Relationship-Based Grantmaking
Nexus provides strategic regranting and capacity building assistance to community-based organizations in North Minneapolis, South Minneapolis, the East Side of St. Paul and communities along the planned Bottineau Transit Line. These grants support community-based organizations at several stages of their development, including visioning, organizational development, program design and testing/refining new models. We strive to position our grantee partners to leverage additional resources to deepen their impact in community. Proposals are by invitation only.
Our Grantmaking Impact
Between 2015 and 2016, Nexus granted more than $1.5 million to our partners and provided more than 3,000 hours of capacity building assistance. Our support helped organizations:
- strengthen their internal operations and management;
- create new or strengthen strategic partnerships;
- improve program delivery and impact;
- and leverage $1,583,000 in additional funds.
Through our unique approach to grantmaking and relationship development, we were able to help our partners expand financial support for their organizations and programs by nearly 5 times.
A Snapshot of Our Grantees
- < $1 million
- > $1 million
81% of our grantees have annual budgets under $1 million. We act as an early funder for many small, community-based organizations, helping them build their capacity and develop relationships with new funders to enhance their sustainability.
- < $1 million
- > $1 million
81% of our grantees have annual budgets under $1 million. We act as an early funder for many small, community-based organizations, helping them build their capacity and develop relationships with new funders to enhance their sustainability.
- Not led by a person of color
- Led by a person of color
63% of our grantee organizations are led by people of color. Additionally, the majority of our grantees’ communities are represented in the diversity of their staff and board members.
- Not led by a person of color
- Led by a person of color
63% of our grantee organizations are led by people of color. Additionally, the majority of our grantees’ communities are represented in the diversity of their staff and board members.
- Other (includes sponsorships, projects, etc.)
- General Operating Support
95% of the re-granting funds that Nexus provides are awarded as general operating funds.
95% of the re-granting funds that Nexus provides are awarded as general operating funds.
How it Works
As an intermediary we have limited regranting funds and capacity to manage traditional application processes. Instead, Nexus conducts all of our grantmaking through relationships with grantees and the community. Our Program Officers spend most of their time out in the community, building trust with partners and working towards solutions. This allows us to remain dynamic and responsive in our grantmaking.
All regranting support is reviewed and approved by the Grants Review Committee and the Board of Directors. Our Grants Review Committee members also serve as additional eyes and ears in the community, connecting us to potential partnerships and enhancing organizational capacity. Meet the GRC members below:
Coming Soon!