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Maplewood Community Fund reports first grant cycle, seeks sustained small donors
Summary
The newly independent Maplewood Community Fund reported raising funds in 2025 and allocated $10,000 in its first grant cycle across individuals and organizations; the fund seeks recurring small donors and more partnerships in 2026.
Colleen Cunningham, chair of the Maplewood Community Fund, told the council the nonprofit separated from the city to increase fundraising flexibility and launched publicly in May 2025. She summarized outreach activities, partnerships with local businesses and events, and fundraising adjustments after the regional tornado slowed activity.
Cunningham said the fund received 30 grant applications in its first cycle, with 16 individual and 14 organizational requests totaling more than $31,000; the fund allocated $10,000 in December 2025, awarding $1,000 to six organizations (youth arts, community dinners, adult literacy, food pantry support and family programming) and $500 checks to eight individuals for urgent needs like rent, utility assistance and home repairs.
She asked the council and community to help grow a small‑donor base (monthly gifts of $10–$30) and pursue additional sponsorships and grants to expand the fund’s capacity; she said the fund plans another grant cycle in late 2026 and will host outreach events.
Council members thanked the fund for its work and suggested outreach to larger local employers and ongoing partnership opportunities.
Next steps: The fund will continue community outreach, pursue partnerships and plan its next granting cycle for late 2026.
