The First Universalist Foundation Board is accepting nominations through this form through Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 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. 

The Foundation is soliciting nominations of organizations that address racial justice, climate justice, and human rights. We are also interested in organizations whose leadership includes 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 which are addressing the disparities that recent events have laid bare. Organizations that 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 – $20,000. 

Our mission statement and giving criteria, below, heavily inform our decisions. 

Nominate an organization here: First Universalist 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. Focus on the Twin Cities community.
4. Have a commitment to measuring the impact or success of the funded program.
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