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.
APPLY FOR FUNDING
Application & Funding Process
ISSUE AREA DRIVERS
The Constellation Fund is currently not accepting applications. Please check back for updates on Constellation’s grant application strategy and how to discuss your work with an Impact Officer. Sign up for the grantmaking email list below to receive the latest updates on Constellation’s funding. Focus areas for the spring of 2024 are listed below.
Constellation continues to encourage organizations to apply for general operating funding provided that a substantial amount of the applicant’s work is in one or more of the focus areas. Organizations that bridge focus areas – such as early childhood education and affordable housing – are also encouraged to apply.
Health
Family Home-visiting:
The Constellation Fund seeks applications from organizations that deliver evidence-based family home visiting programs to families in the Twin Cities seven-county metro area. Constellation does not anticipate funding promising practice or evidence-informed home visiting programs. Constellation welcomes applications from programs linked with early childhood education programs and standalone programs.
Housing
Unaccompanied Youth Housing Services:
The Constellation Fund seeks applications from organizations that provide services to reduce homelessness for unaccompanied youth housing and other services that may include, but are not limited to, case management, drop-in support, and mental health care for unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness.
ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Organizations must operate within one or more of the following Minnesota counties: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington.
- Organizations must predominately serve those living below 200% of the federal poverty line in the seven-county Twin Cities metro.
- A significant portion of the organization’s programs must address one or more of Constellation’s core poverty-fighting impact areas: education, housing, health, and employment.
Other Considerations
- Constellation does not fund organizations that discriminate against people seeking either services or employment based on color, creed, national origin, marital status, familial status, public assistance status, race, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, or physical disability.
- We do not currently fund organizations that focus on policy, advocacy, or organizing work.
- Constellation does not fund any capital projects, such as new buildings or facilities. Constellation also does not make grants to individuals or provide event sponsorships.
- We accept applications from organizations of all budget sizes. However, if your organization’s budget exceeds $10 million, we especially encourage outreach to Constellation staff to determine whether a programmatic or general operating proposal is more appropriate.
- Constellation only provides one-year grants, but our intention is to build long-term relationships with our grantee partners.
- Organizations may apply only one time per year.
Assessment Categories
Organizational Capacity
- Proven model that consistently leads to the stated impact on clients
- Organization guided by a clear vision and strategy
- Strategic partners in place that improve or accelerate goals/outcomes
- The board, executive director, and staff all have a shared understanding of core strategies to reach organizational goals
- Strategic plan used in daily decision making and serves as a management tool for measuring activities and outcomes
Organizational Leadership
- Leadership is reflective, self-aware, and a strong external ambassador for the organization
- Leadership is able to execute on program vision and is willing to take a hard look at themselves and the organization to make changes
- Leadership is results-driven and committed to continuous improvement throughout the organization
- Team is built out to allow for appropriate use of time and expertise; staff reflects diversity of background and expertise
- Appropriately sized and diverse board with clear roles and responsibilities for board members and committees
- Board members provide sufficient oversight of financials and leadership
Financial Management
- Strong financial position and transparency in financial documents
- Clean, audited financial statements
- Positive annual net income
- Strong cash flow management
- Diversity of funding sources
- Will consider special circumstances for startups
To stay updated on our grantmaking, please fill out the contact form below or email us at impact@constellationfund.org.
