Focus Area Grants 

Xcel Energy Foundation contributed funds for signage on the Sherburne County Nature Trail near Becker, MN. Ten interpretative signs tell the environmental and cultural history of the land along the trail system, which is part of the new Sherburne County Heritage Center.

Xcel Energy Foundation's grant-making and corporate giving are focused in four areas - Community Development, Supporting Education, Promoting Arts and Culture, and the Environment. Each area is defined by the Foundation board and is reviewed on an annual basis.

Our focus area grants are limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and all applicants must complete our online application process (use link below).

The budget is determined annually by a review of the previous year's contributions and by prioritizing what we hope to accomplish with our available resources. Unfortunately, the foundation receives far more requests for funding than it can satisfy.

If it is necessary to decline support of a worthwhile organization, program or project, the decision is not reflective of the value of the organization/program/project, but rather on the need to be selective due to limited resources. Grants do not establish entitlement for additional or continued support or set precedent for future funding.

In 2007, we contributed over $4 million to organizations across our service territory.

Online Grant Application Process