Rooted in missions spanning education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and social justice, nonprofit organizations embody altruism with a singular focus: making a difference. 

At their core, nonprofit organizations are driven by a profound purpose of enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities at various levels, be it local, state, national, or even global. Their dedication lies not in pursuing private or financial gain but in the noble pursuit of advancing the public interest.

Yet, nonprofits, like any other entity, require financial resources not just for operational costs but to empower their pursuit of tangible change and noble causes. This highlights the interconnectedness of community support, awareness, and financial resources for nonprofits.

Rest assured, many grant programs await nonprofit organizations, providing the vital financial and service support needed to propel impactful initiatives. This page is your gateway to discovering comprehensive insights into one of these grant opportunities and diving into the world of grant writing to gain access to valuable funding resources.

What is Propel?

Propel Nonprofits, formed by the 2017 merger of the Nonprofits Assistance Fund and MAP for Nonprofits, is a federally certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and an intermediary organization. 

The organization seamlessly combines capacity-building services and access to capital, providing nonprofits with support throughout their organizational journeys. Its mission encompasses fueling the impact and effectiveness of nonprofits, while also contributing to a diverse network for a healthier, vibrant, and more just community.

In FY22, Propel Nonprofits made a substantial impact, providing nonprofit assistance of $18.7 million, training 5,993 participants, offering 1,134 hours of free technical assistance, and achieving numerous other milestones. 

Beyond nonprofit financial services, organizations can apply for loans, access accounting assistance, explore fiscal sponsorship, connect with expert consultants, engage nonprofit boards, and participate in tailored non-profit support training sessions through Propel Nonprofits. In addition, the organization offers a loan fund for 501c3 assistance and an online accounting nonprofit helpline.

Nonprofit Assistance Fund

Propel Nonprofits’ capacity-building initiatives provide targeted funding and infrastructure support to Minnesota non profit firms, utilizing a hybrid model of self-determined capacity building, cohort learning, and community partnerships to enhance organizational knowledge and skills within a well-resourced ecosystem.

To fortify small, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led nonprofit organizations, Propel Nonprofits has launched the Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program (NIGP). This program seeks to empower and strengthen these organizations by providing grants, training, and ongoing support to enhance their vital infrastructure.

Eligible organizations, which must be small, culturally specific nonprofits based in Minnesota (such as nonprofits in Minneapolis), can anticipate 50 to 70 grants of up to $65,000 in multi-year reimbursement-based funding. Propel Nonprofits emphasizes improvements in organizational infrastructure, workforce development, and partnerships with other organizations to increase overall capacity.

The NIGP program aligns with Propel’s mission to fuel the impact and effectiveness of nonprofits and will follow a reimbursement system similar to state grants, with regular reporting requirements to ensure accountability. The Request For Proposal (RFP) process involves an informational webinar, technical assistance days, and a thorough review by a diverse external grant selection committee.

Our Services

Empower your cause and secure funding to start your nonprofit’s mission with our expert grant writers. Our skilled professionals are adept at crafting compelling grant proposals that capture the essence of your organization’s initiatives.

Benefit from our wealth of experience as we guide you through the intricacies of applying for Propel Nonprofits grants. Join the community of successful nonprofits we’ve empowered to make a lasting impact.