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First Universalist Church of Minneapolis

3400 Dupont Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-825-1701

We join together at First Universalist Church in a welcoming spiritual community that affirms our liberal religious heritage. Our ministry is to bring the Universalist message of love and hope to one another, to our children and to the work of social justice.

 

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First Universalist Foundation
General Fund

Preserving the spirit of Unity Settlement House by encouraging the work of social justice seekers.

History

The First Universalist Foundation was created in 1984 from an endowment fund resulting from the sale of Unity Settlement House, a neighborhood center owned by First Universalist Church since 1893. The settlement house was purchased from the church and destroyed when I-94 was built through north Minneapolis. The settlement house had been devoted to meeting the social and economic needs of the immigrant and Native American families on the near north side of the city. The Foundation strives to carry on the tradition - and add value to the social justice mission of the church - through grants from income on the endowment.

Giving Priorities and Guidelines

The Foundation will place a high priority on projects that meet the following criteria:

  • Focus on issues relating to children, youth, and families and/or housing.
  • Address the root causes of social justice problems and work toward systemic change.
  • Demonstrate the potential to have a significant impact on the community.
  • Have clear-cut components that demonstrate service, action and/or education.
  • Focus on the Twin Cities community.

Grant Amounts

Grants from the general funding pool range from $500 to $5,000.  The Foundation may reserve funds targeted to special initiatives.

Who Can Apply?

Any project that falls within the giving priorities and has 501(c)(3) status may apply. For any organization with a budget over $500,000 the Foundation will only consider requests for project support. If an organization's budget is under $500,000, we will consider requests for funding general support or specific projects. (First Universalist Foundation will not consider grants from organizations whose annual budget exceeds $1,000,000.)

Deadlines and Decisions

The Foundation accepts proposals at any time. Funding decisions for the general pool are normally made in November and April. Proposals must be received by October 21 to be considered in November; or by March 15 to be considered at the April meeting.

Early submission of proposals is encouraged.

How to Apply

The Foundation accepts (but does not require) the Minnesota Common Grant Application Format. If using the format please supplement it with a brief note about your relationship to First Universalist Church.

If you do not use the Common Grant Application form, your proposal should include all the material in the following checklist with sections well marked and in the designated order.

Submit 11 copies of all materials except IRS determination letter and most recently completed audited financial statement. They should be sent to the Foundation care of:
    First Universalist Church of Minneapolis
    3400 Dupont Avenue South
    Minneapolis, MN  55408

A proposal will be subject to consideration only after all required materials are in hand (including requested number of copies).

 

Application Checklist

Cover Page with the following:
  • Name of Organization
  • Title of Project/Program
  • Contact Person
  • Address
  • Phone/Fax/Email
  • Amount of Request:
  • Summary of Project (1-2 sentences)

Narrative (no more than 5 pages):
  • History and Mission
  • Project Description (Include target population, geographic area, objectives, activities, and time line.)
  • Evaluation (Include previous program results, goals for this year and how you will measure the effectiveness of the your project.)
  • Relationship to First Universalist Church
  • Indicate whether you have an existing relationship with the Church or its members. Are there other (non-financial) ways in which First Universalist could support your work?

Attachments:

  • Organizational Budget
  • Project Budget
  • Other Funding Sources for Project (indicate whether secured or projected)
  • IRS Determination Letter (one copy)
  • Audited Financial Statement (one copy)

Decision-Makers

The First Universalist congregation elects nine members to the First Universalist Foundation Board. These board members set priorities and strategy, solicit and review funding proposals, and make funding decisions. The Foundation has no professional staff.

Return to Home Page of the First Universalist Foundation

This page was last updated on October 08, 2007