The Minnesota Microgrant Partnership - Employment
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.
- All applications should include detailed information about your project. Incomplete applications may be denied. We may reach out during the review process and if we do not hear back within 30 days, we'll need to close your application. Be sure to accept emails from notifications@email.submittable.com.
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.
- Only one microgrant per year can be awarded. If you receive a grant, you must wait a full year to apply again. If you have already received 2 grants, priority maybe given to first time applicants over receiving a third.
- 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
The online application is accessible to people with visual disabilities using screen reading software.
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 details and cost)
- how the items needed relate to your disability
- how you will 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 employment?
-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