Management Improvement Fund

The Management Improvement Fund is a specialized grantmaking initiative of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, a prominent private foundation dedicated to building community vitality across the state of Minnesota. Established in 1991, the Management Improvement Fund (MIF) has since disbursed over $7 million to more than 470 nonprofit organizations, reflecting the Foundation's long-standing commitment to strengthening internal capacity in the nonprofit sector. The Fund supports small to midsize 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups that primarily serve low-income populations in Minnesota. The core purpose of the Management Improvement Fund is to provide targeted financial support—grants of up to $15,000—for technical assistance and consulting services aimed at enhancing organizational capacity. These grants enable nonprofits to undertake essential internal projects such as strategic planning, organizational assessments, board governance improvements, technology assessments, human resource evaluations, and financial planning. The Fund also recognizes the importance of culturally relevant support, offering funding for translation services, accessibility consulting, and community healing initiatives. A strong emphasis is placed on advancing racial equity, with prioritization given to BIPOC-led organizations, particularly those serving Asian American/Pacific Islander, Indigenous, Latinx, and Black communities. Eligible organizations must have an annual operating budget of $5 million or less, and must demonstrate the readiness and capacity to commit to both the consultation process and subsequent implementation of recommendations. Applications are reviewed with a focus on how well the proposed project aligns with the organization’s internal needs, leadership development goals (particularly for BIPOC staff and board members), and potential for long-term organizational strengthening. The Fund explicitly excludes organizations engaged in sectarian religious activities, individuals, and those operating solely within Minnesota’s West Metro counties unless contacted in advance. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed quarterly, with four submission deadlines per year: February 19, May 21, August 20, and November 12, 2026. Applications submitted after these deadlines are automatically carried over to the next cycle. While there is no formal requirement for an LOI or pre-application document, prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Fund team at [email protected] to ensure that the opportunity aligns with their needs. Applicants must also include a written proposal or bid from the selected consultant with their application. Successful applicants will not be required to submit a final report. Instead, they are invited to participate in a convening event at the conclusion of their grant period to share learnings and reflect on the impact of the funding. The grant funds primarily cover consultation and training fees, though a limited portion may be allocated to related expenses such as interpreter services, stipends, childcare, transportation, and staff time necessary to complete the proposed work. The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation encourages applicants to choose their own consultants but provides links to partner organizations like Nexus Community Partners and the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits as potential resources. This recurring grant opportunity is intended to evolve alongside the needs of Minnesota's nonprofit ecosystem, particularly those working toward equity and community resilience. It offers a flexible and accessible structure for capacity-building and serves as a vital tool for institutional development among small and emerging organizations in the state.