The Minnesota Inclusion Initiative is supported by the Department of Human Services – Disability Services Division and administered by The Arc Minnesota.
The purpose of this grant is to award funds to self-advocacy groups and organizations working towards community inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Projects should be aligned with one of the following categories,
- Decreasing barriers to workforce participation experienced by persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Overcoming barriers to accessible and reliable transportation options for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Identifying and addressing barriers to voting experienced by persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. ^
- Advocating for increased accessible housing for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Working with governmental agencies or businesses on accessibility issues under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Increasing collaboration between self-advocacy groups and other organizations to effectively address systemic issues that impact persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Providing public education and awareness of the civil and human rights of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Increasing capacity for inclusion in a community.
The MN inclusion initiative cannot fund general operating costs for organizations. This includes but is not limited to marketing, office space rentals, general office supplies, transportation, or staff meetings.
All grant payments will be given directly to the organization or self advocacy group. We are not able to award grant funds to individuals. Groups must have a financial account associated with their organization to receive grant funds.
If your group does not have an account, they can partner with an organization who will serve as a financial supporter. The financial supporter will be an organization that can hold money on behalf of your group. If you would like to work with an organization as a financial supporter, please reach out to Marais Wakem at maraiswakem@arcminnesota.org.
If grant funds are awarded, the applying individual will be contacted to provide additional information.
Questions with an asterisk * are required.
^ If your organization would like voting information and voter engagement resources, click this link from the Minnesota Council on Disability. https://www.disability.state.mn.us/technical-assistance/voting/
If you desire an alternative format for completing this application, please contact MII Manager:
Marais Wakem
Email: maraiswakem@arcminnesota.org
Crisis Housing Assistance Program for people with a serious mental illness, Funded through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Homelessness, Housing and Support Services Administration (HHSSA) and Administered by The Arc Minnesota The Crisis Housing Assistance Fund is a flexible pool of money to provide short-term housing assistance for persons with a serious mental illness whose income is being used to pay for an inpatient or residential treatment of 90 days or less. The State of Minnesota identifies a serious mental illness diagnosis as one “that seriously limits a person's capacity to function in primary aspects of daily living such as personal relations, living arrangements, work, and recreation The goal of this program is to help individuals remain in their home while seeking treatment for up to 90 days in a licensed facility. Funding can only be used for current rent, utilities, garbage, water/sewer, and phone (up to $70 per month). Eligibility: Individual must be seeking treatment in one of the following capacities o In-Patient or Residential Mental Health Care o Inpatient or Residential Substance Use Disorder Care (must provide documentation of Severe Mental Illness) o Partial Hospitalization (PHP) The following must be included with your application: Proof of income (screenshot of participants bank account information and the screenshot of direct deposit from employment, unemployment , SSI payment, SSDI payment, etc) with identifying information. A budget detailing expenses and who to pay must be included when submitting an application. A letter from a medical professional or documentation detailing diagnosis must be provided with your application that the applicant is receiving treatment for a serious mental illness who is receiving hospital level psychiatric treatment or Substance Use Disorder Treatment.
Purpose of Collection: The information you provide on this form is being collected by The Arc Minnesota for the purpose of processing your application.
Use of Information: The information you provide will be used to verify your eligibility.
Voluntary or Mandatory: You are required to provide the requested information in order to process and establish eligibility of your application. However, you are not required to provide any additional information that is not essential for the purpose described above.
Consequences of Not Providing Information: If you do not provide the requested information, your application may be delayed or rejected.
Access to Information: The information you provide may be shared with the MN Department of Human Services as required or permitted by law. The Arc Minnesota will take reasonable steps to safeguard your privacy and protect your information from unauthorized access.
If you have any questions about this notice or how your information will be used, please contact Wendy Gerlach at wendygerlach@arcminnesota.org or 952-915-3698.
Crisis Housing Assistance Program-Release of Information (arcminnesota.org) Funds can only be used while seeking treatment. Funds will not be paid directly to the applicant. All payments will be made directly to the landlord, utility service or phone company. You will need to provide information as to whom to pay, address and include account numbers for services. Funds only cover the retention of the applicants current housing. Once a completed application is received, you will be contacted. Payment will be made when eligibility is verified and all documents are submitted. For more information or assistance, please contact: Wendy Gerlach wendygerlach@arcminnesota.org Phone#: 952-915-3698 Fax#: 952-522-3604