Better Communities Grants Eligibility

Eligibility for funding is determined based on due diligence and assessment of the following:

• Serve Rochester, MN area residents without discrimination (Rochester Area is defined as within 35 miles of Rochester, MN)
• Nonprofit organizations, exempt from Federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or governmental bodies and municipalities, are eligible to apply. If an organization does not have its own 501(c)(3) designation, Rochester Area Foundation will accept proposals from nonprofits that are working under the formal agreement of a fiscal sponsor that does have its own 501(c)(3) letter.
• Complete IRS Form 990 or 990EZ Annually
• Annual Audit (if required) or a financial review by an independent CPA within the last 24 months*
• In good standing with all existing awards and contracts with the Rochester Area Foundation
• May not receive grants from the same focus area for more than 3 consecutive years
• Provide organizational Non-Discrimination Policy meeting all federal requirements as it applies to your type of organization (FAQs)

*We may consider other ways of determining the financial integrity of an organization if you have not had any kind of formal review done, such as board-approved financial statements. However, we would encourage you to obtain a CPA review in the future.

Please note RAF will not typically fund:

• Creation of a new organization
• Schools
• Regranting
• Capital campaigns/capital costs (equipment, building costs, maintenance)
• Political campaigns
• Expenses incurred before the grant is awarded
• Cemetery associations
• Religious causes that further a specific belief/agenda