Communitylink — Health

In the Twin Cities, we give priority to programs that help people develop and maintain healthy lifestyles, and we're predominantly interested in programs that reduce racial disparities in health care.  The elimination of health disparities in the following areas is of particular importance:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Infant mortality
• Diabetes

Grant Deadlines
Grant applications are considered on a single, annual deadline of July 15.  Applications must be submitted via our online grant application process before midnight on that date.

Communitylink – Education (Star)

STAR, the education component of Twin Cities’ CommunityLink, is focused on supporting kindergarten through grade 12 science education programs that stimulate and sustain the interest of young people in science in the seven-county Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Since STAR's inception in 1992, more than 1.7 million students have benefited from 700 grants totaling $14 million. STAR increases science learning by all students and provides them with the opportunity to consider careers in science, health, engineering and technical fields. We place special emphasis on initiatives that benefit those traditionally underrepresented in science: socio-economically disadvantaged youth and females.

Eligible Recipients
We consider requests from private and parochial nonprofit schools, school districts and other nonprofit organizations working with kindergarten through grade 12 in the seven county metro area of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The Foundation encourages cooperation among schools or schools and organizations.

Criteria for Grants
STAR grants focus on programs that address five key elements of successful science education. These elements are recognized in national studies and in reviews of previous Medtronic science education funding.
The five elements needed to successfully impact students are:

• Curriculum that employs material-based, hands-on strategies; tailors concepts to students' development levels; includes examples relevant to students and uses gender and culturally appropriate materials.
• Instruction by teachers who understand science and how to effectively increase students' knowledge of science. Those who work with children must also be willing and able to use a variety of materials to develop interest in science and to increase students' knowledge of science.
• Expectations on the part of those who work with children that all students — regardless of gender, race, family background or previous academic record — can be "good at science."
• Peer support that provides opportunities for students to support each other's interests in science such as those found in clubs, organizations or other group experiences.
• Assessment that evaluates student progress toward program objectives and provides information to make program adjustments.

In reviewing requests, the Foundation will assess the extent to which the project:

• Addresses the five elements for quality science education (curriculum, instruction, expectations, peer support and assessment). Depending upon the status of the current program, the request may focus on one or all of the elements.
• Benefits those traditionally underrepresented in science — socio-economically disadvantaged youth and females.
• Meets the needs of a significant number of students in the school or organization.
• Can be adapted or replicated in other communities.
• Has an enduring impact.

NOTE:  Medtronic support may not be used for regular school district obligations such as teacher salaries, textbooks and capital improvements.

Size and Terms of Grants
Typical grants to range from $2,000 to $50,000, depending upon scope and impact of the program. In limited cases, larger grants expected to have significant systemic results will be considered. Most grants are for 12 months, with a limited number of multi-year grants. Following the grant terms, grantees may apply for additional funding to refine or expand a project.

Grant Deadlines
Grant applications are considered on a single, annual deadline of January 31.  Applications must be submitted via our online grant application process before midnight on that date.

Communitylink – Arts/Civic/Culture

In the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area, we fund the community's major arts institutions and partner with COMPAS to support community-based arts programs under the Medtronic Arts Access Fund. In particular, we look for opportunities to support programs that increase access to the arts, especially for lower-income families. We also aid cultural organizations making a significant contribution to the life of the community and support civic organizations addressing the needs of disadvantaged people.

Grant Deadlines
Visit the COMPAS Web site for guidelines, deadlines and the application.