FAQs

If you don’t find the answer to your question here, email it to info@jdgravesfoundation.org.

Can anyone apply for funding?

We do not have an open application round. We fund organizations and individuals with authentic connections to the communities they serve, with missions and values aligned with our own, and that are stewards for change within our funding priority areas.

Organizations and Community Leaders that work within one of our funding priority areas, with a focus area of Hennepin County, should pursue a conversation about funding by filling out our alignment form. We typically fund grassroots, community-led efforts and organizations, and initiatives to improve local, public institutions.

Why don’t you have an open round?

Our relational approach is a more accessible process as it enables us to connect with leaders and organizations organically and grounds funding in understanding and sets transparent expectations given the competitive nature of our grants budget.

How do I apply for funding?

Complete the alignment survey here. We will receive your survey results, assess alignment, and reach out to begin a conversation if we see potential for funding.

Do you fund multiple years?

All initial funding is one year. After one year the Director of Grants will discuss potential for additional funding. Because our funds are finite, we do not approve many multi-year grant requests. 

When is funding issued?

Funding is issued twice a year after board meetings, in January and June.

I’m new to the foundation but would like to speak with someone. How do I set up a meeting with the foundation?

Graves Foundation staff spend most of our time out in community. The best way to meet us is to introduce yourself in person at a community event. If the impetus to meet is to present a grant proposal, we strongly suggest you complete our survey to test for alignment before approaching us, as our grants budget is very competitive. For other inquiries, please email info@jdgravesfoundation.org.

Why was my request for a one on one denied?

We work hard to determine who closely fits our current funding priorities, portfolio needs and timelines, and due to the nature (time commitment) of our assessment process, we are unable to meet with everyone who requests a meeting. Our funding survey is an attempt to clarify what new relationships align with our priorities.