Grant & People News — August 2026
August 2026 roundup of funding news and leadership moves, and notable moments from across the philanthropic sector.
GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
Borealis Philanthropy — Just Futures Initiative
Accepting applications on a rolling basis while funding remains available. Interested organizations start with the Just Futures Eligibility Quiz; those who qualify receive access to the Letter of Interest form, and selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. Learn More →
Headwaters Foundation for Justice — Giving Project Grant
General operating support for BIPOC-led organizations rooted in community organizing across Minnesota. Since 2015, Headwaters' Giving Projects have invested nearly $2.2 million in grassroots organizations advancing equity and justice statewide. Learn More →
Internet Society Foundation — Common Good Cyber Fund
Sustaining support for nonprofits whose work strengthens the public-interest cybersecurity ecosystem. Funded through pooled donations from a mix of government and philanthropic donors, including Craig Newmark Philanthropies, the Internet Society, and several national foreign ministries. Learn More →
adidas Foundation — Recovery Through Sport Program
An Expression of Interest for organizations to become long-term strategic partners, co-developing a multi-year partnership that uses sport and physical activity to support the psychosocial recovery of children and young people affected by crisis and displacement. Up to €6 million committed for the initial phase.
Application period: July 15 – August 30, 2026. Seeking established humanitarian, development, and sport-for-development organizations with strong MHPSS capacity. Learn More →
SC Johnson Foundation — Grants & Product Donations
Corporate giving focused on institutions and organizations that serve or directly affect communities where SC Johnson has operations. Learn More →
USDA Rural Cooperative Development Grants (RCDG)
Grants of $200K to $1 million supporting nonprofit institutions that provide technical assistance, training, and business support to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas. Learn More →
Rainbow Railroad — Grassroots Mobilization Fund
Low-barrier grants of up to $10,000 for LGBTQI+ grassroots and community-based organizations providing services and programs tailored to the local needs of LGBTQI+ people in their region. Projects up to one year. Learn More →
State Farm — Good Neighbor Citizenship Grants
2026 community grants supporting a range of focus areas. See the guide for eligibility, application process, and funding opportunities. Learn More →
GRANT NEWS
Liberty Mutual Foundation Launches $600 Million Endowment
Liberty Mutual has established a $600 million endowment for its Foundation, creating a self-sustaining funding source that allows deeper, multi-year commitments to nonprofits advancing housing stability, workforce development, and climate resiliency. Learn More →
WCA Foundation Awards $555,000 in Project Funding
2026 funding supports community-based responses to gender-based violence, economic security, and the Twin Cities' childcare crisis, expanding access to affordable care while creating employment opportunities for women facing the greatest economic and racial disparities. Learn More →
PEOPLE IN PHILANTHROPY
Tonya Allen Named to TIME100 Philanthropy 2026
TIME magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people shaping the future of charitable giving is out, and Tonya Allen, president of the McKnight Foundation, was named a "Trailblazer." See the full list →
New Leadership at St. Croix Valley Foundation
Mala Thao has been named Vice President of Philanthropy at the St. Croix Valley Foundation. Read More →
Three New Board Members at Proteus Fund
Deanna H., Chisun Lee, and Crys Middlestadt have joined the Proteus Fund board. Read More →
New Roles & Promotions at the McKnight Foundation
The McKnight Foundation is celebrating several colleagues stepping into new roles:
Valerie Stull — Senior Program Officer, Global Foods Program
Marcq Sung — expanded responsibilities as Senior Program Officer & PRI Portfolio Manager
Caroline Taiwo — promoted to Senior Program Officer, Arts & Culture
Laura Salveson — Project Manager for the 75th Anniversary
Jordan Smith — promoted to Facilities & Maintenance Coordinator
Jacques Hebert — promoted to Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs
A Fond Farewell
Rudy Guglielmo Jr., grantmaking officer with the Bush Foundation, has retired after his years of service to Minnesota philanthropy. Read the Foundation's tribute →
News & Perspectives
Do Business with a Purpose
A one-day summit aimed at helping Greater Minnesota businesses become more prepared, profitable, and sustainable. It brings together social entrepreneurs, business owners, nonprofit leaders, foundations, banks, ecosystem builders, advisors, and investors for a high-impact day. Sponsored by the Initiative Foundation, Southwest Initiative Foundation, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, West Central Initiative, Northspan Group, Inc., and Accelerators @ ConnectUP! Read More →
Place-Based Philanthropy Is Gathering Momentum. The Question Is How We Use It Well.
In April, the British government published a paper titled "Our Place to Give: A Plan for Growing Place-Based Philanthropy," outlining how government will partner with philanthropists, local government, and civil society to strengthen place-based giving. Funder Nina Slingsby of OAHA notes why it matters: it signals that philanthropy is being thought of differently, not simply as charitable giving or a response to visible need, but as part of a longer-term approach to place. It also recognizes something many community organizations know too well, that those closest to need are not always closest to the relationships, capacity, or investment that could help their work go further. Read More →
40 Years and $800 Million Have Helped Rural Minnesota in So Many Ways
This Star Tribune article highlights the 40-year impact of Minnesota's six Initiative Foundations, created by the McKnight Foundation during the 1980s rural economic crisis. Through more than $800 million in grants, loans, and local leadership, these community-based foundations have become trusted catalysts for rural economic development, civic engagement, and quality of life, even as the article calls attention to the continuing imbalance in philanthropic funding between the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. Read More →
How the Big Beautiful Bill Will Affect Private Foundations
The Johnson Center analyzes a proposed federal increase in excise taxes on private foundation investment income. While most foundations may maintain grantmaking in the short term, the analysis concludes that higher taxes will gradually reduce charitable distributions by redirecting funds from nonprofits to the federal government, potentially lowering long-term foundation payouts, encouraging structural changes, and weakening the charitable resources available to communities over time. Read More →
Analysis: Where Does the Money Go?
Fundraising advisor Wayan Vota breaks down two major funders and what it takes to win their support:
Will the McKnight Foundation Fund Your Nonprofit? Read More →
Will the Bloomberg Foundation Fund Your NGO? Read More →
OPINIONS
Three centuries of science is something to celebrate
As America marks its 250th anniversary, the article highlights the nation's extraordinary scientific progress—from the limited medical and scientific knowledge of George Washington's era to today's transformative discoveries—and argues that continued investment in research is essential. With public funding and trust in science declining, it calls on philanthropy to play a vital role by supporting scientific research, preserving critical datasets, strengthening university labs, and ensuring AI develops in ethical, transparent, and socially beneficial ways. Read More
How Are Foundations Spending Money?
Twin Cities Business article that examines the growing debate over whether private foundations should increase their grantmaking and reduce administrative spending as nonprofits face rising demand and shrinking public funding. While some foundations are voluntarily exceeding the required 5% payout, the piece argues that greater transparency, higher distributions, and more efficient operations could direct significantly more resources to nonprofits while preserving long-term philanthropic impact. Read More
