Mardag Foundation aims to support organizations that eliminate barriers and increase access to equitable opportunities for children, youth, families, and older adults in marginalized communities, focusing on education, basic needs, mental health, access to healthcare, employment pathways, and stable housing. The foundation also prioritizes arts and culture initiatives that amplify marginalized voices, aligning with the belief that all cultures contribute to humanity's understanding and deserve celebration.
Mardag Foundation Grants focus on improving the lives of low-income children, youth, and families lacking access to critical opportunities and resources. The foundation supports efforts to eliminate barriers and increase access to equitable opportunities, with particular attention to marginalized communities, especially Black, Indigenous, and communities of color, across various needs such as education, mental health, and stable housing. Additionally, the foundation supports low-income older adults in Minnesota, aiming to improve their well-being through addressing basic needs, caregiving quality, mental health, and intergenerational programming. The grant also seeks to enhance community vitality through supporting arts and culture organizations that amplify narratives of BIPOC and other marginalized groups, embracing a broad commitment to celebrating diverse cultures and contributions.
Organizations that are eligible to apply will be considered, with special consideration afforded to those that focus on serving the most marginalized individuals, particularly in relation to race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation, age, ability, immigration status, among other factors. Furthermore, preference will be extended to organizations whose initiatives are directly shaped by and cater to the needs of the communities they impact the most. Additionally, organizations operating beyond the Twin Cities Metro Area in Minnesota and those pursuing multi-year financial support to ensure the continuity of their Foundation-backed initiatives will also be favored.