How can I apply for a grant?
The Foundation does not have formal deadlines and for the most part does not accept unsolicited proposals for funding. Applications for funding are either invited by our staff from organizations with which the Foundation is working, or through an occasional Request for Proposals (RFP) process. An RFP opportunity will usually be announced with plenty of advance notice. To find out about our future opportunities and/or stay familiar with the Foundation’s work, we encourage you to sign up for our regular e-newsletters at the bottom of the page.
What is the geographic focus of your grantmaking?
The Foundation primarily focuses its funding efforts in the communities of North Minneapolis in Minnesota. The “North Side” is an area rich with opportunity and assets but has experienced years of disinvestment. It is also the neighborhood where Jay and Rose Phillips met and the family lived for many years. This historical sentiment coupled with community opportunities make our decision to focus on North Minneapolis a perfect evolution of the Foundation’s focus and interests, and creates a strong direction for the Foundation for years to come.
My organization does work that might fit your interests. How do I tell you about it?
If your organization is doing work you feel fits our funding interests we encourage you to contact one of our staff. You can also complete our brief online questionnaire.
How can I contact your trustees?
The Foundation does not give out personal contact information for our trustees. Please send all of your inquiries to the Foundation office at 615 First Avenue NE, Suite 330, Minneapolis MN 55413 or info@phillipsfamilymn.org.
Do you fund government programs or units of government?
On a case-by- case basis the Foundation will consider funding special projects administered by units of government. However, the Foundation will not fund efforts that are traditionally the responsibility or function of government.
Does your foundation only fund nonprofit organizations?
The Foundation predominately funds entities that are classified by the Internal Revenue Service as tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations. We will consider funding through a fiscal agent on a case-by-case basis.
Do you fund requests for capital support?
The Foundation generally does not make grants for capital needs. We may consider a strategic capital grant to an organization with which we have a working relationship if the capital needs advance the work of that organization and are related to the funding needs of the Foundation.
Do you fund lobbying?
The Foundation is prohibited from funding direct lobbying activities aimed at influencing specific pending or proposed legislation, including referenda, local, statewide or federal ordinances and resolutions. This prohibition generally includes direct lobbying of legislators and other government officials with respect to specific legislation and mass media advertising campaigns aimed at influencing specific legislation. The Foundation will consider requests for efforts such as grassroots organizing, issue education that is neutral, nonpartisan and grounded in recognized research, and policy research and education. If you have questions about the acceptability of a proposed activity, please review the provisions describing prohibited activities included in Section 4945(e) of the Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulations Section 53.4945-2.
How can our organization access funds from your trustee-directed grants?
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals for our trustee-directed grants.
Does the foundation make program related investments (PRI’s)?
The Foundation currently does not provide program related investments, nor loans of any kind.
Does the Foundation support events such as galas, conferences, or benefits?
As a general rule, the Foundation does not support events. Occasionally the Foundation will sponsor an event that aligns with our funding interests, but this occurs very infrequently.
How can I contact you?
Contact information is available on our Contact Us page.
