Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation supports arts, community and economic development, education, environment and human services in Minnesota.
FUNDING AREAS: Arts, community and economic development, education, environment, human services
IP TAKE: Grantseekers can learn more about the many funds held at DSACF on the foundation website, which may take some time to determine which fund is the most relevant one to apply to. This is otherwise an accessible funder with an online application process.
PROFILE: Established in 1981, the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation (DSACF) is a community foundation based in Duluth, Minnesota. The creation of this foundation followed a period in local economic history when Duluth was experiencing a low point with declining population and high unemployment rates. The foundation "promotes private giving for the public good.” The foundation website states, “By fostering generosity, civic engagement and inclusiveness, we strive to be a catalyst in regional philanthropy.” DSACF funds local efforts for arts, community and economic development, education, environment and human services.
The Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation awards grants from many different funds in its grant cycles. Through these funds, it provides monetary awards for new projects and organizations needing start-up funds, ongoing organizational support and capital and equipment support. However, DSACF does not fund medical research, religious activities, political organizations or individuals other than for scholarships. In addition to the standard community foundation grants, there are also grant opportunities with the Duluth Public Schools Endowment Fund and Duluth Legacy Endowment Fund, which are both administered by DSACF and have their own separate application process. Otherwise, the funder publishes lists of the many funds with their application due dates on the foundation website.
Grants range between about $500 and $20,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving on the recent grants awarded page of the funder’s website. Grantmaking focuses on the seven counties of northeast Minnesota (Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis) and the three counties in northwest Wisconsin (Ashland, Bayfield and Douglas). Past local grantees include Kids’ Closet of Duluth, the Autism Society of Minnesota and the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra.
This foundation accepts grant applications from nonprofits for many DSACF funds. There are application deadlines of February 1, April 1, August 1 and October 1. DSACF has an online grant application process and requires a letter of intent to be submitted at least two weeks before the application deadlines. Following these deadlines, funds are available in May, July, October and January. Direct general questions to the staff at grantsinfo@dsacommunityfoundation.com or 218-726-0232.
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