https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCn-MpAp4wU

Keep the Lights On: Powering the Heart of Caribbean Culture in the Twin Cities

Your monthly gift keeps our doors open, lights on, and culture alive.

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More Than a Building. It’s Our Home.

Since 1994, Carifest has been the bridge for Caribbean culture in Minnesota. Now, we need your help to keep our physical home thriving.

13
+
Monthly Donors

A Space That Breathes Needs Constant Care

For decades, the dream was just a space. Today, that space is real. But a building is only as alive as the energy that powers it. Every month, our doors stay open thanks to the steady hum of electricity, the warmth of heating, the speed of high-speed internet, and the cost of rent. These aren’t one-time expenses—they are the heartbeat of our community.

Without consistent support, the lights dim, the internet cuts out, and the classes stop. We are asking you to become a sustaining partner. Your monthly contribution ensures that the steel pans are tuned, the costumes are stitched, and the yoga mats are rolled out, every single day.

Fueling Three Pillars of Community

Your monthly donation directly funds:

Cultural Education & Arts

  • Rent & Utilities for the Center: Keeping the space warm and lit for Steel Pan lessons, Carnival costume workshops, and Dance classes.
  • Impact: Your $50/month covers one week of rent allocation for our community center.

The Caribbean Gathering Place

  • Maintenance & Internet: Ensuring a safe, connected environment for the Caribbean community to meet, celebrate, and preserve heritage.
  • Impact: Your $20/month help to keep our high-speed internet running for virtual cultural sharing.

A Hub for All of Minneapolis

  • Building Upkeep: Maintaining the facility so local community groups can book rooms for their own meetings and events.
  • Impact: Your $100/month helps cover the water and electric costs for a booked community event.

Join the Circle of Sustainers

One-time gifts help, but monthly gifts keep the dream alive.

The Guardian

$ 20

Per Month
  • Impact: Covers a portion of weekly utilities.
  • Badge: Light Keeper

The BuilderMost popular

$ 50

Per Month
  • Impact: Supports one full week of rent allocation.
  • Badge: Culture Keeper

The Leader

$ 100+

Per Month
  • Impact: Keeps the doors open for a full month of community bookings.
  • Badge: Visionary

Montly or One-Time Donation

Cancel anytime. Every dollar goes directly to rent, utilities, and maintenance.

Twin Cities Carifest is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.

Twin Cities Carifest is a registered 501(c)(3) organization.

From 1994 to the Future: Leading the Way

Established in 1994, Carifest’s mission has always been to strengthen and educate the greater community about Caribbean culture. We are not just preserving history; we are creating the future. We see ourselves as a top leader in U.S. Caribbean Carnival celebrations. But leadership requires a stage. By supporting our building’s upkeep, you are ensuring that the Twin Cities remains a beacon for underrepresented heritage, inviting neighbors from all backgrounds to engage, learn, and share.

Together, We Are Building a Legacy

This space isn't just a building; it's where my children learned to play the steel pan. Thank you for keeping the music playing.

Sarah J.Community Member
Don’t let the momentum fade. The rent is due next month. The classes are scheduled. The community is waiting.

 

Become a Sustainer today.