Best Big Stone County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The SMAC Art Project Grants support nonprofit organizations in Minnesota to enhance the arts through various projects, including performances, exhibits, and community arts education. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to eligible organizations, specifically those classified as 501(c)(3) and located within the SW MN Arts Council service region. Applications from public schools and those using fiscal sponsors are also welcomed, ensuring that diverse artistic initiatives can flourish in the community.

The Equipment & Facilities Improvement Grants provide up to $10,000 in matching funds to nonprofit arts organizations in the Southwest Minnesota region. This funding supports the purchase of equipment and facilities upgrades that enhance organizational capacity to meet community arts needs. Eligible applicants include arts-focused nonprofits and government units, with no cash match required for fiscal year 2023. The aim is to strengthen the region's arts infrastructure while fostering accessibility and inclusivity in arts projects.

The SMAC: Arts in the Schools Grants offer public schools up to $4,000 for various art projects, including artist residencies and field trips. This program aims to provide students with enriching artistic experiences and requires community involvement to broaden its impact. Eligible applicants include public schools within the SW MN Arts Council service region, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the arts. Funding relies on legislative appropriations from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund.

The Rural Hospital Planning and Transition Grant, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health, aims to support small, nonprofit rural hospitals in developing strategic plans and implementing transition projects. This initiative enhances access to healthcare for underserved communities in Minnesota, ensuring they receive necessary services. Grant recipients will create sustainable plans to address community health needs and improve service delivery, fostering equity and inclusion in healthcare access.

The Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant supports modernization projects for eligible rural hospitals in Minnesota. Grant funding will enable hospitals to update or replace aging facilities and equipment, ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services in communities with populations below 15,000. With an estimated total of $1,755,000 available, hospitals can receive awards ranging from $45,000 to $125,000, provided they match at least 25% of the grant request from non-state sources.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

The Quick Support for Organizations Grant, offered by the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council, provides up to $2,500 for various arts-related projects. Eligible activities include planning for public art projects, small arts initiatives, and organizational development. The grant is designed to help organizations enhance their capacity to serve the arts community, with no cash match required. Applications are accepted monthly from August 2025 to May 2026, with a board review on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

The Minnesota Department of Health is offering funding for innovative HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) programs aimed at reducing HIV transmission in rural communities. With a total of up to $600,000 available, the initiative seeks to increase HIV screenings, referrals, and prescriptions, ultimately promoting health equity and supporting the local END HIV MN plan. Organizations that can effectively implement and evaluate these programs are encouraged to apply.

The Medica Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing rural health in Minnesota by funding community-led initiatives that address health equity. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, it supports projects that improve healthcare access and quality, particularly in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government agencies, and Tribal Nations, while emphasizing measurable outcomes and culturally-focused care.

Basin Electric Power Cooperative's Charitable Giving Program focuses on supporting communities across its nine-state service territory. The program reviews funding requests periodically and allocates donations to various categories, including education, health services, civic betterment, and cultural initiatives. Additionally, it offers matching funds for member donations and contributes surplus office equipment to organizations in need. This commitment to community growth and sustainability reflects Basin Electric's mission to enhance the well-being of its members.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

Quick Support for Artists

Provides artists with up to $1,000 for activities such as purchasing supplies, attending classes, and small artist-led community projects. All arts disciplines are accepted, and artists at any stage of their career may apply.

The SMAC Artist Equity Grants provide essential funding for Black, Indigenous, and artists of color at any career stage to enhance their artistic skills and expand their audience. Grants of up to $4,000 support various activities, including equipment purchase, mentorship, and professional development. The program aims to address historical disparities in the arts, ensuring equitable access and resources for marginalized communities in the SW MN region.

The SMAC Artist Growth Grants support artists at any career stage in the SW MN region, promoting artistic development and audience expansion. Grants of up to $4,000 cover costs such as supplies, mentorship, workshops, and studio rentals. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of the area, at least 18 years old, and may have only one pending application at a time. Ineligible projects include those lacking an art focus or tied to for-profit activities.

The Rural Family Medicine Residency Grant Program, authorized by Minnesota Statute Sec. 144.1912, aims to support family medicine residency programs located outside the 7-county metropolitan area. The program provides funding to cover training costs for eligible residents, with approximately $1,000,000 available this cycle. Each new residency position may receive up to $400,000 in funding for a maximum of three years, promoting the training of family physicians in underserved communities.

The Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) provides essential funding to cities, townships, and counties for housing, public infrastructure, and commercial rehabilitation projects. Aimed at benefiting low-and-moderate income households, SCDP enhances community viability by facilitating economic opportunities and improving living conditions. Administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), this program offers competitive grants for diverse development needs, with funding caps of $600,000 for single-purpose projects and $1.4 million for comprehensive initiatives.

The Otter Tail Corporation Foundation Grant Program focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations in communities across Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Priorities include early childhood education, health services for families in need, community development, and environmental sustainability. While the 2025 budget is fully allocated, they encourage applications for 2026, emphasizing collaborative projects that create measurable impacts.

The Edina Realty Foundation, established in 1996, is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless individuals and families in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. With over $12 million raised, the Foundation supports non-profits that provide housing, food, and emergency services, ensuring that more than 95% of funds directly aid those in need. Their mission highlights the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home, reinforcing community investment for a better tomorrow.

The Fostering Social Connection in Later Life Grants, funded by the Southwest Initiative Foundation, aim to combat social isolation and loneliness among older adults in southwest Minnesota. With $150,000 available for individual grants ranging from $500 to $20,000, eligible organizations can implement projects that enhance social interactions and support systems for seniors. This initiative addresses a critical public health issue, especially heightened post-COVID-19, fostering community engagement and improving overall well-being among older adults.