GrassRoots in Action is a left-of-center community organizing and activist organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. ¹

GIA operates the Voices of the North Podcast, which has hosted Democratic Party-aligned officials and activists including Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt, Minnesota State Senate President Bobby Joe Champion (D), and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D). ²

Since its launch, GrassRoots in Action has received grants of $152,000 from left-of-center Win Minnesota, $91,390 from Minnesota Voice, and $40,000 from The Minneapolis Foundation. ³

History and Leadership

GrassRoots in Action was formed in 2021. ⁴ In August 2022, the organization received tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. ⁵

Artise Mayfield is the founder and executive director of GrassRoots in Action. Minneapolis, Minnesota-based media has referred to Mayfield as an “activist.” ⁶ Walter Goodwin is GrassRoots in Action’s communications and community engagement manager. ⁷

Activities and Funding

GrassRoots in Action is a left-of-center community organizing and activist organization that is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. GrassRoots in Action was founded to connect ethnic-minority citizens, increase civic engagement, educate its supporters on political institutions, and mobilize and organize citizens to ensure their opinions are considered in policymaking. ¹

The organization’s activism focuses on assessing, communicating for, and advocating for the needs of North Minneapolis residents; educating North Minneapolis residents about the city, state, and federal policies that impact their lives; mobilizing these residents to vote; taking part in the policymaking process; supporting low-income residents in North Minneapolis; and creating new networks for individuals in North Minneapolis. ¹

GrassRoots in Action operates the Voices of the North Podcast, which often hosts left-of-center political activists and Democratic Party-affiliated elected officials to discuss policy issues. Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt, Minnesota State Senate President Bobby Joe Champion (D), Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D), and other political activists have been guests on the podcast. ²

The organization also hosts events, ⁸ supports African American-owned businesses, ⁹ opposes gun violence, supports increased voting by its supporters, and calls for increased community engagement. ⁴

In 2023, the organization spent $69,040 on its programming, which included a community survey. ¹⁰ That same year, GrassRoots in Action hosted a book signing event for Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison (D); ¹¹ and sought new ways to communicate with, educate, and mobilize minority voters in Minnesota to influence the state’s policies, institutions, and elected officials. ¹²

GrassRoots in Action is a partner of We Choose Us, which consists of left-of-center, Minnesota-focused activist organizations. ¹³

Funding

GrassRoots in Action receives funding from individual donations and grants. On its official donation page, GrassRoots in Action also solicits new sponsors. ¹⁴

In 2023, GrassRoots in Action reported revenue of $260,088 and expenses of $276,168. ¹⁵ The organization reported revenue of $354,744 and expenses of $294,932 in 2022. ¹⁶

Since its launch, GrassRoots in Action has received grants of $152,000 from left-of-center Win Minnesota, $91,390 from Minnesota Voice, and $40,000 from The Minneapolis Foundation. ³

1. “About.” Grassroots in Action. Accessed July 28, 2024. https://www.grassrootsinactionmn.org/about.
2. “Voices of the North Podcast.” Grassroots in Action. Accessed July 28, 2024. https://www.grassrootsinactionmn.org/general-6.
3. “Grassroots In Action.” Cause IQ Organization Profile. Accessed July 28, 2024. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/grassroots-in-action,872365459/.
4. “GrassRoots In Action.” Cause IQ Organization Page. Accessed July 28, 2024. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/grassroots-in-action,872365459/.
5. “Determination Letter.” Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service. August 2022. Accessed July 28, 2024. https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/dl/FinalLetter_87-2365459_GRASSROOTSINACTIONINC_01102022_00.tif.
6. Lewerenz, Jennifer. “Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict ‘Just the Beginning’ for Police Reform.” KNSI St. Cloud, Minnesota. April 21, 2021. Accessed July 28, 2024. https://knsiradio.com/2021/04/21/derek-chauvin-trial-verdict-just-the-beginning-for-police-reform/.
7.  “Grassroots in Action.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2023. Part VII. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/872365459/202400699349300205/full.
8. “Events.” GrassRoots In Action. Accessed July 28, 2024. https://www.grassrootsinactionmn.org/.
9. “Facebook Post.” Grassroots in Action Facebook Page. Posed June 22, 2023. Accessed July 28, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=273654958515332&set=ecnf.100076124885408.
10. “Community Survey.” Grassroots in Action. Accessed July 28, 2024. https://www.grassrootsinactionmn.org/projects/2023-gia-issue-survey.
11. “Book Signing.” GrassRoots in Action Facebook Post. June 30, 2023. Accessed July 28, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=278059024741592&set=ecnf.100076124885408.
12. “Image.” Grasssroots in Action Facebook. Posted February 21, 2023. Accessed July 28, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=206931765187652&set=ecnf.100076124885408.
13. “Partners.” We Choose Us. Accessed July 28, 2024. https://www.wechooseusmn.com/partners.
14. “Ways to Give.” Grassroots in Action. Accessed July 28, 2024. https://www.grassrootsinactionmn.org/ways-to-give.
15. “Grassroots In Action.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2023. Part I. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/872365459/202400699349300205/full.
16. “Grassroots In Action Inc.” Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax. (Form 990). 2022. Part I. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/872365459/202321669349300822/full.