July 2026 Community Newsletter
7/22/2026 1:55:44 PM
Welcome to the July 2026 Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans newsletter. With the Session Recap event now behind us, the Council is looking forward to joining community at gatherings and events this summer as we look ahead to the fall and coming 2027 legislative session.
Please keep reading for some of the latest news and information.
Grant Opportunity - Minnesota Humanities Center
The Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) by virtue of funding provided by the Minnesota Legislature, has an open grant opportunity available now through October 15, 2026. We are grateful to the Legislature for entrusting to provide this level of grant funding and would appreciate your help in continuing to spread the word among your networks.
The following grant opportunity is available:
- $300,000 – to organizations responding to crisis and emergencies.
Organizations may request up to $75,000. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until October 15, 2026, or until all funds have been expended, whichever occurs first.
If you are interested in applying for one of the open grant opportunities, please visit the MHC website for more information or contact a Grants Administrator at grants@mnhum.org.
State Government – Early Voting Underway for State Primary Elections
Early voting is now underway for Minnesota primary elections scheduled for Tuesday, August 11.
To vote in Minnesota, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- At least 18 years old on Election Day (16 & 17 year olds can pre-register)
- A resident of Minnesota for 20 days
- Not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction
- Not under a court order that revokes your right to vote
To register to vote, request an absentee ballot, or learn more about when, where, and how vote, visit the website of the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Data Training Opportunity – North Star Data Training Program
Are you interested in learning more about your community, conducting independent research, and enhancing your data skills? The Minnesota State Demographic Center is pleased to launch the North Star Data Training Program, a free program designed to promote and strengthen data literacy and awareness, to build professional skills, and to foster civic engagement among Minnesota residents.
The program is a multidimensional data experience: under the guidance of Minnesota State Demographic Center staff, participants will articulate research proposals, design methodologies, develop data analysis skills, and visualize and present their findings. Course sessions will include lecture-style instruction, interactive discussions, and hands-on software training. We will engage with issues that pertain to local neighborhoods and communities, connecting data insight with lived experience, enabling participants to identify issues affecting their communities.
This program is designed for people with little or no background in data. An ideal participant will be motivated to develop their own research ideas. All participants will be expected to discuss their work and to update the group on their weekly progress. A personal laptop is required.
Upon completing the program, all participants will receive:
- Certificate of completion
- Formatted report of their research suitable for posting on professionally oriented social media, employment application packets, etc.
When and Where: July 29 to September 2, 2026 at the Department of Administration Building (50 Sherburne Avenue, St Paul)
How to Apply: This free program is open to the public, regardless of age or educational background. Applicants should send a short description (one page or less) of their background and interest in community-oriented research to demography.helpline@state.mn.us.
Reach out to the Council
Do you have an upcoming event that community members should know about? The Council is interested to hear from you about events, priorities, questions, or feedback on what matters to you and your community. To share your views or provide information to include in an upcoming newsletter, contact Andrew Morris, Legislative and Public Affairs Director, at andrew.morris@state.mn.us.