CHS – Backyard Giving Grants (Twin Cities)

Up to $5,000 for Community Events, Food Access & Ag Education

Organization: CHS Inc.
Support Type: Community grants (Backyard Giving Grants)
Funding Amount: Up to $5,000
Geographic Focus: Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington Counties (Minnesota)
Fall Deadline: November 30

About the Program

CHS offers Backyard Giving Grants to support nonprofits located near its headquarters in the Twin Cities. With more than 1,000 employees based in the region, CHS prioritizes investments that strengthen the metro area where its employees live and work.

These grants support events and initiatives that bring the community together, educate youth about agriculture, or increase access to food and housing stability.

What This Program Supports

Eligible organizations may apply for up to $5,000 to support:

• Community-building events
• Agricultural education for youth
• Access to healthy and affordable food
• Safe and stable housing initiatives

Examples of Supported Projects

• Local food shelves
• Housing support programs for women and children
• Fundraising dinners and community galas
• Agricultural education programs for urban youth

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a 501(c)(3) or related charitable organization
• Serve one or more of the following Minnesota counties:
  • Dakota
  • Hennepin
  • Ramsey
  • Washington

Organizations outside these counties will not be considered.

Exclusions

The Backyard Giving Grant program does not support:

• Sports teams or athletic-related requests
• Religious-affiliated groups
• Medical or disease-related causes
• Requests benefiting specific individuals

Application Timeline

CHS accepts applications twice per year:

📅 Spring Cycle: March 1 – April 30
📅 Fall Cycle: October 1 – November 30

The current fall deadline is November 30.

Funding Frequency

To ensure equitable support across the Twin Cities, organizations may receive funding once every two years.

For example, an organization awarded funding in Spring 2025 would not be eligible again until Spring 2027.

Application Process

Eligible nonprofits must apply during the designated application window and demonstrate alignment with CHS priorities, including:

• Bringing the community together
• Educating youth about agriculture
• Improving access to healthy food
• Supporting safe and stable housing

Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.chsinc.com/stewardship/twin-cities-funding

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is ideal for Twin Cities nonprofits that:

• Host community-focused events
• Provide food security or housing assistance
• Offer agricultural education programming
• Serve residents in Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, or Washington counties

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Biannual
Fall Deadline: November 30
Funding Amount: Up to $5,000
Best Suited For: Twin Cities-based nonprofits focused on food access, housing, agriculture education, and community engagement