We’ve learned that if we provide both responsive funding, along with hands-on support, we can form lasting, intentional relationships with civic leaders in nonprofits and local governments.

The Graves Foundation is a spend-down, family foundation created and funded from the sale of the Graves’ family business. The Foundation will fully invest its funds by 2044 to realize a future in which all youth in Minneapolis can achieve thriving adult lives.

With a history of serving as an early funder to community leaders and grassroots non-profit organizations, the Graves Foundation goes beyond traditional grant-making by offering capacity, leadership, and networking support to see new ideas and social innovations flourish. Graves’ clear and long-held mission affords us the ability to connect with and provide needed resources to high-impact nonprofits and initiatives. 

Some examples of the kinds of investments that set The Graves Foundation apart from other family philanthropy include:

• More than $15 million in non-restrictive, general operating funds invested towards improving the lives of vulnerable young people through relationship-based grantmaking, including select, longer-term partnership grants for nonprofits that fuel education, community, and youth development; 

• Teacher-led, participatory grantmaking to nearly 80 Minneapolis Public Schools educators who are leading enriching projects for their students through the Minneapolis Educator Leadership Awards;

• Deep partnership with local leaders through Graves Ventures to incubate and launch projects like Peris Foundation and Opportunity Youth Network ;

• Complex problem-solving through Graves Residency that convenes civic innovators, policy-makers, direct service providers, and local government leaders to find new solutions to cross-sector challenges facing homeless and highly mobile students and their families;

• Community development support of East Lake Street and George Floyd Square through Program Related Investments (PRI);

• Urgent help for community needs through select rapid-response grants that are approved and issued with a quick turnaround;

• Graves Momentum workshops that increase leadership skills for grantees in the areas of fundraising, strategic planning, project management, and more.