Grant Program Overview 

Minnesota is home to a large and growing African population with many concentrated communities spread throughout the state. Their communities have greatly contributed to the cultural and economic landscape in Minnesota. However, African communities in Minnesota face cultural, religious, language, and racial barriers that make it difficult for them to achieve economic self-sufficiency. 

As part of our commitment to invest and build capacity in African organizations and youth, Youthprise has partnered with Ka Joog and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to host the Pan African Career Development Grant Program, designed to reduce disparities and address challenges facing African youth. 

Grant Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to provide economic development services designed to enhance long-term economic self-sufficiency in communities with concentrated African populations statewide. Funds for this project are appropriated from the 2023 Minnesota Legislature.

Youthprise is interested in projects delivered by organizations steeped in African culture that address the needs of African youth regarding workforce development, family-sustaining wages, career pathways, education development, entrepreneurship, and support services. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3)* youth and community-focused organizations as well as economic development organizations. 
• Organizations must be located in Minnesota.
• Organizations must have a history of serving African youth or communities. 

*Eligible applicants also include organizations described above that have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor in lieu of a 501(c)(3).