Weekly News & Event Invitations
In this issue:
Civic: Project Reach - MN Session Outlook
February Reading Room Book
Funding Opportunities
Civic Engagement
Register for Fredrikson Government Relations’ 17th annual Minnesota Legislative Session Outlook event. After last year’s tumultuous start of session, Democrats and Republicans were able to come together and pass a balanced budget. Despite last year’s accomplishments, the state’s budget forecast remains gloomy in the future.
With all 201 legislators up for reelection, and a mounting number of retirements, can legislators once again find some common ground and bring some accomplishments back to their districts? Perhaps a bonding bill can be negotiated?
Learn the answers to these questions and your questions virtually on Thursday, January 29 from 9-10 a.m. Moderated by Brian Bakst, politics editor for MPR News, our virtual legislative leaders’ panel will give you a preview of the upcoming session’s major topics. Panelists include leaders from all four caucuses.
An on-demand recording of the program will be available after the live webcast.
Civic Engagement Resources:
January 2026: Civic Programs & Resources
In the last Issue: Coping with Stress and Trauma Resources LINK
Check out: Our Civic Resources Page LINK
Morning Connections
Morning Connections is an informal meeting series that consist of light conversation over zoom. If you’re looking for a space to take time for yourself to just connect with others, we invite you to join us. Bring beverages, children, breakfast, pets, or work – the goal is to connect informally with other women and a host who will facilitate. We look forward to networking with you!
February Book Group Selection
A witty, spectacular, and timely tale of modern-day witches waging war on the patriarchy.
Part mystery, part ode to female solidarity and strength, Wild Women explores the challenges faced by women who dare to defy societal expectations and prescriptions, and also serves as an important reminder that the path to healing doesn’t always take the route we think it will.
Funding Opportunities
RSDP Call for Ideas
It’s the start of a new year, and University of Minnesota Extension RSDP is looking for your ideas to build a brighter future. All 5 Greater MN regions are inviting sustainability project ideas now through Feb. 14. Award decisions will be made this spring. Help spread the word!
West Central Initiative Foundation
Environmental sustainability, social change that advances equity and opportunity, and civic engagement are essential for a healthy and resilient region. We created these grant opportunities with those priorities in mind.
Awarding grants in three priority areas:
Environmental Sustainability Grants will support community-led projects and nonprofits with a focus on sustainability and climate initiatives.
Social Change Grants will support organizations working with historically marginalized communities to advance equity and systems change.
Civic Engagement Grants will support nonpartisan organizations that promote social change, cultivate local leadership, educate communities about government and civic systems, and encourage participation in public meetings.
Application Period: Tuesday, January 20, to Thursday, February 26, at 5 p.m.
Check out the 2026 Grant opportunities:
THE SAINT PAUL & MINNESOTA FOUNDATION. INVESTS IN COMMUNITY-LED SOLUTIONS BY OFFERING A VARIETY OF GRANT OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS THE EAST METRO AND COMMUNITIES STATEWIDE.
100 Rural Women creates connections and inspires leadership. We see a future where more rural women lead positive change for themselves, their families, communities, the nation and the world. We are committed to building leadership through networks, mentorship, education, and civic engagement. Our 501(c) 3 non-profit organization is non-partisan.