Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 Building Community Grant Report Building Community Grant 2026 Report Page 1 of 2 Contents Program Overview ............................................................................................................................................. 2 2026 At-A-Glance .............................................................................................................................................. 2 Application Review Process & Program Website ............................................................................................... 2 Approved Applications ....................................................................................................................................... 2 Large Grant Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 2 Approved 2026 Large Grant Applications .......................................................................................................... 3 Adelante ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 Rental Assistance Program ............................................................................................................................ 3 Small Grant Overview ........................................................................................................................................ 4 Approved 2026 Small Applications .................................................................................................................... 4 Chinese New Year Celebration Party ............................................................................................................. 5 Coldest Day of the Year Walk ........................................................................................................................ 6 Community Exchange .................................................................................................................................... 7 Community Power through Civic Education.................................................................................................... 7 Community Resource and Stabilization Hub (CRSH) ..................................................................................... 8 Donated Equipment Program ......................................................................................................................... 9 Ebony Night ................................................................................................................................................. 10 Meet The TABLE: Downtown Mural ............................................................................................................. 10 Neighbors at the Table ................................................................................................................................. 11 Pedal Forward .............................................................................................................................................. 12 Racial Attitudes and Actions Survey ............................................................................................................. 12 Rise Local .................................................................................................................................................... 13 Rochester Football Club ............................................................................................................................... 14 Rochester Pride Festival .............................................................................................................................. 14 SMA Fitness................................................................................................................................................. 15 SMB Farm Program Animal House and Harvest Fest .................................................................................. 16 Soccer League ............................................................................................................................................. 17 Village Global Farmer’s Markets .................................................................................................................. 17 YouGrowGardens ........................................................................................................................................ 18 Youth Co-Design Lab ................................................................................................................................... 19 Youth Leadership Soccer Program .............................................................................................................. 19 In Review – Large and Small Grants 2024-2026 ............................................................................................. 21 Page 2 of 3 Program Overview The Building Community Grant (formerly known as the Community Building Fund) was established in 2024 using funds from the dissolution of the Diversity Council. This program supports projects, programs, and events within the City that actively promote Social Equity. By providing financial support to these initiatives, the Building Community Grant aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable community for all residents. This report summarizes the 2026 grant cycle, including overviews of the funding, the application review process, and summaries of the approved applications. 2026 At-A-Glance The Building Community Grant program continues to see growing community interest in its third year. In 2026, the City received 32 applications requesting a combined $272,508 in funding. Applications were reviewed and scored as they were received, and the annual $100,000 funding allocation was fully committed by April. A total of 23 community-led projects received funding, supporting initiatives focused on housing, youth development, arts and culture, civic engagement, food security, accessibility, recreation, and community health. As interest in the program continues to grow, the City is evaluating potential updates to the 2027 application process—such as establishing application windows—to provide greater opportunities for comparing applications within the same funding cycle while continuing to support impactful community initiatives. Application Review Process & Program Website Applications for the Building Community Grants are reviewed by a cross-departmental team of City Teammates. This review team represents a range of perspectives and expertise from across the organization, serving to ensure a thoughtful and equitable evaluation process. All applications are assessed using the standardized rubric available on the City’s website, which outlines criteria aligned with the program’s focus on Social Equity and the City Council’s Strategic Priorities. More information, including the program’s eligibility requirements, rubrics, and application, are available on the City’s website at www.rochestermn.gov/bcg. Approved Applications The following pages provide summaries of approved applications. Large Grant Overview Large Grant Applications support larger projects, programs, or events that require more extensive planning, funding, and community impact. These applications request funding up to $15,000 and involve a detailed proposal including budget, schedule, and success metrics. Large projects require formal agreements and mandatory reporting to ensure accountability and transparency. The City encourages applicants to submit Large Applications at least three months before the planned start date to allow for thorough review and support. Page 3 of 4 Approved 2026 Large Grant Applications The approved applications are listed in alphabetical order: Adelante Overview Organization: We the Gente Funding Amount: $9,000 Project Timeline: Ongoing Description Adelante with We the Gente is a workforce and civic readiness program that supports Hispanic adults in Rochester to build the skills and confidence needed to pursue stable, skilled careers. Through career development, workplace communication training, and civic education, participants gain practical knowledge to navigate employment opportunities, access community resources, and engage more confidently in their community. The program also includes a youth component that introduces middle and high school students to career pathways and leadership opportunities. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Increase workforce readiness and economic mobility by equipping participants with workplace communication, career development, and civic navigation skills that support long-term success. • Target Audience: Hispanic adults in Rochester seeking career advancement, with a secondary focus on middle and high school students from participating families. • Future Plans: Expand community partnerships, develop a network of peer mentors, and build a sustainable program that supports future cohorts while increasing workforce opportunities for Rochester's Hispanic community. Post-Program Feedback Program is ongoing and does not complete a reportable stage until August 2026. Rental Assistance Program Overview Organization: The Salvation Army Funding Amount: $15,000 Project Timeline: Ongoing Page 4 of 5 Description The Salvation Army Rental Assistance Program provides one-time emergency rental assistance to Rochester residents facing eviction due to temporary financial hardship, such as medical emergencies, job loss, or other unforeseen circumstances. By serving as a final safety net after other assistance options have been exhausted, the program supports households in remaining stably housed and prevents episodes of homelessness. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Prevent homelessness by supporting Rochester households experiencing temporary financial hardship to remain safely housed. • Target Audience: Rochester residents facing eviction due to temporary financial hardship, with priority given to households with children. • Future Plans: Continue providing year-round emergency rental assistance while strengthening partnerships with community organizations to support long-term housing stability and homelessness prevention. Post-Program Feedback Program is ongoing and has not completed a reportable stage. Small Grant Overview Small Grant Applications provide accessible funding opportunities of up to $5,000 for community-driven ideas, programs, and events. These applications have a low-barrier submission process focused on basic budget details, timelines, and intended outcomes. Small Applications are designed to quickly support initiatives that promote inclusion, equity, and connection within Rochester’s diverse communities. Applicants are encouraged to apply at least six weeks before their event or program to ensure timely consideration. Approved 2026 Small Applications The approved applications are listed in alphabetical order: Page 5 of 6 Chinese New Year Celebration Party Overview Organization: Rochester Chinese School Funding Amount: $1,500 Project Timeline: February 15, 2026 Description The Chinese New Year Celebration Party is Rochester Chinese School's annual cultural celebration honoring the Lunar New Year. The event brings together residents from diverse backgrounds to experience Chinese traditions through music, dance, theatrical performances, visual arts, and other cultural activities. By celebrating one of the most significant holidays in Chinese culture, the event promotes cultural understanding, strengthens community connections, and highlights Rochester's diverse and welcoming community. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Promote cultural awareness and strengthen community connections by celebrating Chinese traditions and fostering cross-cultural understanding. • Target Audience: Rochester residents of all backgrounds, including the local Chinese community, families, students, and community members interested in learning about Chinese culture. • Future Plans: Continue growing the annual celebration by expanding community participation, strengthening cultural partnerships, and showcasing Chinese traditions and arts for future generations. Page 6 of 7 Post-Event Feedback “The stage shows were excellent, and all audiences enjoyed the wonderful performance. The audience was cheerful and enjoyed with high satisfaction for the stage shows and the atmosphere in the auditorium.” Coldest Day of the Year Walk Overview Organization: Family Promise Rochester Funding Amount: $2,500 Project Timeline: January 31, 2026 Description The Coldest Day of the Year Walk is a family-friendly community event that raises awareness and support for families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Rochester. Participants come together for a winter walk to demonstrate solidarity with families facing housing insecurity while raising funds for homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, and housing stabilization services. The event also encourages community engagement through educational activities, volunteerism, and partnerships that support local families in crisis. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Increase community awareness of family homelessness while generating support for programs that support families in remaining safely housed and achieve long-term housing stability. • Target Audience: Rochester families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, along with community members, businesses, faith organizations, schools, and civic groups participating in the event. • Future Plans: Grow the Coldest Day of the Year Walk into an annual community tradition by expanding participation, strengthening community partnerships, and increasing long-term support for homelessness prevention and family housing services. Page 7 of 8 Post-Event Feedback “The Coldest Day of the Year Walk was Family Promise Rochester's first annual event, and we learned that people are willing to show up and support a cause they are passionate about despite the cold weather. There is not an event like this in the community during the winter months, and it helps to spread awareness about Family Promise's mission of serving families with children experiencing homelessness.” Community Exchange Overview Applicant: Cassandra Buck Funding Amount: $5,000 Project Timeline: February 2026 – August 2026 Description Community Exchange is a free community event that brings Rochester residents together through art, music, food, and mutual aid. The event features opportunities to exchange household goods, participate in hands-on art activities, connect with local organizations, and enjoy live entertainment while supporting local artists, farmers, and businesses. By creating a welcoming space where community members can share resources and build relationships, the event promotes belonging, connection, and access to everyday necessities. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Foster community connection and improve access to essential resources by bringing residents together through shared experiences, mutual aid, and local partnerships. • Target Audience: Rochester residents of all ages and backgrounds, with an emphasis on individuals and families experiencing financial hardship or seeking community resources. • Future Plans: Establish Community Exchange as a recurring community event by building partnerships with local organizations, businesses, artists, and volunteers to expand participation and community impact. Post-Event Feedback This event has not completed and is set to do so in August 2026. Community Power through Civic Education Overview Organization: Rochester Area Foundation & Pamoja Women Organization Funding Amount: $5,000 Project Timeline: February 2026 – July 2026 Description Community Power Through Civic Education is a community-centered initiative that strengthens civic understanding, community connection, and belonging among Rochester's Somali and East African communities. Through culturally responsive civic education workshops and a Somali Independence Day Page 8 of 9 celebration, participants will learn about local civic systems, strengthen leadership skills, and build meaningful relationships while celebrating culture and encouraging greater community participation. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Increase civic knowledge, community participation, and cross-cultural understanding by providing culturally responsive education and opportunities for community engagement. • Target Audience: Somali, Ethiopian, and Sudanese residents of Rochester, including youth, families, adults, and elders, while welcoming the broader community to participate in cultural learning and celebration. • Future Plans: Continue expanding civic education and leadership opportunities through community partnerships, volunteer leadership, and annual cultural events that foster long-term community connection and engagement. Post-Program Feedback “By implementing Community Power Through Civic Education, we learned that immigrant and refugee families are eager to participate in civic life when information is shared in a trusted, culturally responsive, and accessible way. Many community members had previously felt disconnected from local government, schools, elections, and public decision-making because of language barriers, unfamiliar systems, and past experiences that made them hesitant to speak up. We learned that civic education is most effective when it is practical and connected to issues families experience every day. Community members became more engaged when discussions focused on topics such as education, housing, public safety, health care, voting, and how to communicate with local leaders. Providing interpretation, creating a welcoming environment, and allowing people to ask questions without judgment helped participants build confidence. We also learned that trusted relationships are the foundation of community power. Participants were more willing to attend meetings, share concerns, and take leadership roles when outreach came from people and organizations they already knew. The project showed us that civic engagement should not be limited to one event. Communities need ongoing opportunities to learn, practice advocacy, meet decision-makers, and develop their own leaders. Most importantly, we learned that community members already have knowledge, ideas, and solutions. Our role is not to speak for them, but to create the space, tools, and connections that allow them to speak for themselves and influence the decisions that affect their families.” Community Resource and Stabilization Hub (CRSH) Overview Organization: Somali American Social Service Association Funding Amount: $4,500 Project Timeline: May 2026 – December 2026 Page 9 of 10 Description The Community Resource and Stabilization Hub (CRSH) provides culturally responsive support to Rochester residents experiencing housing instability, transportation barriers, and other challenges that affect access to essential services. Through individualized resource navigation, housing stabilization assistance, transportation support, and referrals to community partners, the program supports individuals and families in addressing immediate needs while connecting them with long-term resources that promote stability and self-sufficiency. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Improve housing stability and access to essential services by providing coordinated support, transportation assistance, and connections to community resources. • Target Audience: Rochester residents experiencing housing instability, transportation barriers, or financial hardship, with a focus on underserved communities, including Somali residents, seniors, single-parent households, and individuals facing barriers to accessing services. • Future Plans: Expand community partnerships, recruit volunteers, and secure additional funding to strengthen the program's capacity and provide sustainable support for Rochester residents. Post-Program Feedback Program not complete until December 2026. Donated Equipment Program Overview Organization: ConnectAbility of MN – Rochester Office Funding Amount: $3,000 Project Timeline: March 2026 – January 2027 Description ConnectAbility’s Donated Equipment Program collects, refurbishes, and redistributes gently used mobility and accessibility equipment to Rochester residents at no cost. By providing items such as wheelchairs, walkers, and shower chairs, the program supports individuals in maintaining their independence, improving safety, and reducing financial barriers to accessing essential equipment. The program also promotes sustainability by extending the life of donated medical equipment and keeping usable items out of landfills. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Improve independence, safety, and quality of life by increasing access to mobility and accessibility equipment while reducing financial barriers for residents in need. • Target Audience: Rochester residents with disabilities, older adults, and individuals recovering from illness or injury who need mobility or accessibility equipment. • Future Plans: Expand community partnerships, increase public awareness, and grow the inventory of donated equipment to serve more Rochester residents while promoting sustainable reuse of medical equipment. Post-Program Feedback Program not at a reportable stage until January 2027. Page 10 of 11 Ebony Night Overview Organization: University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) Funding Amount: $1,500 Project Timeline: February 28, 2026 Description Ebony Night is an annual celebration hosted by the University of Minnesota Rochester's Black Student Union that brings together students and community members to celebrate Black culture through music, dance, food, and cultural programming. Open to the broader Rochester community, the event creates opportunities for cultural exchange, strengthens connections between the university and the community, and fosters an inclusive environment where diverse voices and traditions are recognized and celebrated. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Promote cultural understanding, strengthen community connections, and foster a sense of belonging through an inclusive celebration of Black culture and community. • Target Audience: University of Minnesota Rochester students and Rochester community members, with a focus on Black students, students of color, women, and others seeking opportunities for cultural connection and engagement. • Future Plans: Continue growing Ebony Night as an annual student-led tradition by expanding community partnerships, increasing participation, and celebrating the diversity and cultural richness of the Rochester community. Post-Event Feedback “I would like to sincerely thank you for supporting our recent student event (Ebony night). Your funding made it possible for us to create a welcoming space where students and community members could connect and share experiences. It has been clearly articulated that the continuation of this event is desirable by our students and community.” Meet The TABLE: Downtown Mural Overview Organization: Zumbro Valley Medical Society Foundation Funding Amount: $5,000 Project Timeline: February 2026 – November 2026 Description Meet The TABLE is a collaborative public art project that brings together individuals with lived experience of homelessness, local artists, and community partners to design and create a downtown mural. The project uses public art to foster belonging, encourage community dialogue, and highlight the experiences, resilience, and contributions of people who have experienced homelessness. By engaging participants throughout the planning and creation process, the mural promotes inclusion while enhancing Rochester's public spaces. Page 11 of 12 Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Promote inclusion and reduce stigma by creating opportunities for individuals with lived experience of homelessness to share their perspectives through a collaborative public art project. • Target Audience: Rochester residents, visitors, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness, while engaging the broader community through public art and community collaboration. • Future Plans: Continue building community partnerships that support public art, amplify lived experiences, and foster greater understanding and belonging while preserving the mural as a lasting community asset. Post-Project Feedback Project not complete until November 2026. Neighbors at the Table Overview Organization: LifeGate Services Funding Amount: $2,500 Project Timeline: March 31, 2026 Description Neighbors at the Table is a community gathering that brings together immigrants, refugees, seniors, long-time Rochester residents, volunteers, and community partners to foster meaningful connections through shared meals and conversation. The event creates a welcoming environment where participants can build relationships across cultures, learn about community resources, and strengthen connections that promote belonging and inclusion throughout Rochester. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Strengthen community connections by creating welcoming opportunities for residents from diverse backgrounds to build relationships, reduce social isolation, and increase awareness of local resources. • Target Audience: Immigrants, refugees, seniors, volunteers, and Rochester residents seeking opportunities for cross-cultural connection and community engagement. • Future Plans: Evaluate the success of the inaugural event and explore opportunities to establish Neighbors at the Table as a recurring community gathering through volunteer support, community partnerships, and local sponsorships. Page 12 of 13 Post-Event Feedback “The event drew a diverse group of attendees, reflecting genuine interest in building connections across cultures and neighborhoods. The event fostered an inclusive and celebratory environment that made people feel valued and connected. Sharing a variety of cultural dishes created a warm, welcoming environment and served as a powerful way for people to experience and appreciate the richness of the immigrant community. Many participants expressed a desire to learn more about the organization’s work and explore ways to support its mission.” Pedal Forward Overview Organization: Leadership Greater Rochester Class of 2026 Funding Amount: $5,000 Project Timeline: May 2026 – September 2026 Description Pedal Forward is a community initiative that expands access to adaptive cycling through Rochester Parks and Recreation's AccessABLE program. The project will purchase adaptive tandem e-assist bicycles and supporting infrastructure to increase the availability of specialized equipment for individuals with diverse mobility and cognitive abilities. By improving access to inclusive outdoor recreation, the project ensures more residents experience the physical, social, and emotional benefits of exploring Rochester's parks and trails. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Increase access to inclusive outdoor recreation by expanding the availability of adaptive cycling equipment for individuals of all abilities. • Target Audience: Children and adults with diverse mobility and cognitive abilities, along with their families, caregivers, and others who benefit from accessible recreational opportunities. • Future Plans: Build on the success of the AccessABLE program by expanding adaptive recreation opportunities, increasing equipment availability, and ensuring long-term access through Rochester Parks and Recreation. Post-Project Feedback Project not complete until September 2026. Racial Attitudes and Actions Survey Overview Applicant: Dr. Charlotte Kunkel Funding Amount: $3,500 Project Timeline: February 2026 – October 2026 Description The 2026 Racial Attitudes and Actions Survey is a community research initiative that examines attitudes and experiences related to race, racism, immigration, and inclusion in Rochester and Olmsted County. Building on Page 13 of 14 surveys conducted over the past three decades, the project will collect community feedback to identify changing perspectives and provide data that supports informed decision-making, community dialogue, and future equity initiatives. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Provide reliable community data that supports local organizations and leaders in better understanding community perspectives and inform future programs, policies, and initiatives. • Target Audience: Rochester and Olmsted County residents, with findings intended to benefit community organizations, local governments, educators, and residents—particularly communities affected by racial inequities. • Future Plans: Continue the long-standing survey effort by sharing findings with community partners and supporting future research and initiatives that promote an inclusive and informed community. Post-Survey Feedback Survey not complete until October 2026. Rise Local Overview Organization: Collider Foundation Funding Amount: $5,000 Project Timeline: March 2026 – July 2026 Description Rise Local: Empowering Diverse Founders Through Visibility and Storytelling supports early-stage businesses by increasing the visibility of entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities. Through professional photography, podcast interviews, a business expo, and entrepreneur storytelling, the project provides free marketing resources that supports business owners in promoting their ventures, expand their networks, and strengthen Rochester's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Increase the visibility of underrepresented entrepreneurs by providing professional marketing resources and storytelling opportunities that support business growth and community awareness. • Target Audience: Early-stage Rochester entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities, including women, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, refugees, immigrants, veterans, people with disabilities, and entrepreneurs experiencing financial barriers. • Future Plans: Continue expanding storytelling and marketing opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs through community partnerships, grant funding, and sustainable programming that supports long-term business success. Post-Project Feedback Project has not completed a reportable stage. Page 14 of 15 Rochester Football Club Overview Organization: Rochester Football Club Funding Amount: $5,000 Project Timeline: April 2026 – December 2026 Description Rochester Football Club provides competitive soccer opportunities for youth by reducing financial barriers to participation. Through scholarships, uniforms, equipment, and access to indoor and outdoor facilities, the program creates an inclusive environment where youth from diverse backgrounds can develop athletic skills, build confidence, and form meaningful relationships. By expanding access to organized sports, the program strives to ensure that more Rochester youth have the opportunity to play, grow, and belong. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Increase access to competitive youth sports by reducing financial barriers and creating opportunities for youth from diverse backgrounds to develop teamwork, leadership, and lifelong skills. • Target Audience: Rochester youth ages 5–18, with a focus on children and families experiencing financial barriers and those from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. • Future Plans: Continue expanding scholarship opportunities and community partnerships to increase access to competitive soccer while fostering an inclusive environment where youth of all backgrounds can thrive. Post-Program Feedback Program not complete until December 2026. Rochester Pride Festival Overview Organization: Rochester Pride Funding Amount: $2,500 Project Timeline: May 16, 2026 Description The Rochester Pride Festival is an annual community celebration that brings together residents from across southeast Minnesota to celebrate diversity, foster inclusion, and strengthen community connections. The festival features local vendors, community organizations, entertainment, educational opportunities, and family- friendly activities that create a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds while highlighting Rochester's vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Foster an inclusive and welcoming community by celebrating diversity, increasing visibility of the LGBTQ+ community, and creating opportunities for connection, education, and community engagement. Page 15 of 16 • Target Audience: Rochester and southeast Minnesota residents of all ages, with a focus on LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, allies, and the broader community. • Future Plans: Continue growing Rochester Pride as an annual community celebration by expanding partnerships, increasing participation, and creating opportunities for education, visibility, and inclusion throughout the year. Post-Event Feedback “With an estimated 5000 attendees, we learned that there is great demand for LGBTQ spaces and representation as well as a large amount of support from the broader community. We also solicited feed back from attendees and received valuable feed back on the needs of our community.” SMA Fitness Overview Organization: Barbershop & Social Services Funding Amount: $2,500 Project Timeline: Ongoing Page 16 of 17 Description SMA Fitness expands the Sports Mentorship Academy by creating a dedicated health and wellness space for youth. The project will provide age-appropriate strength and fitness equipment that supports physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and personal development in a safe, structured environment. Combined with mentorship and wellness programming, the initiative encourages youth to build confidence, develop positive habits, and strengthen leadership skills while fostering meaningful connections with peers and mentors. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Increase access to fitness, mentorship, and wellness opportunities that promote healthy lifestyles, confidence, leadership, and positive youth development. • Target Audience: Youth in Rochester and Olmsted County, with a focus on young people who have limited access to safe recreational spaces, structured activities, and mentorship opportunities. • Future Plans: Continue growing the Sports Mentorship Academy through community partnerships, volunteer engagement, fundraising, and additional grant opportunities to expand youth programming and wellness resources. Post-Project Feedback “The Sports Mentorship Academy Rec Center can be considered a success because it addressed a clear need in the community. After the closure of the Rochester YMCA, many youth—especially those living in the Northwest area of Olmsted County—lost access to a safe place where they could gather, play sports, and interact with positive adult role models. The Rec Center helped fill that gap by providing a structured environment focused on sports, academics, and mentorship. Another reason the idea was successful is that it created meaningful relationships between youth and mentors. Many of the participants lacked consistent support from adults in their daily lives. Through the program, they were able to connect with mentors who encouraged them, listened to them, and helped guide them toward better choices. These relationships helped build trust and gave youth a stronger sense of belonging.” SMB Farm Program Animal House and Harvest Fest Overview Organization: SMB Disability Solutions Funding Amount: $5,000 Project Timeline: April 2026 – October 2026 Description The SMB Farm Program combines therapeutic agriculture, animal care, and community engagement to provide individuals with disabilities opportunities to develop new skills, build confidence, and connect with others. The project will expand the program by adding animal housing and increasing opportunities for participants to care for livestock while preparing for an expanded Harvest Fest. The annual Harvest Fest brings together community members of all abilities to celebrate the harvest, learn about small-scale farming, and foster greater understanding and inclusion through shared experiences. Page 17 of 18 Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Increase opportunities for individuals with disabilities to build life skills, confidence, and community connections through therapeutic agriculture, animal care, and inclusive community events. • Target Audience: Individuals with disabilities, including those with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and mental health challenges, along with Rochester community members of all ages and abilities. • Future Plans: Expand the therapeutic agriculture program by increasing educational opportunities, growing community participation, and creating additional opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in farming, community events, and local markets. Post-Event Feedback Program not complete until October 2026. Soccer League Overview Organization: Dodge Center Soccer League Funding Amount: $2,500 Project Timeline: May 2026 – September 2026 Description The Soccer League provides affordable, organized recreational soccer opportunities for adults in Rochester. By reducing financial barriers to participation, the program creates an inclusive environment where adults from diverse backgrounds can improve their physical and mental well-being, build relationships, and connect with others through sport. The league promotes healthy lifestyles while fostering teamwork, community engagement, and a sense of belonging. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Increase access to affordable recreational opportunities that promote physical health, mental well-being, and community connections among Rochester adults. • Target Audience: Adult Rochester residents, with a focus on individuals experiencing financial barriers and those seeking affordable opportunities for recreation, wellness, and social connection. • Future Plans: Continue expanding participation through community partnerships, affordable registration options, and sustainable funding strategies that ensure long-term access to organized recreational soccer. Post-Event Feedback Program not complete until September 2026. Village Global Farmer’s Markets Overview Organization: The Village Agricultural Cooperative Funding Amount: $2,500 Project Timeline: June 2026 – October 2026 Page 18 of 19 Description Village Global Farmers Markets expand access to fresh, locally grown food while creating economic opportunities for emerging farmers from diverse backgrounds. Hosted at Cascade Lake Park on Tuesdays and Reverend Martin Luther King Junior Park on Thursdays, the markets connect residents with locally grown produce, culturally significant foods, live entertainment, and community activities that celebrate culture and promote healthy living. By supporting local farmers and creating welcoming gathering spaces, the markets strengthen community connections while encouraging healthy lifestyles and sustainable local food systems. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Increase access to fresh, locally grown food while supporting emerging farmers, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering community connections through inclusive neighborhood farmers markets. • Target Audience: Rochester residents of all ages, with a focus on emerging farmers, families seeking access to healthy food, and community members from diverse cultural backgrounds. • Future Plans: Continue expanding neighborhood farmers markets through community partnerships, increased vendor participation, and programs that improve access to local food while supporting long-term economic opportunities for emerging farmers. Post-Event Feedback Program not complete until October 2026. YouGrowGardens Overview Applicant: Applicant under the age of 18 Funding Amount: $2,000 Project Timeline: March 2026 – November 2026 Description YouGrowGardens is a student-led initiative that empowers John Marshall High School students and their families to grow fresh food while developing gardening, sustainability, and leadership skills. Through raised garden beds, hands-on instruction, and educational workshops, participants learn how to grow, harvest, preserve, and prepare nutritious food. The program also offers gardening education to the broader Rochester community, promoting self-sufficiency, healthy living, and environmental stewardship. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Increase food security and self-sufficiency by providing students and families with the knowledge, skills, and resources to grow and preserve their own food. • Target Audience: John Marshall High School students and families, particularly those experiencing food insecurity, while offering educational opportunities that are open to the broader Rochester community. • Future Plans: Expand the student-led program through community partnerships, additional garden beds, and ongoing educational programming that promotes sustainable gardening, food preservation, and healthy living. Page 19 of 20 Post-Program Feedback Program not complete until November 2026. You th Co-Design Lab Overview Organization: By Design LLC Funding Amount: $5,000 Project Timeline: June 2026 – August 2026 Description The Youth Co-Design Lab is a paid summer leadership program that brings together Rochester Public Schools students and University of Minnesota Rochester students to collaborate with local government and community partners on real community challenges. Using a co-design approach, participants develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while contributing ideas that serve to inform future community initiatives. The program empowers youth to play an active role in shaping Rochester's future while fostering civic engagement, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Strengthen youth leadership and civic engagement by providing meaningful opportunities for young people to collaborate with community partners and contribute to local problem-solving. • Target Audience: Rochester Public Schools high school students and University of Minnesota Rochester students, with an emphasis on creating equitable access for students who may face financial or other barriers to participation. • Future Plans: Establish the Youth Co-Design Lab as a recurring youth leadership initiative by expanding partnerships, refining the co-design model, and creating ongoing opportunities for youth to contribute to community planning and decision-making. Post-Program Feedback Program not complete until August 2026. Youth Leadership Soccer Program Overview Applicant: Faiz Abdirahman Funding Amount: $5,000 Project Timeline: February 2026 – September 2026 Description The Youth Leadership Soccer Program uses soccer as a platform to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and foster positive relationships among Rochester youth. Through structured soccer camps, mentorship, leadership activities, and a culminating community tournament, the program provides a safe and supportive environment where young people can develop teamwork, communication, and personal responsibility while strengthening connections with peers, mentors, and the broader community. Page 20 of 21 Impact & Goals • Primary Impact: Promote positive youth development by providing mentorship, leadership opportunities, and structured recreational activities that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. • Target Audience: Rochester youth, with a focus on young people from underserved communities who face barriers to accessing organized recreation, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. • Future Plans: Expand year-round programming through community partnerships, volunteer mentors, and sustainable funding to increase access to leadership development, mentorship, and recreational opportunities for Rochester youth. Post-Program Feedback “Implementing the Youth Leadership Soccer Program reinforced that soccer is much more than a sport, it is a powerful tool for building trust, leadership, and community. We learned that when youth are paired with mentors who share their cultural backgrounds and life experiences, they are more engaged, confident, and willing to take on leadership roles. We also learned that involving families through tournaments and community celebrations strengthens participation and creates a greater sense of belonging.” Page 21 of 21 In Review – Large and Small Grants 2024-2026 Year Number of Applications Funding Awarded 2024 19 $90,100 $50,000 2025 23 $184,050 $100,000 2026 34 $282,008 $100,000