The First Universalist Foundation welcomes nominations of organizations that address racial justice, climate justice, and human rights. The Foundation Board is accepting nominations through Sunday, February 4, 2024 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.

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 - $20,000. In the past five years, the Foundation Board has granted over half a million dollars to Twin Cities organizations.

Please note our mission and giving criteria which will heavily inform our decisions.

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.