Below we outline the Letter of Inquiry (LOI) process for potential new Carlson Family Foundation grantees. If your organization received funding in 2022, please visit our Current Grantees page.
Constellation: Out-of-School
We are accepting Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) from nonprofit organizations seeking funding for existing or emerging out-of-school programs that support youth. We are especially interested in programs that support youth of color to develop agency, identity and the ability to pursue their goals.
The Foundation funds programs that ensure the adults who work with young people have the capacity and tools needed to help them realize their dreams and potential. This is an opportunity to partner with us as we begin a journey to learn and evolve our thinking about programs that value, invest in and support youth-adult relationships.
We continue to learn with our current grantee partners that focus on K-12 Schools and Parents & Caregivers. We plan to open these areas to LOIs in the future.
Learn more or contact Aretha Green–Rupert at 952.404.5602 or agreenrupert@carlsonfamilyfoundation.org.
Sex Trafficking Prevention
We are accepting Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) from nonprofit organizations seeking funding for existing or emerging programs focused on preventing the sex trafficking of youth. Programs or projects with a particular focus on boys, LGBTQ+ youth and youth of color will be prioritized.
Learn more or contact Dana Jensen at 952.404.5638 or djensen@carlsonfamilyfoundation.org.
Vibrant Communities: Youth Access
We are accepting Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) from nonprofit organizations seeking funding for existing or emerging programs focused on supporting inclusive access to arts, culture, and environmental experiences that affirm youths’ identities.
Economic and Social Health grantee partners will receive an invitation to apply. We are not currently accepting unsolicited LOIs for this grantmaking area.
Learn more or contact Dana Jensen at 952.404.5638 or djensen@carlsonfamilyfoundation.org.
Letters of Inquiry
LOI deadlines for 2023 have already closed.
Once we have reviewed the LOIs, we will invite organizations that align with our grantmaking priorities to submit a formal application. We know grant applications can be time-consuming, so we developed this process to be as simple and streamlined as possible.
Our door is always open and we encourage anyone with questions to reach out to us at any time!
Sex Trafficking Prevention 2023 Timeline
| Application Opens | LOI Due | Full Proposal Invite | Full Proposal Due | Board Decision |
| Nov. 1, 2022 | Dec. 1, 2022 | Mid-Dec. 2022 | Jan. 15, 2023 | By the end of April 2023 |
Constellation: Out-of-School Programs 2023 Timeline
| Application Opens | LOI Due | Full Proposal Invite | Full Proposal Due | Board Decision |
| Nov. 1, 2022 | March 1, 2023 | Mid-March 2023 | April 15, 2023 | By the end of July 2023 |
Vibrant Communities: Youth Access 2023 Timeline
| Application Opens | LOI Due | Full Proposal Invite | Full Proposal Due | Board Decision |
| Nov. 1, 2022 | March 1, 2023 | Mid-March 2023 | April 15, 2023 | By the end of July 2023 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is our organization eligible?
We fund organizations serving communities in Minnesota determined to be tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and further classified as a public charity under sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2), or as a Type I or Type II supporting organization under section 509(a)(3). Projects or start-ups with an existing fiscal sponsor that meet these requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
More details on specific funding for each priority area can be found on the Constellation, Sex Trafficking Prevention and Vibrant Communities pages.
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I am not certain our program qualifies. Who can I reach to discuss eligibility?
You are welcome to reach out to us any time! Our door is always open. Please contact:
Constellation: Aretha Green-Rupert at 952.404.5602 or agreenrupert@carlsonfamilyfoundation.org.
Sex Trafficking Prevention & Vibrant Communities: Dana Jensen at 952.404.5638 or djensen@carlsonfamilyfoundation.org.
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Do you fund capital grants?
We accept capital grant requests only in exceptional circumstances. Please reach out to us if you have any questions.
Constellation: Aretha Green-Rupert at 952.404.5602 or agreenrupert@carlsonfamilyfoundation.org.
Sex Trafficking Prevention & Vibrant Communities: Dana Jensen at 952.404.5638 or djensen@carlsonfamilyfoundation.org.
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Do you fund multi-year grants?
We will accept multi-year grant requests for up to three years, although most grants will be for one to two years.
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Geographically, in which areas do you provide funding?
We fund organizations serving the Twin Cities metro area, with a focus on programs impacting Minneapolis and St. Paul.
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When will you open up your other grantmaking areas for new applications/letters of intent?
For Constellation, we continue to learn with our current grantee partners that focus on K-12 Schools and Parents & Caregivers. We plan to open these areas to LOIs in the future.
Economic and Social Health grantee partners under Vibrant Communities will receive an invitation to apply. We are not currently accepting unsolicited LOIs for this grantmaking area.
We will post updates on our website, so be sure to check back with us.
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Can I submit my program in multiple grantmaking areas?
Yes, you can submit LOIs for multiple grantmaking areas but will only be considered for one funding priority. We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions:
Constellation: Aretha Green-Rupert at 952.404.5602 or agreenrupert@carlsonfamilyfoundation.org.
Sex Trafficking Prevention & Vibrant Communities: Dana Jensen at 952.404.5638 or djensen@carlsonfamilyfoundation.org.
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I see you gave grants for education and mentoring programs in 2020. Do you still provide grants in these areas?
Yes! We’ve established Constellation: Surrounding young people with a constellation of caring adults, which includes K-12 schools and out-of-school programs. This grantmaking area is an evolution of our longstanding funding of K-12 education and mentoring organizations. Learn more about Constellation.
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In the Sex Trafficking Prevention grantmaking area, do you also support programs that serve girls?
Yes, we support youth of all gender identities, including girls. We have a particular focus on boys, LGBTQ+ youth and youth of color, as researchers and advocates have identified these as specific groups who are more susceptible to sex trafficking or who have fewer services available to them. Learn more about Sex Trafficking Prevention.