At Constellation, we believe that the best poverty-fighting solutions are those closest to the challenge, and we work to identify and support the people and community partners having the biggest impacts.
The next application round opens in October 2026.
Constellation invites applications from organizations or programs providing direct services to improve the health or increase the income of individuals living below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines in the seven-county metro area.
Constellation seeks to fund established interventions with the potential to scale or organizations with the potential to grow and a strong case for philanthropic funding.
Check back in October 2026 to learn about the next application round.
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Find answers to commonly asked questions about our grant application process.
We have two application windows. One during the month of October, leading to a grant decision in May. The second is during the month of April leading to a grant decision in November.
Application Submission Period:
The next application round will open in October 2026.
Applicant Selection Period:
During this period, program officers review all submitted applications and select a handful to move forward for full evaluation. We will inform all applicants whether the application is denied or moving to the full evaluation stage.
Full Evaluation Period:
Program officers conduct a benefit-to-cost ratio and qualitative analysis of your organization. They’ll also request program data, financial reports, and a few meetings with your team.
Board Decision:
The fourth and final stage is the board decision. Constellation’s Board of Directors will meet and award grants. After this, program officers will notify evaluated organizations of the grant decision and will mail checks.
Historically, 10% of first-time applicants and 20% of all applicants — including those who apply in multiple cycles — receive a grant. Please keep in mind, however, that to receive a grant, your application must first be selected for a full evaluation. From there, we will estimate a benefit-to-cost ratio and conduct a qualitative analysis of your organization. The results of this analysis will determine whether the Constellation Fund board awards your organization a grant.
If your application is not selected, you can reapply one calendar year later.
Please email the program officers at [email protected].
Please email the program officers at [email protected].
Be sure that your organization fits one of the focus areas. Be detailed and specific in your responses. Where possible, reference data that showcases the impact your work has had on participants and cite any formal research conducted on your organization or similar organizations.
Yes, you can preview the questions during an open grant cycle.
No. To qualify for a grant, the core participant services within an applying organization need to have been fully operational and active in the community for a least one calendar year.
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Share your contact information below to receive updates on funding opportunities. If you have questions or would like to meet with a program officer, send an email to [email protected].
