Our Four Funding Pillars

Rooted Philanthropic focuses on four funding pillars. Separately, these pillars provide opportunities for individual and family betterment. Collectively, they provide opportunities for community development, repair and progress. Ultimately, the goal is to support sustainable, generational wealth, health and well-being, breaking down systemic barriers that have historically inhibited equitable social and financial security for individuals, families and cultural communities.

While these pillars are broad in scope, the specific funding strategies will continue to evolve and develop alongside community participation and advisement. Our primary focus is on supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals and communities. Our grantmaking strategies will be culturally competent, defined by community, measurable, and sustainable for long-term change.

See this map to understand our funding service area.

  • People dining in restaurant on the East Side

    Entrepreneurship & Small Business

    Creating and building ideas and businesses is a long-term path to sustainable economic security and generational asset-building.

    The East Side of Saint Paul is incredibly diverse. Historically, it has been the home of people from countries and cultures from around the world. Many of those who have settled here have started businesses as a means to earning an income and providing for their families, as well as to share their skills and knowledge with the community. We’re here to support this entrepreneurial spirit and help grow a locally-owned economy on the East Side.

  • Smiling teens sit at tables looking at something off camera

    Education

    A quality and holistic education is fundamental to opportunity.

    We understand that access to a quality education is a gateway for future success, whether that be entry into college, a career, a trade or an entrepreneurial enterprise. Education provides the foundation from which to thrive. While there are many important and effective educational programs in our community, Rooted Philanthropic’s sole educational focus currently is supporting the Future Leaders Scholarship program at Hill-Murray High School.

  • Dancers on an outdoor stage

    Health & Wellness

    Engaging in physical and mental well-being allows for a healthy quality of life.

    Given our founder’s history in the fitness industry, we know firsthand how essential access to physical and mental health are to individual quality of life as well as the health of a family and the community. We will be spending the time necessary to engage members of the East Side community to determine how to best invest our resources to strengthen the health and well-being of our community.  We intend to roll out specific funding priorities in 2024.

  • Women selling wares at an outdoor market

    Empowering Women

    Women need the tools and resources to improve their lives, especially when barriers to opportunities make success more challenging.

    We understand the vital role women have in our families and our community. Too often, women experience systemic and societal barriers to building a successful life for themselves and their families. We will be spending the time necessary to engage members of the East Side community to determine how to best invest our resources to address these barriers and move towards sustainable self-sufficiency.  We intend to roll out specific funding priorities in 2024.