Request for Proposals: Pohlad Family Foundation Reimagining Public Safety Program

In an effort to address police reform and the ever-growing need to support public safety initiatives that re-imagine and pivot toward new, sustainable approaches across the country, the Pohlad Family Foundation has announced a new funding opportunity: “Reducing Harm Through Collaborative Solutions.”

The Pohlad Family Foundation is partnering with the National League of Cities (NLC) to offer a Request for Proposals (RFP). Applications are open now and must be submitted by May 14, 2021. This opportunity provides grant funding and tailored technical assistance to tribal, city, and county governments in the seven-county Twin Cities area that are working to improve public safety and wellbeing for Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities.

Funding is offered as part of the Foundation’s Reimagining Public Safety program in order to achieve three goals:

1. Innovate and transform traditional approaches to public safety;
2. Reduce the occurrence and severity of negative encounters between law enforcement and the community; and
3. Actively confront racial disparities and history of racism to improve safety, trust, and greater wellbeing for BIPOC communities.

The Collaborative Solutions RFP is informed by the State of Minnesota Working Group on Police-Involved Deadly Force Encounters, convened by Attorney General Keith Ellison and Commissioner of Public Safety John Harrington in 2019. The funding opportunity will help implement the recommendations of the Working Group at a city and county level while enabling these communities to expand efforts toward broader and more equitable public safety. 

Proposals are welcome that would establish racial equity efforts and community partnerships, as well as those that are scaling up efforts. Priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate a long-term commitment to racial justice in public safety through collaborative solutions with community partners.

Please visit pohladfoundation.org for complete information about the RFP, including eligibility and criteria. You may contact Program Director Brian Paulson at bpaulson@pohladfoundation.org with questions specific to the RFP.

You may also contact me at tstille@lmc.org or (651) 215-4051 for additional information, including proposal criteria and guidance on how to apply.

Remember:  Responder Safety = Public Safety

Up next: DNR Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants

In the meantime, stay safe and be careful -
Tracy