The funder's mission focuses on addressing important community needs in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations within that geography. The mission is achieved by partnering with public and philanthropic organizations to increase innovation, leverage significant partnerships, and quickly respond to emergency situations, thereby attracting additional resources to the region.
The Community Innovation grant program aims to fund promising ideas across issue areas that can enhance the region significantly. The grant supports projects at any development stage, from initial conception to more fully developed proposals. The program is open to any issue aligning with the foundation's values, seeking potential for big transformation, recognizing that impactful ideas can start small. Organizations of all sizes are encouraged to apply, with applications accepted year-round, offering flexibility in funding mechanisms, including grants and low-interest loans (PRIs), without strict limits on amount or duration. The goal is to ensure the funding approach best supports the idea's potential impact, fostering innovation and community improvement without being prescriptive about the issues or project stages.