Mission

Preparing the next generation for success in school, work and life.

To achieve our mission, we will invest in organizations and programs that demonstrate leadership and effectiveness in improving student achievement especially for socio-economically disadvantaged children (pre-kindergarten-12) and in eliminating barriers to their educational success.

Funding focus areas

Education

Programs/services that take place during the school day, typically within the classroom. Often, the teacher is the instructor or participates in the instruction. These programs/services are often rigorous, curriculum-driven and embedded in the other areas of learning at the school or district.

Applications for the Education funding area are accepted on an ongoing basis, however because of the rigorous requirements, organizations are asked to contact the Cargill Foundation staff to discuss the program, prior to receiving instructions on how to apply.

Eliminating barriers to education success

Programs/services that youth attend either before or after the school day. Generally, paid program staff or volunteers provide these services. Students typically are recommended to the program by the school staff or the program recruits students or parents directly.

Applications for the Eliminating Barriers funding area are reviewed once a year – the application process for this area is CLOSED, the deadline was April 17th.

Geographical area

We support organizations that serve a significant proportion of children from Minneapolis, Minnesota and/or its northern and western suburbs. These cities include: Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, New Hope, Crystal, Robbinsdale, Golden Valley, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Eden Prairie, Richfield, and Edina.

2009 Application process

New Applicants - The deadline for the 2009 LOI is April 17, 2009. Please review the Grant Guidelines (PDF) carefully as they describe the direction and emphasis for 2009 funding. 

Organizations will be contacted by the Cargill Foundation staff two weeks following the LOI deadline if they are invited to submit a formal proposal. Once invited to participate in the formal application process, the deadline for the 2009 formal proposal is May 20, 2009. 

Renewing Applicants are applicants who currently receive program funding from the Foundation and have received a final grant payment in 2008. These applicants may proceed to the online formal application process, available by using the login information provided to you via email.