What does the Butler Family Foundation support through the Community Grants Program?

We fund 501(c)(3) organizations working in the following fields:
 
ARTS
Butler Family Foundation general operating and program grants support arts organizations and programs that provide creative, transformative opportunities to Twin Cities and East Metro communities.
Youth Arts
Investments in arts organizations and youth development programs that nurture young people's talents, creativity, and leadership. We prioritize organizations meeting at least one of the following criteria:
  • Deliver enriching, curriculum-connected arts education in partnership with K-12 schools, especially those in under-resourced communities.
  • Engage middle and high school students in out-of-school arts programs that cultivate strengths and aspirations through positive youth development approaches.
  • Foster co-creation with community-based teaching artists reflecting the backgrounds and interests of young people.
Community Arts

Investments in neighborhood-based arts organizations that harness the strengths, creativity, and cultural vibrancy of their communities. We prioritize organizations meeting at least one of the following criteria:

  • Design inclusive, accessible programs that honor the interests and cultural wealth of local communities.
  • Support and engage community-based teaching artists as leaders and collaborators.
  • Provide high-quality spaces, tools, and materials to nurture creative practice for emerging and established artists and community members.

The Foundation is unlikely to support organizations and programs that primarily provide access to field trips, exhibitions, and performances.

Eligible organizations must operate in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, or Saint Paul's eastern suburbs. All Community Grant applicants must have an annual budget of least $300,000. The Foundation will prioritize support for arts organizations with budgets under $5 million.

ENVIRONMENT
Butler Family Foundation general operating and program grants support environmental organizations and programs that promote responsible stewardship of land and water resources across the state of Minnesota.
Land and Water Conservation
Investments in organizations that implement science-based strategies to protect, restore, and expand access to Minnesota's natural lands and waterways. We prioritize organizations meeting at least one of the following criteria:
  • Protect, restore, and sustainably manage critical landscapes and waterways to support healthy ecological systems and nature-based solutions to climate change.
  • Advance science-based research, public education, and policy approaches to foster sustainable use of Minnesota's land and water resources.
  • Increase access to natural areas for outdoor recreation and community stewardship.
Environmental Education

Investments in environmental education organizations and programs that educate and inspire future generations of environmental stewards. We prioritize organizations meeting at least one of the following criteria:

  • Partner with K-12 schools to deliver curriculum-connected environmental education aligned with state learning standards and supported by field experiences.
  • Create low-barrier opportunitieis for outdoor learning and nature-based education for young people, especially for those in under-resourced communities.
  • Deliver out-of-school environmental education or youth-centered environmental leadership programs that build knowledge, connection, and stewardship.

The Foundation is unlikely to support education programs that primarily provide access to recreational field trips.

The Foundation prioritizes support for environmental organizations with operating budgets of least $300,000.

HUMAN SERVICES
Butler Family Foundation general operating and program grants support human services organizations and programs that foster safety, opportunity, and growth for families and individuals in Twin Cities and East Metro communities.
Stable Housing
Investments in housing organizations that help families and individuals achieve stability and well-being through safe, affordable, and supportive housing. We prioritize organizations meeting at least one of the following criteria:
  • Support individuals, families, and youth facing or experiencing homelessness through outreach, shelter, and support services.
  • Deliver critical support services to help individuals and families maintain stable housing and achieve long-term stability and growth.
  • Advance affordable housing, homeownership, and related pathways to housing stability and family wealth-building.
Safe & Healthy Relationships
Investments in human services organizations and programs that give people tools and support to live safely, with dignity, and free from violence and exploitation. We prioritize organizations meeting at least one of the following criteria:
  • Provide shelter and community-based pathways towards healing and independence for individuals and families impacted by relationship violence and sexual exploitation.
  • Deliver trauma-informed and culturally response therapeutic supports to victim survivors, people who use violence, and children affected by relationship violence.
  • Strengthen protective relationships through prevention and early-intervention programs that support parents, caregivers, children, and family well-being.
Chemical Health
Investments in residential and community-based chemical health organizations and programs that support recovery, stability, and connection for people affected by substance use. We prioritize organizations meeting at least one of the following criteria:
  • Provide residential treatment or outpatient treatment paired with housing, particularly programs supporting the needs of children alongside their parents.
  • Engage communities underserved by mainstream providers through community-based and culturally specific chemical health assessments, treatment, and related support.
  • Support long-term recovery through peer services, community connection, and resource navigation.

The Foundation funds organizations supporting all people but prioritizes support for women, families, and young people. The Foundation is unlikely to fund standalone services for unhoused individuals unless those services include access to shelter.

The Foundation prioritizes support for human services organizations with annual budgets of at least $300,000.

What types of support are available through Community Grants?

We award two-year Community Grants for either general operating support or program support. Minimum grant sizes are $30,000 per year for general operating support and $20,000 per year for program support.

What is the timeline to apply?

Because we award two-year grants, our funding priorities alternate annually. In 2027, we will award Community Grants in human services. Our online Community Grant application system will open on December 1, 2026. Our deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. on April 1, 2027.

What is the review process for Community Grants?

After an initial review of your application, we may contact you for additional information or to schedule a site visit. Final decisions are made annually at the fall meeting of our Board of Trustees.
 

Click here to learn how to apply.

 

For more information, contact:

 
JoAnne Peters
Foundation Co-Director
Telephone: 651-222-2565 (ext. 2)