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      

Microgrant Guidelines

• Grant awards cannot be more than $1,500.
• This program is not for emergency situations as it may take up to 45 days to receive a response.
• Grants are not guaranteed. This program is very popular and we do not have enough funds to approve all applications received.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) funds the program through The Arc Minnesota. The Arc Minnesota is a non-profit organization which promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. People with disabilities and their families trust The Arc Minnesota for information, assistance, education, and public policy leadership.
 

Details

• Microgrants should not replace other resources (for example: Transitional Funding).
• Applications will be accepted from individuals with disabilities, their staff, family, friends or supporters. 
• Microgrant staff will make all purchases. We do not send money to applicants and we cannot reimburse for purchases already made. 
• Microgrants may NOT be used for

               -Vacations

               -Rent or Bills

               -Gift cards

               -Software or other subscriptions

               -Large appliances 

              - Cars

               -Beds. Beginning August 1, 2024 we can no longer accept requests for beds. 

                 Please contact these organizations for bed help: 

                         Bridging.org

                         MyVeryOwnBed.org

                         Beds4Vets.org

                         Freecycle.org

                         ShpBeds.org

                         AHopeToDream.com

How to Apply
If possible, please complete a microgrant application through this website. The online application is accessible to people with visual disabilities using screen reading software. Contact us for other options.

All applications should include detailed information about your project. 

This program is very popular so please take time to complete all areas of the application. 

                                            Any incomplete applications may be denied. 

Be sure to tell us

• what you want to do
• why you want to do it
• how you plan to get it done
• what items you need to get it done (provide as many details as possible including cost)
• how the items needed relate to your disability
• how will you feel if you are successful

You can start your application and come back to it later. Just scroll down to the end and click "Save Draft". 

Nothing will be submitted until you click "Apply".
 

Review Process
Representatives of The Arc Minnesota and a review panel that includes community members and self-advocates will help decide which applications to approve.

 They will look for: 

• Significance

               -Is the plan directly related to housing? 

               -How do the items relate to living with a disability?

• Action plan

               -Is the plan well thought out?

               -Will the items purchased help the applicant be successful with their plan?

• Likelihood of success

               -Is this plan doable and will it make a difference?

               -Is there enough information in each area of the application?

If detailed information, especially on the items you would like to receive, is not included, your application may be returned to you immediately so you can complete it. 

We cannot review applications that do not list items requested and their prices etc.  

People who get a grant will be encouraged to share their story and complete a follow-up survey. Stories help ensure future funding, and surveys help us improve the program. 

Please contact us if you:

• Would like a paper application mailed to you. We have applications in English, Hmong, Spanish and Somali.
• Would like to make an appointment for someone to help you with the application over the phone.

                                      Contact us: microgrants@arcminnesota.org or 952-234-3883