Fall 2022:

  • Pathways Out of Poverty
  • Climate Action

Goals:

  • Initiate a model of grantmaking that builds trust-based relationships.
  • Accelerate the impact of highly effective organizations.
  • Provide flexible resources to allow selected grantees to build capacity, innovate and lead.

Grant Type, Amount and Restrictions:

  • Organizations considered for support must demonstrate:
    • a track record of success that shows programmatic achievements against stated goals.
    • strong financial health with a commitment to fiscal transparency and oversight.
    • well-informed, active governance by the organizations’ Board of Directors.
    • that the primary population(s) served by the organization reside in the Twin Cities metropolitan area (for poverty focus area only).
    • a commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity in programmatic activities, operations and governance.
    • legal compliance and current classification by the IRS as a tax-exempt non-profit.
  • The Wilson Foundation prioritizes funding to organizations that demonstrate they collaborate effectively and solve problems pragmatically.
  • Grants will be awarded for unrestricted support only.
  • Applicants can request support in the range of $150-$250K and determine the term over which the entire amount will be expended (generally 12-36 months).
  • The Wilson Foundation does not provide support to religious organizations for religious purposes or for activities that are considered lobbying.

Process:

  • The application process for the 2022 giving cycle is now closed.
  • Applications for grants were by invitation only.
  • Grant awards will be paid in full before the end of the 2022 calendar year.