The Minnesota Microgrant Partnership gives grants to Minnesotans with disabilities. Microgrants help people reach goals related to where they work or live or how they engage in their community. Goals should be important to and for the applicant.
Funding comes from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Applicants must be 18 or older and receive waiver services or personal care assistance. Or applicants could be 16 or older with a level 3 or 4 Individualized Educational Program (IEP).
Microgrant awards range from $100 to $2000. The average request is about $900. The average award is between $700 and $800.
The following list includes a few examples of successful grant requests. Applicants often have creative, exciting ideas about how to use funds to reach their goals.
Camps, conferences, vacations, out-of-state travel, and replacement furniture are not eligible for funding through the Minnesota Microgrant Partnership. Some out-of-state travel may be considered for residents living near state borders.
Applicants may receive help completing an application from a friend, family member or supporter. The Arc staff may help with application questions if requested.
The Department of Human Services checks for eligibility. We will let applicants know if they request an item or service which is available through their waiver services.
A volunteer panel reviews each application. They make recommendations to ask for more information, approve, or deny proposals.
The award process may take up to 45 days, so grants are not intended for emergency or crisis situations.
Microgrant staff makes all purchases and can not reimburse for items already purchased.
Applicants may apply again if their proposal is denied.
Applicants may only receive one grant per calendar year.
The fastest way to apply is online. Applications will open on January 1, 2023. If required, request a paper application from microgrants@arcminnesota.org or 952-920-0855. Response times may be longer for a paper application.
Apply by December 31, 2023. The application may close sooner if all funds run out earlier than anticipated.
Contact Dawn at 952.920.0855 or microgrants@arcminnesota.org with your unanswered questions.