Building Safer Communities Micro Grants

Purpose 

The City of Hopkins seeks to provide funding opportunities for programs, communication, advocacy, and organizing led by community-based organizations and community members which promote community safety and connectivity. The City will prioritize efforts that are led and influenced by Black, Indigenous, and people of color, and which are grounded in the needs of diverse Hopkins’ neighborhoods.

This is a "low barrier" grant program intended to allow community members to apply and access grant funding. You do not need to be a non-profit to be awarded grant funds.

The micro-grant program will focus on projects that fund, inspire, and assist with crime reduction efforts based around the following themes:  

• Providing opportunities for connectedness
• Activities that promote wellness and help manage stress and trauma
• Address family stability or upward mobility
• Aim to directly prevent crime
• Implicit bias and diversity trainings or initiatives.

Programs that are inclusive, collaborative, resourceful and innovative, while reducing crime and violence within the City will be given priority.

The City of Hopkins has allocated $10,000 of money from the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Fund. This grant is a one -time opportunity.

Grant Awardees

Soc13ty 101

Lyrical Power is a multimedia workshop series and community showcase that centers youth creativity, self-expression, and entrepreneurship. Young participants will take part in guided workshops in creative writing, photography, design, and audio/visual production. The program will culminate in community open mic events and short documentary segments highlighting youth experiences and visions.

Gentle Yoga at Dow Towers

A certified yoga instructor will offer a free eight-class series of gentle chair yoga on a bi-weekly basis for Dow Towers residents. Classes will be specifically designed for individuals with physical limitations, chronic health conditions, and those who have experienced stress and trauma. Classes are thoughtfully designed to improve flexibility, strength, and balance within a fun, welcoming, and non-judgmental atmosphere. All participants are welcome regardless of mobility level, and modifications will be provided to ensure everyone can participate meaningfully.

Brownbody

Brownbody will host a free Learn to Skate program to the Hopkins pavilion for two weekends, serving as an introductory program for those new to ice skating. This program will be offered free to participants. The first weekend will focus on introductory skating skills, while the second will also feature performances by Brownbody artists. Each will feature 25 minutes of lessons and 25 minutes of free skating. Skates and helmets will be provided for participants to use if they do not have their own.

Hopkins Coalition for Black Scholar Success

The Hopkins Coalition for Black Scholar Success is hosting two districtwide family engagement sessions to bring caregivers of Black and Brown scholars together across all Hopkins schools to strengthen family engagement and recruit caregivers to serve on site councils from each school. These councils will help design and implement initiatives that reduce disparities, improve academic outcomes and holistic wellness, foster inclusion, and strengthen. Participants will network, engage in interactive activities, and learn about HCBSS, site council roles, and responsibilities. Through these sessions, we aim to build a strong and empowered presence of caregivers of Black and Brown scholars, enhance family engagement across the district, and create an adaptable model that can be implemented in districts statewide.

Hopkins Community Cinema

The Hopkins Community Cinema is expanding their movie locations, presenting a movie night at the Hopkins Depot in addition to the Hopkins Center for the Arts. They are strengthening partnerships with community organizations to ensure all Hopkins residents feel connected and informed about this opportunity. There will be an increased focus on communication and relationship-building to promote their upcoming shows at their new locations.