How to Apply for Wells Foundation Funds

Background: The Wells Foundation solicits grant applications for programs that focus on ending homelessness through social innovation within Minnesota. Historically we focus on communities in Downtown Minneapolis or South Minneapolis. We accept grant applications once a year, on Oct. 1. Last year we awarded grants within a range of $6000 to $18,000 to eight groups. Applications for large grants may require a site visit.

Application Process

• Grants must be submitted electronically to:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• We will acknowledge receipt of the application within three weeks.
• The grant application should include only two documents as attachments to your email. PDF is preferred, but we will accept Word documents.

• The first document should be the Minnesota Common Grant Application. (LINK HERE as in current page)
• The second part should include the following, all in one document.

1. Cover sheet should answer the following questions, in this order, in no more than 2000 words:
   
   1. Describe the program are you asking us to fund and its goals.
   2. Where is the program and its target audience?
   3. How does this program use social innovation to address the root causes of homelessness?
   4. Briefly, what research supports your analysis of causes and solutions?
   5. How will the program measure and report on outcomes?
   6. What portion of the total program budget would the Wells grant provide?
   7. What other grants (including dollar amounts) are you applying for?
   8. Describe prior relationships with Wells Foundation or the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota.
   9. If you have been funded by Wells in the past two years, report on how you spent the grant.
2. Budget:
   
   1. Program budget
   2. Organization financials (operating statement and balance sheet only)
3. Roster of board of directors of your organization.