Seward Neighborhood Group

Seward Neighborhood Group (SNG) is an independent nonprofit organization that works to make the Seward neighborhood in Minneapolis, MN a more vibrant, equitable, livable, and sustainable community.  SNG is recognized by the City of Minneapolis as the official community participation organization for the Seward neighborhood.  

At SNG, we move our mission forward by focusing on the following priorities:

Health Equity. SNG's signature event, RISE (Rallying In Solidarity for Equity), is the largest community-led health equity event in South Minneapolis. Started in 2023, RISE aims to bring our diverse community together to promote health and healing for all. This event provides resources and services like haircuts, wellness and dental checks, diagnostic testing, clothing, meals, and connection to social services to the underserved and unhoused in South Minneapolis. Through this vital work, we support hundreds of individuals and families with aid from community partners.

Support for Community-Led Initiatives. SNG awards $20,000 in small grants to community-proposed initiatives that make our neighborhood stronger each year. These grants fund projects like beautification efforts, street art, festivals, educational events, restorative justice initiatives, and BIPOC and renter resident engagement. In 2025, SNG supported projects including 36th Street Art (a street art festival and community potluck under a bridge), the Greenway Glow Arts Festival (celebrating BIPOC and immigrant artists with music and dance performances), and Seward Commons Socials (hyperlocal arts programming and community activities that brought neighbors together). SNG provides technical support to community-led initiatives, including project development, communications, fiscal agency, and funding support.

Community Events & Connection. SNG brings neighbors together through events like the annual Seward Garden Tour, neighborhood-wide Yard Sale Days, and community meetings. We create opportunities for residents to connect, celebrate our neighborhood's character, and build relationships that strengthen our community.

Committee Work & Resident Engagement. SNG provides pathways for residents to get involved and shape our neighborhood's future through our Environment Committee (sustainability education and environmental advocacy), History Committee (preserving Seward's rich immigrant heritage and labor history through exhibits and educational programming), Community Development Committee (neighborhood planning and development), Community Engagement Committee (helping foster connections between neighbors) and Board of Directors. Our committee work ensures that Seward's future is shaped by the people who live here.

Your donation helps SNG continue this vital work, supporting neighbor-led initiatives and fostering the connections that make Seward a thriving community for all.