Below are some grants that I thought might be of interest to readers and Minnesota communities. I heard about them from GrantStation …

Technology-Based Solutions Worldwide Funded
Cisco Global Impact Cash Grants
Cisco Global Impact Cash Grants support nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and worldwide that provide assistance to underserved populations and leverage technology solutions to improve the reach, efficiency, and impact of services. In the Education category, Cisco supports technology-based solutions and education delivery models that enable children to master knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The Economic Empowerment category focuses on programs that provide technology-based solutions to underserved populations transitioning from education to workforce, or re-entry to workforce. Through the Critical Human Needs category, Cisco grants help overcome the cycle of poverty and dependence by supporting organizations that address the basic needs of underserved communities, with a focus on clean water, food, and shelter. Funded programs in all categories must have high potential for replication in multiple environments, and a clear path for long-term sustainability. Organizations can begin the application process at any time. Visit the Cisco website to learn more about the grantmaking criteria and to take the Eligibility Quiz.

Rural Development in Selected States Supported
Laura Jane Musser Fund: Rural Initiative Program 
The Laura Jane Musser Fund encourages collaborative and participatory efforts among citizens in communities in Colorado, Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wyoming. Through the Rural Initiative Program, the Fund supports programs that will help to strengthen individual rural towns in the targeted states in a number of civic areas, including economic development, business preservation, arts and humanities, public space improvements, and education. The applicant community must have a population of 10,000 or fewer and must be able to demonstrate the rural characteristics of their location and support from a diverse cross-section of community members and institutions. Planning grants of up to $5,000 and implementation grants of up to $25,000 are provided. Online applications may be submitted from October 7 through November 6, 2013. Specific grant guidelines and application procedures are available on the Fund’s website.