GRANTS

Every fall and spring, the Linden Hills Neighborhood Council awards grants of up to $1000 to people, projects and programs that make Linden Hills a better place to live and work. The grants are funded through the annual Taste of Linden Hills.

HOW IT WORKS

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY

The Council prefers to make grants to tax exempt, nonprofit organizations. However, we recognize that some projects may not be associated with a formal nonprofit organization and will consider proposals from neighborhood groups that can meet the guidelines and show appropriate administration and public accountability for the grant.

Units of government may apply for funding for specific projects, but not for activities that are traditional responsibilities of the government.

WHAT WE FUND

Grants from the council under these guidelines will be for specific projects only. The council will not make grants for planning, operating, or capital expenses.

Please also note that grants from the council cannot be used to promote religious or partisan political purposes. Grants are typically less than $1,000, but there are no firm rules about grant allocations.

Linden Hills store fronts
trolley-1
Linden Hills store front

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The level of the council’s support will depend partly on an applicant’s responses to the following questions:

  • How does the organization relate to or affect Linden Hills? The council makes grants to organizations in Linden Hills, or to those that predominantly serve Linden Hills.
  • How will this project/organization improve the neighborhood? What community need(s) does it fulfill?
  • What type of lasting impact would this project have on the community? 
  • How will this project engage and involve the community? 
  • How will this project impact and/or engage diverse (racial, economic, age, housing status, etc) members of the community? Does it promote equity?
  • Would a LHiNC grant make a significant difference in the success of the project? What are the opportunities for additional funding from other sources?

We will also consider applicants' responses to the below questions, which compose our LHiNC Equity Audit:

  • How will this project improve the racial and socioeconomic equity in the neighborhood and/or city?
  • Who benefits from this project?
  • Who will be burdened by this project? 

Finally, the applicant is asked to provide some information about their organization’s finances. 

  • What is the total cost of the project you are proposing? What amount are you requesting from LHiNC?
  • Would a LHiNC grant make a significant difference in the success of the project? Do you have any other potential or guaranteed funding sources? 
  • What is your organization's annual budget, including income and expenses? (General numbers are fine)

TIMELINES & REVIEW PROCESS

March 7, 2024: The spring grant cycle opens. Announcement is made via social media, the LHiNC website, and via email to past applicants and organizations who have reached out to LHiNC for more info on the grants in the past. 

March 19, 2024: The monthly e-newsletter is sent, with a reminder about spring grants. 

April 1, 2024 at 11:59pm: The deadline to submit grant requests. Late submissions will not be considered. 

April 1 - 7, 2024: Volunteers from the council will review each grant and make recommendations to submit to the full council at their April meeting. 

April 8, 2024: The full LHiNC board will meet for their April meeting, and make final decisions on the grants.

Mid-April: The board will inform all applicants of the final decision on their grants. 

April 30, 2024: LHiNC’s accountant will begin sending checks to the grant recipients, assuming we have received all their information and payment details.

Linden Hills Library book sale
Linden Hills Library
Neighbors at the Linden Hills Library

HOW TO APPLY

Fill out this grant proposal form no later than 11:59pm on April 1, 2024. Late submissions cannot be considered. 

PAST GRANT WINNERS

See the list of past grant winners.

Fall colors on walking path at Lake Harriet
Photo courtesy of Steve Mosborg
Lake Harriet at sunrise
Photo courtesy of Steve Mosborg

NEED HELP?

Please contact us if you have any questions.