Minnesota Inclusion Initiative

Help us make Minnesota more inclusive for people with disabilities!

If you are part of a self-advocacy group or another advocacy organization, you may be able to apply for a grant through the Minnesota Inclusion Initiative (MII).

The Minnesota Inclusion Initiative provides grants for projects that promote inclusion. Projects can focus on issues like affordable housing, voting rights, employment, and other efforts that support justice and belonging. All projects must be created by and with disabled people.

The program is funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Applications are accepted from informal self-advocacy groups, disability advocacy organizations, and other nonprofit organizations that work toward justice and inclusion.

With questions or for more information, email Marais Wakem at maraiswakem@arcminnesota.org. 

When you apply, tell us how $500 – $5,000 could help make Minnesota more inclusive for people with disabilities!

Review the guidelines on the application for more information.

Fill out the application in English here.

Sau daim foos thov online ua lus Hmoob ntawm no.

Complete el formulario de solicitud en línea en español aquí.

Halkan ku buuxi foomka codsiga online-ka ah ee Soomaaliga.

 

Two people smiling and spending time together indoors, one using a wheelchair.
Who should I contact if I need support with the application?

Call us at 952-920-0855 if you need:

  • Help with your application
  • An application in another language
  • A paper copy of the application
  • Any other support to apply. You can also email MII Manager Marais Wakem at maraiswakem@arcminnesota.org. 
How long does it take to know if my application was approved?

The application review process will take 2 to 4 weeks.

A volunteer panel will review each application. The panel will include:

  • Self-advocates
  • Staff from The Arc Minnesota
  • Staff from the Minnesota Department of Human Services

They will decide to approve or deny proposals. They might ask for more information before they make a decision.

What kind of projects will the MII fund?

Projects should focus on inclusion in the areas of:

  • employment
  • transportation
  • voting
  • housing
  • government
  • access and the Americans with Disabilities Act
  • civil and human rights
Projects can also focus on belonging and general inclusion in community.   
  • Decreasing barriers to workforce participation experienced by persons with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities.
  • Overcoming barriers to accessible and reliable transportation options for persons with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities.
  • Identifying and addressing barriers to voting experienced by persons with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities.
  • Advocating for increased accessible housing for persons with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities.
  • Working with governmental agencies or businesses on accessibility issues under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Increasing collaboration between self-advocacy groups and other organizations to effectively address systemic issues that impact persons with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities.
  • Providing public education and awareness of the civil and human rights of persons with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities.
  • Increasing capacity for inclusion in a community.
We look forward to your application!