Minneapolis, MN
Dear Minneapolis Grantseeker,
Thank you for your interest in Carolyn Foundation.
Carolyn Foundation funds high-quality out-of-school time (OST) youth development programs for low-income middle- through high-school-aged youth in Minneapolis, MN. Based on feedback from the community, we take a two-pronged approach:
- Core Partners: Through an invited grantmaking process, we support a core group of youth development partners who have distinguished themselves for serving our target population; and
- Youth Development Grantees: Through a responsive grantmaking process, we support community-led youth development organizations where leadership and staff reflect the demographics and shared lived experiences with the young people they serve.
In this we way, we strive to provide both breadth and depth to our youth development focus.
Our 2026 Core Partners are:
- Banyan Community
- Boys & Girls Club Twin Cities – Jerry Gamble Club
- Green Garden Bakery
- Northside Boxing Club
- Risen Christ Catholic School
Our 2026 Youth Development Grantees are:
- COMPAS, Inc.
- Juxtaposition Arts
- Pillsbury United Communities
- Saint Helena Catholic School
- WE WIN Institute
Our next responsive youth development grant round opens on December 15, 2025. Click here to read more about the grantmaking guidelines. You may apply here. The application deadline is February 15, 2026, and grants will be paid in June 2026. Grants are typically ~$15k-25k, depending on program size and fit.
Please note: Beginning in 2026, the Foundation will offer one responsive grantmaking cycle each year. Applications will open on December 15 and be due February 15, with grants paid in June.
The fall Core Partner grantmaking cycle will be an invited process.
Use the self-assessment tool before applying. If your program doesn’t closely match our guidelines and priorities, please do not apply. If you are unsure, please call me to discuss: 612-596-3266.
Sincerely,
Becky Erdahl
Executive Director
December 19, 2025