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 has identified the following three focus areas for our November 2023 grant cycle. These focus areas reflect ongoing areas of need in our communities and areas where we would like to grow our understanding of community-based solutions. For organizations seeking funding in these focus areas, applications will be accepted from April 1st through May 1st, 2023. Focus areas will change with each grant cycle, so please check back to learn about future calls for applications.
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
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
The Constellation Fund seeks applications from organizations that provide medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder. Services may include, but are not limited to, MAT programs that include medication to treat alcohol use disorder, MAT programs that include medication to treat opioid use disorder, and programs that provide education and distribution of naloxone for reversal of opioid overdose.
Housing
Housing Services for Individuals with Justice System Involvement
The Constellation Fund seeks applications from organizations that provide reentry housing services for individuals with justice system involvement to prepare returning citizens to live productively on their own, alter previous patterns, and ultimately reduce recidivism. Services include but are not limited to transitional housing, supportive housing, assistance accessing permanent housing, and case management to help coordinate services.
Education
Education Opportunities for Populations Formerly or Currently Incarcerated
The Constellation Fund seeks applications from organizations that provide educational opportunities to currently and formerly incarcerated adults. Services may include, but are not limited to, educational programs within correctional institutions, high school equivalency, college-level, or employment credentialing programs for formerly incarcerated adults that ultimately increase participant career opportunities.
Please note that the Constellation Fund is not accepting applications from P-12 school districts or individual schools or networks.
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 185% 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.
