American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation 2021 grant application cycle now open

Community nonprofit organizations that align with American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation grant priorities are encouraged to apply for a 2021 grant, beginning today through April 15, 2021 at 5 p.m. central time.

New, expanded giving priorities

The foundation’s giving priorities have been expanded for 2021 to encompass more partners and programs creating opportunities and meaningful impact in communities. The 2021 priorities include: Academic Achievement and Education; Economic Opportunity; Healthy Youth Development; and Basic Needs. (Previous priorities were Lifelong Learning and Basic Needs.)

During the last year, the American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation gathered feedback from their community partners and implemented trust-based practices. In 2021, they’re building on what they’ve learned by taking steps that make it easier for organizations to participate in the grant process. These include making the application process less cumbersome, eliminating traditional reporting requirements by trusting in organizations’ commitment to achieving measurable results, and proactively researching organizations to understand their objectives and priorities.

Investing in community partners

According to Maggie Pascaly, American Family community and social impact manager, the objective of investing in these organizations is not just about providing funding, but creating authentic partnerships. “We’re accomplishing this by listening, learning and incorporating feedback from our community partners into the grant process,” she said.

“In addition, beginning this year we’re investing in our community partners through unrestricted, general operating support rather than for specific programs,” Pascaly said. “This is about having trust in our community partners and letting them determine the best way to use the funds to meet the needs and goals of their organizations.”

American Family Insurance and the American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation together with these community partners doing meaningful work continue to have a significant impact across the nation. Since 2016, $12.4 million has been committed to more than 1,000 grants across its operating territories.

More details

Interested organizations can find more details on the application process and grant priority areas by visiting this area of the Making a Difference section on the American Family Insurance website.

Investments part of larger American Family initiative

Community investments through the American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation are part of the Free to Dream initiative announced Feb. 23, 2021. American Family has pledged $105 million over the next five years to further its already deep commitment to closing racial equity gaps and affecting social impact and positive change in communities across the country.

See list of 2020 grant recipients.

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About American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation
The American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation, Inc. builds on our long-standing commitment and support of our communities. As our mission has evolved from corporate giving to community investing, we’ve turned our focus to creating strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations that have helped us strengthen both families and communities. For more information, see the Making a Difference section of amfam.com.