The Foundation began providing three-year general operating grants to Twin Cities’ health and human service organizations in 2003. The goals of the program were to:

• Support excellent nonprofit organizations that provide essential and effective human services to disadvantaged children and families;
• Fund a range of services from emergency needs to workforce development; and
• Have a positive impact on the budgets and operations of selected organizations with larger, multi-year grants.

The program first supported inner-city organizations. In recent years, organizations providing services in Twin Cities suburbs have received grants.

Applications for this program are by invitation only to allow the Foundation to fill gaps in services or locations.