Announcing September 2025 Impact Grant Recipients
Announcing September 2025 Grant Recipients
THANK YOU to everyone that submitted a grant application during our most recent grant cycle which was open from June 1st to August 31st 2025. We were overwhelmed with all of the responses and to read about all of the amazing IMPACT you are having on your community. Don’t forget to apply for the next round of grants. (Links are below)
So without further ado we are thrilled to announce the recipients of the $1,000 grants. CONGRATULATIONS TO……..
NONPROFIT GRANT RECIPIENT
This nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing socks and underwear to those in need. We are thrilled to support this amazing cause.
CONNECT WITH THE DRAWER VIA THEIR WEBSITE
| What is your Mission Statement | To Provide Warmth and Dignity to those in need through NEW socks and underwear |
| How are you making an IMPACT? | We are the only non profit in the midwest with this mission. We provide NEW socks and underwear for FREE to our partners, most of which are other non profit organizations. We are currently serving close to 200 organizations throughout MN and WI, and donating an average of 15-18,000 pairs of socks and underwear a month. We are the only resource for these basic need items, so the demand for our mission is always evident. We provide these resources to a variety of organizations with diverse missions, like food shelves, youth centers, local schools, homeless shelters, trauma/abuse centers, etc. |
BUSINESS GRANT RECIPIENT
This business is dedicated to not only building a business around their passion for cats – but also to give back to the community by donating a portion of every order to local cat rescues. We are thrilled to support this amazing entrepreneur in her journey.
CONNECT WITH BellePepper Cats VIA THEIR WEBSITE
| What is the primary product or service that you provide? | We offer high-quality, freeze-dried, single-ingredient treats for cats and dogs, focusing on transparency, nutrition, and supporting pet parents in making healthy choices for their pets—especially cats, who are often overlooked in the pet industry. |
| Tell us why you started your business? What motivates you as a business owner? | I started BellePepper Cats after struggling to find nutritious, transparent treat options for my cats. Motivated by the lack of quality products for cats, we’re dedicated to raising the standard in feline nutrition and empowering pet parents with healthier choices. |
| How are you making an IMPACT? | We shine a spotlight on cats, who are too often overlooked in the pet industry. We donate a portion of every order to local cat rescues and TNR efforts to help address NYC’s street cat population crisis. Through education, transparency, and USA-sourced single-ingredient treats, we’re giving pet parents better options and making a difference in our community. |
CREATIVE SPARK GRANT RECIPIENT
This young artist inspired our grant review team with her passion, talent, and impact at such a young age. We are thrilled to support this young artist in her next steps.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ZOYA AND HER ART VIA HER WEBSITE
| Tell us about your creative project | I am a 12-year-old artist and community advocate. I use art as a tool to tell stories of kindness, compassion, and hope. In 2024, I was selected by the Global Peace Initiative to design a 21-foot bronze peace monument that will be installed in the Middle East — a place where peace is deeply needed.
This sculpture is based on a painting I created and will be cast using recycled missile casings, transforming instruments of destruction into a global symbol of peace. It is meant to remind the world that even from pain and conflict, beauty and unity can emerge. To help bring this vision to life, I will be unveiling a 2-foot bronze maquette of the monument in summer. I am also selling my original paintings and prints to raise funds to complete the full-scale monument, including casting, shipping, and installation overseas. I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for this work, including: Holding two world records as the Youngest Art Prodigy and Philanthropist |
| How is this creative project making an IMPACT? | This project transforms a single painting by a young artist into a global peace monument — a 21-foot bronze sculpture that will be installed in the Middle East, cast using recycled missile casings. By turning weapons of war into a symbol of unity and compassion, the project offers a powerful message: that peace can rise from destruction, and even the youngest voices can spark international change.
As a 12-year-old, I’m using my art not just to express emotions, but to raise funds, build awareness, and bring communities together around a shared goal. I’ve sold my original paintings to support the cost of materials, casting, and transportation for the monument, involving people across generations and cultures in the process. The impact is threefold: This project turns creativity into a catalyst for global peacebuilding — and proves that age doesn’t limit impact. |
Once again we thank everyone that submitted a grant application during our summer grant cycle. We appreciate each and every one of you.
To apply for the next grant cycle please click on the relevant link below. Note our NEW Business Grants for Canadian based businesses.
APPLICATION LINK FOR A NONPROFIT
APPLICATION LINK FOR BUSINESS
APPLICATION LINK FOR CREATIVE ARTISTS
