Arts and Culture Grants

In 2002 the Pohlad Family Foundation began providing multi-year, general operating grants to some of the region’s largest arts institutions.  Prior to completing the sixth year of support, the Foundation secured a review of the program from a local arts expert. 

The review was very positive and the board approved continuing the program.  To improve the program, however, it has become more diversified.  That is, the portfolio or grantees include more mid-size and small arts organizations, with a focus on those that use art to teach or positively engage community members, especially youth. 

Applications for this program are by invitation only to allow the Foundation to identify groups that best meet its objective of supporting excellent arts organizations of all types and sizes and of interest to diverse audiences.  

Organizations receiving grants share the following qualities: clear mission, high quality artistic reputation, financial stability, strong management practices, capacity to attract diverse audiences and a good relationship with the community.

Health and Human Service Grants

In 2012, the Pohlad Family Foundation began implementing two new funding strategies with specific goals for support of human service and primary health care organizations.    

The first strategy supports programs that move families away from poverty, so that there are fewer children growing up poor.  Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations for established programs with solid outcomes that demonstrate the ability to increase long term the incomes of families at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.   

The second strategy attempts to assure that the safety net of basic human needs is maintained for those at or below 100% of the federal poverty level.  A small number of larger, established nonprofit organizations that serve primarily this population are granted general operating support. The missions of these organizations are to provide the poor with basic services (food, clothing, shelter, or primary health care). 

Applications for both strategies are by invitation only; however, letters of intent are accepted at certain times of the year.  To learn if letters of intent are being accepted and information required, go to Current Grant Opportunities.

Large Capital Grants

The Pohlad Family Foundation carefully selects the capital grant requests it considers and approves each year.

As of February 2012, capital requests to be considered during the year have been selected.  No additional requests are beeing accepted at this time.

Challenge Grants

The Pohlad Family Foundation offers a small number of challenge grants outside its primary program goals to strengthen the long-term sustainability of selected organizations that advance the foundation’s mission.  Most grants will be used to match contributions from new individual donors or increased contributions from existing individual donors.  Most challenge grants will require a 1:1 match and grants will not exceed $10,000.