Spillway Suppers

Spillway Suppers is a welcoming and low-stakes opportunity for neighbors to gather to share food, culture, and conversation and tend to the currents of belonging and wellbeing that connect us to our places and communities. 

This program will support and fund eight community meals with microgrants of $400 each. Each recipient must be a resident of the stretch of Dakota homelands that includes the Minnesota counties of Goodhue, Wabasha, Winona, and Houston, or Prairie Island Indian Community. Everyone, from all cultures and walks of life, are welcome to apply.

Each gathering should host a range of people from across the community and have a capacity of approximately 15. We recommend including an interactive community activity to get folks mingling, like an open mic, social dance, hands-on crafts, or an informal community conversation. Check out the FAQ below for ideas!

Your Spillway Supper should be hosted in a public place or third space in this region (examples: community space, organization office, restaurant, libraries, etc.) and take place between October 19- December 1, 2026.

Scroll down to the bottom of this page to read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

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Application

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What’s the catch?

‍No catch! This is a low-stakes, fun, social opportunity meant to give you a chance to meet your fellow community members. It’s not a strict grant program. You’ll just fill out a brief post-event form with some basic information: when did you host, who attended, what did you do, and (optionally) photos!

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2. Is it just a meal?

‍It can be! We recommend including a low-stakes activity to get folks interacting with each other. Examples from previous events: Craft workshop, social dance, open mic, poetry/prose reading, a music set, movie night, informal community conversation/panel around a theme, etc.

Please do your best to track and meet your attendees’ dietary and accessibility needs. If you need support, ask our staff!

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3. How should I spend the $400? (Mock Budgets)

‍You can allocate it however feels best! Here are some mock budgets.

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4. How many people have to attend my event?

We recommend no more than 15, given the funding amount. That said, it’s up to you!

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5. How will you select recipients?

We’ll select recipients on a first-come, first-served basis. As soon as we have 8 eligible applications, the application will close.