The First Universalist Foundation Board is accepting nominations now through Friday, Jan. 29, 2021, from First Universalist congregants (regardless of membership status) and senior high youth in the church. One (1) person must submit a nomination backed by two (2) co-signers. Nominee organizations that are selected will then be sent our grant application.

At this time the Foundation welcomes nominations of organizations that address racial justice, climate justice, and human rights. We are also interested in organizations whose leadership include Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, or individuals from disenfranchised communities. This year we are particularly interested in supporting organizations with smaller budgets (for whom our grant may make a significant difference) and newer organizations or initiatives who are addressing the disparities that events of 2020 have laid bare. Organizations who have not applied for a Foundation Board grant in the past are encouraged.

Historically the Foundation Board has given out grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.

Please note the Foundation’s mission and giving criteria which will heavily inform our decisions.

Nominate an organization here: 2021 Foundation Nomination Form

Mission Statement

First Universalist Foundation acts as a catalyst for social change by promoting and supporting the development of emerging leaders, youth, young adults, and/or disenfranchised communities through monetary grants to nonprofits working in those communities.

Giving Priorities and Criteria

1.  Demonstrate the potential to address one or more causes or forms of injustice.

2.  Work to engage youth, young adults, and/or disenfranchised communities in the work of social change.

3.  Have a commitment to measuring the impact or success of the funded program.

4.  Focus on the Twin Cities community.

5. Organizations with annual budgets of less than $1,000,000 will be given greater priority.

6. Organizations that have been funded 3 times in the last 5 years may be considered lower priority.

Questions? Please email: foundation@firstuniv.org

More information about the First Universalist Foundation may be found here.