Minneapolis Foundation and community groups mobilize emergency grants for businesses hurt by enforcement actions
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Philanthropic organizations described rapid emergency funding and grant programs for small businesses affected by enforcement activity; the Minneapolis Foundation reported raising $4 million in 48 hours and launched an economic recovery fund with grants ranging from $2,500–$10,000, while community lenders received hundreds of applications statewide.
Representatives from the Minneapolis Foundation and community economic organizations described immediate philanthropic steps to help small businesses and workers affected by federal enforcement actions.
R.T. Rybak, chief executive of the Minneapolis Foundation, said the foundation moved quickly to provide humanitarian aid, rental assistance and small business relief and that it raised $4 million in two days for a hospitality‑focused fund. Joanne Stately, senior vice president, said the foundation launched an economic recovery fund that distributes small grants ($2,500–$10,000) through intermediaries and that the effort received more than 1,000 applications in its first week.
Lil Bloisse of the Latino Economic Development Center said LEDC reviewed 385 applications and reported the applicants employed 2,268 workers and requested $4.49 million in assistance; 65% of applicants reported revenue losses exceeding 50% and many operate in rented spaces, making them vulnerable to lease instability.
Allison Thorsen of Unidos Minnesota Education Fund said workforce training enrollment has dropped markedly — an 80% reduction among Latino applicants in one cohort — complicating efforts to replenish trades and other in‑demand occupations.
Foundation representatives told the committee they are using intermediaries, tax‑registration checks and tax returns to reduce fraud risk and urged government partnership rather than private funding alone.