ASI Community Fund The ASI Community Fund offers short-term aid to service-oriented organizations and initiatives in response to emerging needs, primarily in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis. This inaugural round drew 20 applications, from which a committee of ASI staff selected three grant awardees. Candidates that were not selected this round have been encouraged to reapply, and ASI is exploring additional opportunities for partnership with these organizations. The recipients for spring 2021 are: • Tamales y Bicicletas ($2,000), which aims to strengthen the local Latino and immigrant communities through bicycle projects, green farming, cultural empowerment and environmental justice, with a primary goal of improving the health of low-income communities of color in Minneapolis. • The Semilla Center for Healing and the Arts ($2,000), which focuses on bringing quality arts learning experiences to underserved communities, including immigrants and at-risk youth. This year, the Semilla Center has turned its programming toward the theme of neighborhood healing.
Two grants for immediate needs also were given in 2020, before the Fund’s official launch. In June, ASI hosted a supply drive and raised nearly $3,000 for PICA Head Start. In December, $500 was given to Open Arms of Minnesota as part of a volunteer project. The ASI Community Fund was founded in the wake of George Floyd’s murder last May at the hands of Minneapolis police. Through the Fund, ASI seeks to support its neighbors as they build, invigorate and reimagine our shared community. The Fund is rooted in ASI’s founding by Swedish immigrants and in a long commitment to sharing its own story of migration. Today, ASI takes its place among many immigrant cultures in the Phillips neighborhood and celebrates their mutual support and collective well-being. ASI extends its deepest thanks to the generous and conscientious donors whose gifts have made these awards possible. Future gifts will allow the Fund to grow and continue to serve the community. If you would like to apply or make a gift, please visit www.ASImn.org. Tamales y Bicicletas in action.
• The Somali American Women Action Center ($1,000), which focuses on stabilizing the lives of refugee and immigrant women and their families in Minnesota by providing support toward job training, social empowerment, skills and leadership development, professional networking and health and well-being. In addition, ASI is partnering with Sisters’ Camelot, a local nonprofit organization, to serve as a monthly food share distribution site. POSTEN
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