New grant funding to expand learning opportunities for Northside youth

The Northside Youth Enrichment Fund, offered by the Northside Funders Group (NFG), is currently accepting applications from organizations working to enrich the lives of North Minneapolis youth.

This new grant opportunity — partially funded by contributions from the Carlson Family Foundation — will provide up to $10,000 to support expanded learning opportunities by connecting Northside youth between ages 10 and 24 to exceptional enrichment opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. Examples include school trips, mentorships, procuring specialized equipment (i.e., cameras, uniforms, instruments) and more.

NFG is a funder collaborative that partners to bring resources and investments to learn, leverage, influence and invest in opportunities to advance social, educational and economic opportunities in North Minneapolis. In November 2022, NFG hosted listening sessions with Northside youth, parents, teachers, principals and nonprofit leaders to determine the initial focus of the Northside Youth Enrichment Fund. 

“The Carlson Family Foundation is pleased to work closely with Northside Funders Group to support and grow enrichment opportunities for young people in North Minneapolis,” said Aretha Green-Rupert, program director at Carlson Family Foundation. “This fund was created by listening and responding to the community, including youth, which is critical to ensuring these grants will have a positive impact.”

The Foundation’s Constellation grantmaking is rooted in the understanding that positive and caring relationships are crucial to supporting young people as they develop agency, identity and the ability to pursue their goals. Listening to youth, parents and community voices is central to our strategy.

Applications are due by Feb. 15, 2023.

A committee of Northside youth and NFG members will review applications. Award decisions will be made on Feb. 10, 2023 and March 10, 2023.