Ann Bancroft Foundation Awards Record Number of Spring Grants to Young Changemakers Across Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (June 17, 2025) – The Ann Bancroft Foundation (ABF) is proud to announce its largest-ever spring grant cycle, awarding 160 grants to girl-identifying youth across 23 counties in Minnesota. These grants help fund bold, inspiring pursuits in leadership, education, art, travel, and advocacy—and reflect a growing demand for opportunities that nurture confidence, resilience, and big dreams.

“This is a powerful moment for our Foundation,” said Ethelind Kaba, Executive Director of the Ann Bancroft Foundation. “The young people we support represent the future of Minnesota—and they are dreaming big, pushing boundaries, and leading with courage. We’re honored to be part of their journey.”

Grants were awarded to youth from elementary school through high school, with representation from urban, suburban, and rural communities statewide:

• 33.75% of grants were awarded in the East Metro (Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington Counties)
• 36.88% in the West Metro (Anoka, Carver, Hennepin, and Scott Counties)
• 29.38% in Greater Minnesota, reflecting the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to statewide access

Each grant is designed to ignite a girl’s confidence and support a specific dream. This spring’s recipients include a young dancer attending an elite summer program at Boston Ballet, a fourth-grader competing in the Destination Imagination Global Finals, and a 10th grader launching a bracelet and button business to raise awareness for social causes that matter to her.

“These grants are more than just financial support,” said Ann Bancroft, ABF founder and legendary polar explorer. “They are a vote of confidence in a girl’s vision for herself and the world. We want each recipient to know: your dream matters—and we believe in you.”

Among the many remarkable grantees are:

Lilianna, 6th grade (Anoka County), who is advocating for urban farming and launching a backyard chicken initiative to promote sustainability and food security

Emma, 8th grade (Ramsey County), who will visit Historically Black Colleges and Universities this fall to begin shaping her path to a legal career

Izma, 10th grade (Winona County), an alto saxophonist traveling to D.C. and Boston to perform in the National Independence Day Parade

Addison, 10th grade (St. Louis County), who will travel to Iceland to explore nature, culture, and global connection

This historic round of awards continues the Foundation’s 34-year legacy of ensuring that girl-identifying youth across Minnesota—especially those facing financial barriers—have the resources and support to realize their dreams.

How it Works

Each applicant is guided through the application process by an adult mentor who is not in the girl’s immediate family. This can be a teacher, coach, family friend, etc. Ann Bancroft Foundation grants are based on several factors including need which can include, but is not limited to financial need, a personal or family challenge, and other barriers. A panel of Ann Bancroft Foundation volunteers review applications. 

For interview opportunities, please contact Lauren Skar at 612-361-8195 or email laurens@annbancroftfoundation.org 

About the Ann Bancroft Foundation

The Ann Bancroft Foundation (ABF) empowers young women to dream big and pursue their passions. Through grants, mentorship, and ongoing development opportunities, ABF provides the support girls need to step confidently into their futures. 

About Ann Bancroft

Ann Bancroft is a pioneer, a record-breaking polar explorer, and an advocate for bold dreams. The first woman to reach both the North and South Poles across the ice, she led the first all-female expedition to Antarctica and, in 2001, became one of the first women in history to cross Antarctica’s landmass. An educator, author, and champion for women and girls, she founded the Ann Bancroft Foundation to inspire young women to defy limits and carve their own paths. Through adventure and storytelling, she continues to empower the next generation to embrace exploration—of both the world and of themselves. More on Ann’s explorations at https://bancroftarnesen.eco/.