Immigrant Rapid Response Fund
We stand united and invested in supporting the immediate need for rights and resources in all targeted immigrant communities.
About the Fund
The Immigrant Rapid Response Fund (IRRF) is a coalition of 32 philanthropic leaders rooted in communities most impacted by immigration-related harm. IRRF ensures that resources move quickly, responsibly, and with community accountability to trusted organizations responding to immigration-related emergencies across Minnesota.
As enforcement actions, policy changes, and sudden disruptions continue to impact immigrant and refugee families, IRRF provides rapid, community-informed funding to organizations on the frontlines of response, care, and protection.
Your support enables rapid, community-informed decisions with immediate impact.
Foundations or other institutional donors, please contact Asha Harrison at asha@wfmn.org. To be considered for future funding, submit an interest form. Further questions about fund distribution, contact us.
Funding Priorities
The Immigrant Rapid Response Fund coalition makes rapid, community-guided funding decisions based on emerging needs and available resources. We prioritize organizations that are culturally responsive, linguistically accessible, and deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Funds are directed to organizations working to support:
- Urgent Basic Needs: Providing food, housing, transportation, health care and other essential emergent supports in response to attacks
- Urgent Legal Services: legal defense, due process support, and rights protection
- Mobilizing & Organizing: know-your-rights education, community safety planning, advocacy, and coalition-building
Funding supports work across the Twin Cities metro area and Greater Minnesota, including border communities in South Dakota and North Dakota.
Funding Process
- Grants are made on a weekly basis beginning January 23, 2026
- Our first round of grants will distribute $1.7 million to 21 organizations. Grant sizes range between $25,000 to $500,000.
- Early funding rounds are by invitation only
- Grants are unrestricted whenever possible
- There are no reporting requirements
Our Commitment
This work is grounded in dignity, safety, equity, and solidarity. The fund is designed to add resources to communities—not replace existing support while strengthening coordination and collective response. We balance urgent needs with long-term community well-being.
Our History
In November 2024, a group of Latine leaders in philanthropy began preparing for attacks on Latine communities as anti-immigrant sentiment intensified nationwide. The MN Latine Fund was formed to support the long-term sustainability and thriving of Latine communities. As threats escalated, the group created a short-term Rapid Response Fund to address immediate harm.
By November 2025, the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund began to take shape. Attacks on Somali communities in Minnesota made clear that this effort needed to be inclusive of all communities impacted by federal immigration actions. East African philanthropic leaders joined the coalition, along with peers from Asian and Pacific Islander communities and Indigenous philanthropic leaders. Today, the coalition of 32 leaders reflects communities across the Twin Cities metro area and Greater Minnesota.
Our Future
The Fund officially launched on January 12, 2026, with a goal of raising at least $5 million to support Minnesota nonprofits on the frontlines of the immigrant and refugee response. This work is grounded in solidarity and the belief that there is enough for everyone when we work together.
Beginning Friday, January 23, 2026, IRRF will begin allocating funds to nonprofits on a weekly basis across Minnesota with a priority on the most urgent community needs. As conditions evolve, grants will be made based on available resources and emerging realities.
Who We Are
The Immigrant Rapid Response Fund committee is comprised of philanthropic leaders standing together in solidarity with our communities. To be considered for future funding rounds, fill out an interest form. To support the fund, foundations and other institutional donors may contact Asha Harrison at asha@wfmn.org.
FAQ
What kinds of work does IRRF support?
IRRF supports efforts that respond to urgent needs and strengthen community resilience, including:
- Emergency basic needs such as food, housing, transportation, and health care
- Legal services that defend rights and ensure due process
- Community organizing, education, safety planning, advocacy, and coalition-building
Funding prioritizes work that is culturally responsive, linguistically accessible, and community-led.
Is this an open application process?
No. IRRF is currently not an open application. Funding is distributed by invitation to ensure rapid response during emergencies.
How can funders or community members support IRRF?
You can support IRRF by contributing to the fund, sharing information with trusted community partners, or helping identify organizations responding to urgent needs.