F. R. Bigelow Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The F. R. Bigelow Foundation supports arts and culture, community and economic development, education and youth development, health, housing and human services in St. Paul and the East Metro area of Minnesota.
FUNDING AREAS: Arts and culture, community and economic development, education and youth development, health, housing, human services
IP TAKE: Not only is this St. Paul-focused funder accessible for local program support, but it is also supports capital projects and start-up costs.
PROFILE: Established in 1946, the F. R. Bigelow Foundation is a private foundation based in St. Paul, Minnesota. It was founded byFrederic Russell Bigelow, former president of the Saint Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company (now Travelers). The foundation aims to "enhance the quality of life for all in the greater Saint Paul area, fostering a vibrant East Metro region.” It funds local efforts for arts and culture, community and economic development, education and youth development, health, housing and human services.
The F. R. Bigelow Foundation’s arts and culture giving extends to capacity building, capital projects and community programs. Community and economic development grants fund workforce development and training to assist low-income people and underrepresented communities. Education and youth grants fund in-school and out-of-school programs from cradle to career. Health grants focus on health equity for low-income, uninsured and marginalized individuals. Bigelow’s housing grants assist with affordable quality housing to prevent and end homelessness. The funder’s human services grants target basic needs to improve residents’ stability, safety and independence. Bigelow also pursues community initiatives relevant to leadership opportunities and leaders of color. In recent years, the foundation has awarded between 100 and 200 grants annually, totaling nearly $6 million per year.
Grants range between about $10,000 and $150,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the city of St. Paul and the East Metro area of Minnesota. Grantees are based in Ramsey, Washington and Dakota counties in Minnesota. Past local grantees include the American Friends Service Committee, Centro De Trabajadores Unidos En Lucha and the Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits via online system. It has two grant rounds each year and application deadlines in January and July. Although it is not required, Bigelow encourages nonprofits to contact a program office prior to submitting an application. Direct general questions to the staff at info@frbigelow.org or 651-224-5463.
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