From the first day of school to the first real job, we’re there.
Urban Ventures helps kids and families build stability, find opportunity, and move toward a thriving life through steady relationships, practical support, and programs that have been part of this neighborhood for more than 30 years.
Over 30 Years
In the Neighborhood
Over 100,000
Neighbors served
5,000+
Families served annually
In Their Own Words
When we ask young people and families what Urban Ventures means to them, we hear the same words again and again: belonging, second chances, safety, and hope.
Take a moment to hear it directly from them.
What Lasting Impact Looks Like
When someone asks what Urban Ventures does, we usually want to introduce them to someone.
- Middle school soccer at Urban Stars
- Mentorship from coaches and staff
- A safe place to belong after school
- Business owner employing 40+ people
- Affordable housing for 14 families
- Co-owner of a mental health agency
- Mentor to young adults
- Homework help in 2nd grade
- Meals through Kid’s Café
- A place to be known and supported
- Act Six Scholar and college graduate with no debt
- Financial planner helping families build stability
- Mentor to two young men
- Parenting and financial literacy classes
- Living paycheck to paycheck
- Unsure how to build savings
- Homeowners after saving their first $1,000
- Owners of a remodeling business
- Building generational wealth
- Helping other families improve their homes
Through relationships, short-term help grows into long-term transformation.
Carlos, Tian, Saul and Maria are proof that long-term change is possible.
These are the kind of stories you make possible when you give.
How We Create Lasting Impact
From today’s needs to tomorrow’s opportunities
High-quality early education → A strong foundation for lifelong learning
After-school tutoring and programs → Students on track academically with a place to belong
Long-term mentorship → Guidance, accountability, and someone who believes in them
Athletics, arts, and youth development → Confidence, belonging, and trusted adults
College and career support → A clear path to well-paying work without crushing debt
Adult and family programs → Second chances, economic stability, and strength at home
This is what happens when short-term help becomes long-term support.
What Makes Urban Ventures Different?
Rooted in community
We’ve been in South Minneapolis for over 30 years. Our work is shaped by the neighborhood and built with our neighbors.
Moved by faith, open to all
Urban Ventures is a faith-based organization inspired by the example of Jesus Christ. Our doors are open to everyone, without exception. We serve with love and compassion, freely given and without conditions.
In for the long haul
We don't offer a single program and hope it's enough. Our cradle-to-career model means we stay with kids and families from their earliest years through high school graduation and beyond so no one falls through the gaps between programs.
Relational and steady
We show up consistently, in the everyday and in the hard seasons, and we stay for the long-term work that makes real change possible. Programs matter, but relationships built on trust are the engine.
Be Part of What’s Happening Here
Urban Ventures exists because our neighbors deserve more than short-term fixes. They deserve safety, dignity, opportunity, and a community that doesn’t look away.
If you’re here for the first time, we’re glad you found us. Here’s how to take a next step.
Stay Connected
Stories from our neighborhood, updates on the work, and simple ways to be part of it.
Show Up
Join a team that creates steady, safe spaces for kids as a tutor, a coach, or a consistent presence.
Invest
Your gift keeps staff present, programs running, and families supported. This is how lasting change gets funded.