Systems Change Grant Program (Invite-Only)
F. R. Bigelow Foundation provides multi-year general operating grants through an invitation-only process.
Program Overview
F. R. Bigelow Foundation believes that our community should not only benefit from our work, but inform and form it as well. Creating solutions to today’s issues requires a collaborative approach. Our work is also rooted in a commitment to racial equity.
The goal of our Systems Change Grant Program (invite-only) is to support efforts to help systems adapt, transform and/or be disrupted to achieve more equitable results.
To do this, we support organizations, programs or initiatives in or serving the East Metro working to address root causes of issues impacting the East Metro.
Funding Priorities
The Foundation’s Systems Change Grant Program seeks to address root causes of any issue impacting the East Metro (including, but not limited to, the five funding priorities of our Community Solutions Grant Program).
This includes non-partisan activities such as advocacy, organizing, research, civic engagement, narrative change and/or storytelling, but does not include lobbying.
Geography
Our primary geographic focus is the Greater Saint Paul metropolitan area, which includes Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties, with a particular emphasis on serving people who live or work in the city of Saint Paul.
Eligibility
Grants can be made to 501(c)3 organizations, government entities, educational institutions or organizations with a fiscal sponsor.
While an organization may be eligible to apply, attention and preference will be given to organizations:
- Addressing disparities and/or creating more equitable outcomes for communities experiencing marginalization due to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability or geography
- Establishing a clear connection to the Informs, Forms, Benefits framework, which states that those experiencing barriers should not only benefit from the work we support, but inform, form, and lead it as well
This program is by invitation only. If your organization is interested in learning more, please reach out to Kedar Hickman.
Grant Details
Grants will provide general operating support. Grant amounts and grant periods may vary.
In 2026, up to $1,200,000 is available for this grant program, and we anticipate awarding approximately two to three grants.
Grant Requests Not Accepted
F. R. Bigelow Foundation will not consider grant requests for support of:
- Capital projects located outside Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties
- Organizations not primarily serving residents of Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties
- Sectarian religious programs or organizations
- Grants to individuals
- Medical research
Grant Application Resources
Grant resources include key dates and instructions on how to register for and use GranteeView, our grant application portal.
How to Apply
Our Systems Change Grant Program is only available for organizations invited to apply.
Step 1: Review Grant Guidelines
Familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria and funding priorities for this grant program.
Step 2. Talk to the Grants Team
All interested applicants are encouraged to contact a member of our Grants Team before applying to ensure that the grant program fits your needs.
Step 3. Review Application Materials
Review required application materials and instructions on how to apply. Note: Applications for our Systems Change Grant Program begin with a letter of inquiry and initial screening. Both the letter of inquiry and application stage are by invitation only.
View Grant Application Resources
Step 4. Register and Apply
This grant program requires applicants to register for GranteeView to apply for a grant. Registration is open now. Note: Only select organizations will be invited to submit a letter of inquiry and a full application.
Step 5: Stay Connected
Whether or not your organization is selected for a grant opportunity, we want to stay connected. Our Grants Team is always excited to connect with community partners.