Impact Grant Funding

FutureForward™  Impact Grants have long supported innovative career-connected learning projects throughout Minnesota. These grants help schools and regional partners develop, expand, and replicate ideas that strengthen career-connected learning opportunities for students.

The application process continues to include a letter of interest, review for alignment with program goals, and recommendation by a review committee.

What has changed is how the final awards are made and shared. 

Impact Grants Are Now Awarded Through the Pitch Competition

Rather than awarding grants solely through a traditional written review process, SSC now brings selected finalists together for a live Pitch Competition.

The Pitch Competition adds a new level of innovation, visibility, collaboration, and idea sharing. Finalists have the opportunity to present their projects publicly, learn from one another, and share ideas that other schools and partners may be able to replicate.

This approach helps strong ideas reach a broader audience rather than remaining primarily within written grant reports and internal communications.

Current Funding

SSC currently awards two $10,000 Impact Grants each year through the Pitch Competition, for a total of $20,000.

Funding levels have changed over time. Previous bienniums included significantly larger Impact Grant pools, while current funding supports a more focused annual competition.

How the Process Works

1. Schools or partners submit a letter of interest.
2. A review committee evaluates alignment and recommends projects to advance.
3. Selected finalists prepare and present their ideas during the Pitch Competition.
4. Two winning projects each receive a $10,000 Impact Grant.
5. Winning ideas and project outcomes are shared to encourage learning and replication across the region.

Learn More About the Pitch Competition