The Ann Bancroft Foundation Fall Grant Cycle Awards 140 Minnesota Girls More Than $129,000 To Help Fund Their Dreams

ST. PAUL, MN (November 17, 2023) – The Ann Bancroft Foundation (ABF) is proud to announce its 2023 fall grant cycle resulted in awards to 140 Minnesota girls. The organization’s grant programs are part of its mission to help local girls have the support, inspiration, and resources to help make their dreams come true. In 2023, the Ann Bancroft Foundation awarded the most grant money in its 26-year history. 

“I am thrilled to witness the transformative power of our grants in the lives of these remarkable Minnesota girls,” says Ethelind B. Kaba, the Executive Director of the Ann Bancroft Foundation. “Their dreams and aspirations drive our mission, and we are proud to provide the support, inspiration, and resources that empower them to reach new heights.”

ABF grants have funded a wide range of transformational activities and experiences including the following examples from the award cycle this fall:

Anja (13) from Duluth will participate in gymnastics competitions. She dreams of a world where gymnasts can be more confident in their bodies and feel happy with themselves and eating what they want to.

Divinity (10) from Farmington wants to be a country musician when she grows up. Her grant will go towards participating in a choir.

Daisy (16) from Minneapolis will travel to Chicago for a Model UN conference. She credits Model UN with helping her deal with social anxiety after the COVID-19 pandemic, giving her the confidence to speak publicly and take on leadership roles.

TaShya (14) from Minneapolis dreams of traveling the world as an esthetician and running multiple business. Her grant will go toward expanding her small business, T’s Lip Gloss.

Opal (15) from Minneapolis will use their grant to participate in their school’s robotics team. They are proud to participate in a male-dominated field as a trans student.

Athena (13) from Fridley wants to be an author when she grows up. She will use her grant to participate in Youth In Government, which she hopes will help her socially connect with others and gain confidence.

Maria Ines (15) from Inver Grove Heights just recently moved to Minnesota and is excited to see snow for the first time. She will use her grant for skiing lessons to try a new sport and make the most of winter weather.

The breakdown of awards per county are: 

Anoka: 17

Becker: 1

Blue Earth: 2

Carlton: 4

Cook: 1

Dakota: 7

Hennepin: 62

Itasca: 2

Lake: 5

Nicollet: 2

Olmsted: 1

Ramsey: 13

Scott: 2

St. Louis: 11

Sherburne: 2

Washington: 6

Wright: 2

Since 1997, ABF has awarded over $2.3 million to 5,500 Minnesota girls in grades K-12. The organization also connects girls to mentors who provide guidance, encouragement and friendship at a critical time in their lives. The grants are investments (up to $1000) that have immediate and lasting impact. 2023 is the first year with a $1000 maximum, with previous cycles awarding up to $500. These grants are about more than giving girls just money. For many, it is the first time someone believed in them, heard their dream and took a stand for them. Each ABF grant opens the window to a world of possibility, providing a young Minnesota girl an opportunity she may have never thought existed. 

How It Works

Each applicant is guided through the application process by an adult mentor who is not in the girl’s immediate family. This can be a teacher, coach, family friend, etc. ABF grants are based on several factors including need which can include, but is not limited to financial need, a personal or family challenge and other barriers. A panel of ABF volunteers reviews applications. 

ABF accepts grant applications twice a year, in fall and spring. Applications are available at: https://www.annbancroftfoundation.org/programs/grant-programs