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 2022 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, 2022. Focus areas will change with each grant cycle, so please check back to learn about future calls for applications.
Constellation also continues to encourage organizations to apply for general operating funding provided a substantial amount of the work is in one or more than one focus area. Organizations that bridge focus areas such as early childhood education and affordable housing are also encouraged to apply.
Health
Chronic Disease Prevention or Management and Treatment
Organizations that reduce the health burden of chronic diseases among low-income Twin Cities residents through prevention, management, or treatment. Services may include, but are not limited to, education, motivation, access to healthy foods, access to fitness opportunities, smoking cessation assistance, disease management support groups, symptom monitoring, or medication treatment.
Please note: The Constellation Fund is seeking applications from organizations and programs that address racial health disparities across our priority drivers.
Housing
Increasing Housing Stability
Organizations that reduce episodic homelessness, assist to avoid eviction, and reduce the number of people who become homeless for the first time. Services may include, but are not limited to, increasing resources for prevention and to avoid shelter, providing rental assistance and support, and access to housing navigators.
Please note: The Constellation Fund will not accept proposals from housing organizations that screen out tenants based on criminal history that does not show clear and present danger to property or tenants.
Education
Early Childhood Education with Family/Child Support Services
Organizations that ensure kindergarten-readiness by providing high-quality early childhood education and support both children and families through additional wrap-around services. Wrap-around services may include, but are not limited to: cultural and linguistically specific services, home visiting, trauma-informed care, social and emotional development, and/or family case management.
ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Organizations must operate within one or more of the following counties in the seven-county Twin Cities region : Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington.
- Organizations must predominately serve those living below 185% of the federal poverty line in our community.
- 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.
