Seward Small Grant Program

The SNG Small Grant program funds community-proposed initiatives that support  the neighborhood.  Since 2023, the Small Grant program has included beautification efforts, street art, festivals, educational events, restorative justice, as well as BIPOC and renter resident engagement.  

Through this program, SNG provides technical support to community-lead initiatives, including project development, communications, fiscal agency, and funding support. 

If you have questions on the Seward Small Grant Program or want more  information, send an email to admin@sng.org.

36th Ave Bridge Mural painted by Mischief City Murals
36th Ave ART and Indigenous Roots organized a Hispanic Heritage Month festival upon completion of the bridge mural
The Art Market at Twin Cities Maker Fest in October featuring art and workshops from local artists

2024 Small Grants

In 2024, SNG awarded 10 grants totaling $20,000 to community-led initiatives that benefit the Seward Neighborhood. Some projects are still ongoing, and details will be provided when they are completed. 

36th Ave ART
36th ART is a volunteer group of neighborhood residents working to address safety, accessibility, aesthetics and interpretive wayfinding along 36th Avenue South from East Lake Street to 25th Street East.  In September, 36th ART commissioned the talented artist and Indigenous culture bearer Thomasina TopBear and her BIPOC mural-painting team City Mischief Murals to create a mural that turned the entire 36th Avenue bridge into a work of art during a 48-hour paint-a-thon followed by a community celebration of National Hispanic Heritage month organized by Indigenous Roots in collaboration with the Hiawatha Collegiate High School. 

Greenway Glow Arts festival Concert

Seward Longfellow Restorative Justice

24xx-33rd Ave Beautification

Community Canvas Paint on the Street

BIPOC Shared Space
The BIPOC Shared Space aims to unite BIPOC individuals in the Seward and Longfellow neighborhoods, but is open to all BIPOC and allies. The Shared Space at the Ivy Arts Building held four sessions that included a workshop or activity that promoted healing, growing, and connection through creativity. The space is intentional in bringing together small groups of people to allow deep connections and partnerships while provided a space where BIPOC are centered and celebrated. The four workshops, led by BIPOC creatives and healers, included arts and crafts, improv comedy, guided meditation and transformative healing with one session each month from August to November. 

Twin Cities Makers Fest

Seward Commons Socials

Little Free Libraries

Graybar Prairie

Criteria & Eligibility 

The Seward Small Grant Program Review Committee will use the following criteria to judge applications (and may devise a scoring/rating system to use with these criteria):

  1. Feasibility. How doable is the project? Does the scope of the project fit the budget? Will the project require any permissions (e.g. from property owners or government agencies) that might significantly slow down the project?
  2. Capacity. What is the capability of the applicant(s) to successfully complete the project? Do the applicants have the required skills and experience – or have they identified contractors with the necessary skills?
  3. Creativity. How imaginative or original is the project? Will the project inspire engagement?
  4. Alignment. Does the project fit with SNG’s current mission statement? What specific efforts are being made to make this project accessible and inclusive for commonly marginalized people? (For example people with disabilities, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, renters, East Africans, etc.).

SNG Mission Statement: SNG is an aspirational organization. We are committed to making our neighborhood more vital, equitable, livable, and sustainable – by building relationships, by engaging all community members, by promoting equitable and accessible development of the built environment, and by acting as stewards of our natural environment.