Best Chisago County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The CMCF: Rural Poverty Fund Grants, offered by the Central Minnesota Community Foundation and the Initiative Foundation every even year, aim to address rural poverty through various initiatives. Grants support projects that establish emergency services, assess community needs, and develop action plans. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities serving 14 counties in Central Minnesota, focusing on those in poverty while promoting diversity and inclusion.

The Initiative Foundation offers Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants to support organizations in Central Minnesota. These grants aim to strengthen local nonprofits, schools, and government units, with funding typically not exceeding $10,000. The grants focus on enhancing local economies, fostering community engagement, and promoting generosity. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, with deadlines on April 1 and October 10, 2025. The program emphasizes geographic equity and aims to empower organizations that provide essential services.

The Initiative Foundation's Joy & Connection Grants aim to enhance community spirit and connections in Central Minnesota. With $100,000 available, grants between $1,000 and $7,500 will support projects that foster belonging, promote healing, and inspire purpose. A randomized selection process will invite 25 eligible organizations to apply, encouraging collaboration to create joyful moments and strengthen community ties. This initiative continues the Foundation's commitment to empowering local entities for a thriving, inclusive environment.

The Initiative Foundation is offering Energy Efficiency and Community Resiliency Planning Grants to support local governments, school districts, Tribal nations, and nonprofits in Central Minnesota. Grants up to $15,000 will help advance clean energy adoption and improve infrastructure resilience, preparing communities for future energy challenges. These initiatives aim to foster economic growth and enhance community engagement, empowering residents to build a sustainable and vibrant future.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, are designed to support organizations in enhancing their capabilities. These grants provide flexible funding for professional development, strategic planning, and implementation efforts to strengthen nonprofits. With a maximum grant size of $10,000, the program aims to empower nonprofits to meet community needs effectively while ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience in the St. Croix Valley region.

The St. Croix Valley Foundation offers Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants to enhance the effectiveness of local nonprofits in Minnesota and Wisconsin. These grants provide up to $100,000 to support organizations in areas such as systems implementation, strategic planning, and professional development. By investing in capacity building, the foundation aims to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of nonprofits, enabling them to better meet community needs and foster long-term growth.

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants: Planning Grant, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, provides essential funding for nonprofit organizations in the St. Croix Valley region. Aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of established nonprofits, the program supports strategic assessments and planning efforts to ensure sustainability and growth. Eligible organizations must have a minimum of five years of operation, be located within the service area, and be recognized as 501(c)(3) entities. Grants can be up to $25,000.

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants from the St. Croix Valley Foundation aim to enhance the infrastructure of nonprofits serving the St. Croix River area. This initiative supports organizations with flexible funding to strengthen their operations, allowing them to grow, adapt, and sustain their impact. Grants of up to $250,000 are available for various capacity-building activities, including shared tools and collaborations that benefit the entire sector, ultimately fostering a resilient community.

The Initiative Foundation offers Economic Development, Workforce Grants to support projects that drive economic growth in Central Minnesota. These grants focus on early-stage initiatives that enhance workforce development, create partnerships for apprenticeships, and encourage affordable housing. Eligible applicants include local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving specific counties and tribal nations. The Foundation prioritizes innovative strategies that attract and retain workers, fostering a thriving economy and vibrant communities.

The Initiative Foundation's Emerging Needs Grants offer vital support to nonprofits in Central Minnesota facing unexpected challenges. These grants enable organizations to stabilize and adapt, ensuring they continue to meet pressing community needs. With a focus on immediate impact, the funding is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in the region, allowing them to address service gaps and enhance their operations during crises.

The St. Croix Valley Foundation offers Music Education Grants to enhance music programs in K-12 schools across the St. Croix Valley. Established by a donor passionate about music education, this grant supports engaging projects that impact students and communities. Eligible applicants include public and private schools, with grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. Funding may cover materials, guest artists, and outreach, but not expenses like scholarships or salaries. Preference is given to hands-on music activities.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

The First Thousand Days Grant Program focuses on supporting early childhood development during the critical first three years of life. Established by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, this program funds organizations that enhance children's physical, cognitive, communicative, socioemotional, and adaptive skills. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities within the six-county SCVF service area. Funding ranges from $500 to $25,000 for program and general operating support to foster children's success in school and life.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Valley Arts Grants empower creativity and foster community connections through high-quality arts experiences in the St. Croix Valley. Funded by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, this program supports a range of activities from performances to workshops, enhancing access to the arts. Organizations can receive funding for program support or general operating expenses, with award amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000. This initiative underscores the belief that the arts are vital for a vibrant and inclusive community.

The Vibrant Communities Mental Health Grant Program, initiated by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, aims to enhance mental health support across its six-county service area. With over 50% of adults facing mental health issues, the program funds diverse initiatives ranging from prevention to management. Eligible organizations can receive grants between $500 and $10,000 to implement impactful programs that address mental health challenges and improve community well-being.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.