Deadline for Rural Poverty grants is June 30

In a joint effort between the Central Minnesota Community Foundation and the Initiative Foundation, about $12,000 is available in grant dollars from the Central Minnesota Rural Poverty Fund.

The next deadline for proposals is June 30.

The Rural Poverty Fund seeks applications from agencies that serve rural populations in the 14 surrounding counties. Grants are available for planning and implementation of projects or programs that address rural poverty. Grants may establish or supplement existing emergency and transitional activities, which directly address specific, immediate needs that people have due to poverty.

Grants may be used to assess community needs and assets, develop action plans, or provide for project implementation. Grants must relate to a variety of identified programs or agency needs. Agencies are encouraged to apply for smaller grants of $1,000-$5,000.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofits and local units of government located in the 14 counties of central Minnesota including: Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena and Wright. Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Grant guidelines are available through the Central Minnesota Community Foundation and the Initiative Foundation. For more information about the grant round, go online to www.communitygiving.org or contact Susan Lorenz at the Community Foundation (320) 253-4380 or Cathy Hartle at the Initiative Foundation (320) 632-9255.

Completed applications must be mailed to the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, 101 S. Seventh Ave., Suite 100, St. Cloud, MN 56301 by June 30.