Minnesota Inclusion Initiative

The Minnesota Inclusion Initiative grant program is open to groups and organizations. If you have a project that enhances community inclusion for people with I/DD, apply today!

Achieve inclusion goals with the Minnesota Inclusion Initiative

The Minnesota Inclusion Initiative, MII, is a grant program that gives up to $5,000 in funding. This funding goes to groups and organizations that work to enhance inclusion in Minnesota communities for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.  Applications will be accepted from:

  • Informal and formal self-advocacy groups.
  • Disability advocacy organizations.
  • Organizations that work toward justice and belonging.

Projects must be created by and with disabled people.  Apply for this grant if you have a project that creates more meaningful community inclusion opportunities.

Projects can focus on inclusion for people with IDD in many areas of life, including:

  • Employment
  • Transportation
  • Voting
  • Housing
  • Access and the Americans with Disabilities Act
  • Civil and human rights

The application is available in English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish. Follow this link to apply!

 

Kyle, ourTech Guy, Angel (computer recipient) DJ, Bev, Megan with SAM Central

FAQs

What if I need help with my application?

Call Marais Wakem at 507.218.8725 if you need help completing the online application. We can support you as you complete on your own device or we can ask you the questions and transcribe the application

When will I know if my application has been accepted?

The application review and grant award process will take approximately four weeks.

A volunteer panel will review each application. They will make recommendations to approve or deny proposals. They might ask for more information before a decision is made.

What if I need my application in a language that is not English?

We have applications on the site in English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish.

What if I need my application in a different format?

If you would like a paper application mailed to you, please call Marais Wakem at 507.218.8725

In line with our DHS contract, The Arc MN will consider projects that support the following objectives,

  • Decrease barriers to workforce participation experienced by persons with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities.
  • Overcome barriers to accessible and reliable transportation options for persons with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities.
  • Identify and address barriers to voting experienced by persons with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities.
  • Advocate for increased accessible housing for persons with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities.
  • Work with governmental agencies or businesses on accessibility issues under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Increase collaboration between self-advocacy groups and other organizations to effectively address systemic issues that impact persons with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities.
  • Provide public education and awareness of the civil and human rights of persons with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities.
  • Increase capacity for inclusion in a community.

Contact

The MII manager, Marais Wakem, can be reached

Email: maraiswakem@arcminnesota.org

Phone call or text: 507.218.8725

 

The program is made possible through funding from The Minnesota Department of Human Services.