The Minnesota Inclusion Initiative is funded through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) 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. 

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 a red asterisk * are required. 

If you desire an alternative format for completing this application, please contact MII Manager:

Marais Wakem

Email: maraiswakem@arcminnesota.org