Eligibility
Programs with missions similar to that of the Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (“promoting vision, best practices and achievement”) are the intended grant recipients.

Grant funds should be used for direct program expenses; not general operating costs.

Preferred programs
First priority: programs designed to directly improve the practice of teaching through high-quality staff development opportunities.

Second priority: programs that create and distribute useful teaching and learning tools such as curricula, materials or research to a broad educator population in Minnesota.

Programs having statewide or multi-region impact are preferred over those with narrower geographic potential.

Programs run by charitable organizations (501(c)3 public charities) or professional associations preferred.  Not appropriate for school or teacher applicants (the Classroom and Impact Grant programs are designed for those groups).

Miscellaneous
Award size: generally up to $5,000 for a one-year period. Larger requests may be considered. Grants may be renewed.

Requests must be received by Nov. 1 (Round 1) or April 1 (Round 2). No more than 50 percent of the Affinity Grant budget will be awarded in Round 1. Requests submitted in Round 1 may be reconsidered in Round 2 upon request.

Please use the Minnesota Common Grant Application form. Send application to Education Minnesota Foundation for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, 41 Sherburne Ave, St. Paul, MN 55103. If you have questions contact Pat Reisenger, Foundation director, 800-652-9073 or 651-292-4824.