Grants season has officially arrived in Saint Paul, with the Neighborhood STAR and Cultural STAR programs now accepting applications for 2025. Those looking to fund capital projects in the city's neighborhoods or strengthen its cultural sector can hit the keyboard and apply online before the May 2 deadline.
For Neighborhood STAR hopefuls, the criteria are clear: applicants need a Saint Paul location, a project with a projected lifespan of at least 7 years, and an initiative that helps enrich the city’s diverse fabric. As detailed by the City of Saint Paul's announcement, program guidelines are provided in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Hmong/Hmoob, Somali, and Karen. A virtual workshop is scheduled for April 8 to further demystify the application's intricacies.
On the cultural front, the Cultural STAR program targets organizations within the arts and culture sectors and those contributing to downtown Saint Paul’s cultural vitality. The grants support various endeavors, from capital projects to special projects and organizational development. The funding round covers activities scheduled between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026, or 2027 for capital projects. An information session is also set for April 8, promising applicants insights into creating successful submissions.
Prospective applicants for either program won’t be navigating the process alone. The city has made resources available, including contact details for each program’s dedicated staff. For the Neighborhood STAR program, questions can be directed to [email protected]. Meanwhile, Cultural STAR program inquiries should be sent to [email protected]. With the clock ticking towards the submission deadline, the city’s artistic and neighborhood communities stand poised to leverage these opportunities for advancement and growth.
