News > Immigration In Minnesota

Solidarity MN launches immigrant assistance grants

Posted on May 09 2017

More than a dozen Minnesota foundations and United Ways (Twin Cities and Greater MN) have joined in a new partnership, Solidarity MN, based on “values of inclusion, equity, and democracy.” Solidarity MN plans “to advocate for the prosperity, safety, and inclusion of our immigrant and refugee neighbors, friends, and family.”

R.T. Rybak, President and CEO of The Minneapolis Foundation said, “This is an effort by the Minnesota philanthropic community to act urgently and provide needed support to immigrant and refugee communities who are facing considerable uncertainty.”

John Keller, Executive Director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota said, “As someone who sees every day the contributions and challenges that many immigrants and refugees face, it’s inspiring to see such unity and urgent support from Minnesota’s foundations, banding together to respond to address this unprecedented situation.”

Solidarity MN is now accepting applications for an initial round of 40 micro-grants of $2,500 each, and plans to make grant decisions within a few weeks of receiving proposals. Priority goes to organizations led by immigrants and refugees, with eligible projects including (but not limited to):

• Direct service (interpretation, health/wellness, shelter/housing, human services, etc.)
• Legal advice/ representation
• Community organizing and education
• Staff support
• Media and communications
• Advocacy / public policy
• General operations

The organization plans to issue a request for proposals for a second, and larger, round of grants is late summer or early fall.

Founding members of the Solidarity MN partnership include:

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation
• Bush Foundation
• Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota
• GHR Foundation
• Greater Twin Cities United Way
• Headwaters Foundation for Justice
• Initiative Foundation
• McKnight Foundation
• Minnesota Council on Foundations
• Northwest Area Foundation
• Pohlad Foundation
• Southwest Initiative Foundation
• The Minneapolis Foundation
• The Saint Paul Foundation
• United Ways of Greater Minnesota
• Women’s Foundation of Minnesota

Individual donors and additional foundation partners are also being sought.