Minneapolis is home to a variety of initiatives aimed at fostering community engagement and inclusivity. These programs provide residents with opportunities to connect, participate, and contribute to the city’s vibrant social fabric.
Partnership Engagement Fund
The City of Minneapolis offers the Partnership Engagement Fund to support projects that keep communities engaged, healthy, connected, and safe. This fund aims to bring diverse voices into policy and decision-making processes, promote meaningful community engagement, and support partnerships between community groups and neighborhood organizations. Eligible applicants include charitable or educational nonprofit organizations and individuals. The fund can be used to start new programs or expand existing ones, though it cannot be used to maintain current programs. Community volunteers assist in reviewing applications, ensuring a broad representation of perspectives. For more information, visit the City of Minneapolis website.
Minneapolis Community Events Assistance Program (MPLS CEAP)
Administered by Meet Minneapolis on behalf of the city, MPLS CEAP provides financial assistance to Minneapolis-based nonprofit organizations. The program helps cover city-mandated service costs for community-driven events that enhance the city and engage residents and visitors. With $760,000 in available funding each year, MPLS CEAP supports events that are free and open to the public, span multiple days, and demonstrate cultural, artistic, or community-building components. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with decisions made twice per year. More details can be found on the Meet Minneapolis website.
H-Cubed: Harrison, Healing, Harmony
H-Cubed is an artist-led, community-driven series created to cultivate healing and harmony in North Minneapolis’s Harrison neighborhood. Each month, the initiative hosts a catered meal featuring artists, open mic sessions, and community conversations centered around thematic topics. These gatherings are free and open to the public, inviting individuals seeking a sense of belonging to join the movement. H-Cubed empowers marginalized voices, builds collective resources to address systemic issues, and catalyzes healing through the arts. More information is available on the Awesome Foundation’s website.
As You Go MPLS Community Engagement
As part of the As You Go MPLS program, the City of Minneapolis Public Works department organizes events to celebrate new bike lanes and sidewalks. These events provide residents with opportunities to try out biking or walking on new routes, learn about different ways to navigate the community, and celebrate new infrastructure with neighbors. Activities include neighborhood bike rides and celebration events on newly completed street projects. Details about upcoming events can be found on the City of Minneapolis website.
These initiatives exemplify Minneapolis’s commitment to fostering a connected and engaged community. By participating in these programs, residents can contribute to the city’s ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and vibrant environment for all.