Intercultural Harmony Initiative

612.825.2024
admin@musserfund.org

The Laura Jane Musser Fund Intercultural Harmony Initiative will provide funding to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between groups and citizens of different cultural backgrounds within defined geographical areas through collaborative, cross-cultural exchange projects. Intercultural Harmony projects can be carried out in a number of areas, including (but not limited to) community service, youth activities, and the arts.

Projects should:

• Include members of various cultural communities working together on projects with common goals
• Build positive relationships across cultural lines
• Engender intercultural harmony, tolerance, understanding, and respect
• Enhance intercultural communication, rather than cultural isolation, while at the same time honoring the unique qualities of each culture

Expected outcomes:

• A demonstration of intercultural exchange between cultures
• Increased comfort in interaction between the groups and individual citizens addressed by the project
• Harmonious shared use of public space and community facilities
• Continued cooperation by the participants and/or communities addressed by the project

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and units of local government.

Programs in Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, Wyoming, and limited counties in New York and Texas may apply. See the limits of geography section of the program website for additional information.

Planning grants up to $5,000 may be used to support costs like consultant or staff time, meeting costs, mailings, secretarial support, refreshments, local travel, and childcare. Organizations that receive a planning grant may apply for subsequent implementation support after planning activities are completed.

Implementation grants up to $25,000 may be used to implement collaborative cross-cultural exchange projects. The projects should result in a tangible outcome within at least the first 18 months.

A link to the online application is available on the program website.