Best Clay County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

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.

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 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 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 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.

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 PLTW Computer Science program, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance STEM opportunities for underserved students in John Deere communities. This initiative supports schools initiating or expanding PLTW Computer Science courses starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. With a commitment to inclusive education, the foundation seeks to empower students by providing essential resources and opportunities to develop critical skills that will serve them in future careers.

The PLTW Computer Science program, in collaboration with the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access and participation in STEM for underserved students in John Deere home communities. This initiative focuses on expanding existing Computer Science programs in schools, ensuring equitable educational opportunities, and developing critical skills through real-world challenges. The partnership is part of a commitment to support 1 million underrepresented youth by 2030, fostering inclusivity in education.

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 PLTW Gateway program expansion, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved students in John Deere communities. With a commitment to support 1 million youth by 2030, this initiative provides grants to schools seeking to expand their existing PLTW programs. Eligible schools must be within proximity of John Deere facilities and demonstrate a significant enrollment of students participating in free and reduced lunch programs, ensuring equitable educational opportunities.

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 PLTW Launch - Program Expansion grant, funded by the John Deere Foundation, aims to enhance access to STEM education for underserved communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their PLTW programs and includes training for teachers and resources for students. Priority is given to schools near John Deere facilities that demonstrate need and a commitment to student participation in STEM activities. The project aligns with the foundation's goal to impact one million youth by 2030.

The Awesome Foundation offers Local Chapter Grants of $1000 to individuals and groups for innovative projects that enhance community engagement. Each chapter operates independently, focusing on unique interpretations of 'awesome' across various fields such as arts and technology. Grants are awarded monthly, emphasizing no-strings-attached support. This initiative encourages creativity and experimentation, aiming to inspire and delight communities worldwide. For more details, applicants can explore individual chapter preferences and restrictions through the foundation's website.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grant provides funding between $2,000 and $20,000 for small communities in west central Minnesota to enhance energy efficiency and reduce fossil fuel emissions. Local governments can utilize these funds for climate planning, energy audits, and technical assistance for public facilities. This initiative aims to support sustainable practices and improve energy conservation efforts in communities with populations under 15,000.

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.

The SpartanNash Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on Hunger, Heroes, and Hope. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located within a 30-mile radius of SpartanNash facilities. The Foundation ensures that every dollar raised directly benefits partner organizations, with a commitment to community impact. Grants are not available for ineligible entities, including those outside the radius or not aligned with the Foundation's mission. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has positively influenced local communities.

The West Central Initiative Grant supports sustainability, equity, and civic engagement projects in a resilient region. Grants range from $3,000 to $25,000, with most awards between $3,000 and $10,000. The funding prioritizes community-led initiatives focusing on sustainable development, support for historically marginalized populations, and nonpartisan civic engagement efforts. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and units of government serving West Central Initiative's nine-county geography.

Weaver Awards

West Central Initiative is partnering with the Aspen Institute’s Weave: The Social Fabric Project to recognize 20 individuals and groups in west central Minnesota and White Earth Nation who are building trust, belonging, and connection.

The Weaver Awards are designed to celebrate and support weavers—everyday neighbors who are building relationships, strengthening belonging, and weaving trust into the social fabric of their communities.

Weaving invites people to:

• Discover what they have in common
• Learn how their differences can make the community stronger
• Work side by side toward common good.
• Weaving can be formal or informal, and it is characterized by four qualities:

Local: It brings together people who share the same neighborhood, town, or region

Mutual: It celebrates everyone’s contributions and creates opportunities for everyone to both give and receive

Welcoming: It invites people to join as they are

Continuous: It builds relationships that deepen over time through ongoing engagement

What are the Weaver Awards?

The Weaver Awards are part of a constellation of activities designed to celebrate and support weavers—everyday neighbors who are building relationships, strengthening belonging, and weaving trust into the social fabric of their communities. The $2,500-$5,000 awards for neighbors working together are easy to apply for, require only simple reporting, and can go to individuals or small organizations.

Why are we launching the Weaver Awards in West Central Minnesota?

We envision a future where all people feel welcome, appreciated for their unique attributes, and connected to their neighbors, communities, and natural environments.

As communities in our region look ahead to grow both economically and socially, building trust and providing a welcoming, safe space for all is vital.

We want to lift up and celebrate our neighbors who are already doing this work–– that’s why we’re launching the West Central Minnesota Weaver Awards.

What will you get if you become a Weaver Awardee?

Each Weaver Awardee will receive a financial award of $2,500-$5,000 to celebrate and recognize their contributions to their community. In addition, each awardee will receive:

Local and National Recognition: Awardees will be recognized both locally and nationally by the Aspen Institute alongside weavers from across the country.

Learning Resources and Tools: Awardees will access learning resources and opportunities.

1:1 Support: Awardees will 1:1 support to implement their community-based activities.

Networks and Connections: Awardees will access a network of other local weavers and participate in regular meetings and networking events.

The FM Area Foundation's Community Grant supports nonprofit organizations in Cass County, ND, and Clay County, MN, addressing diverse community needs. Grants ranging from $500 to $15,000 are available for projects in areas like arts, education, and basic human needs. Applications are reviewed based on community impact, collaboration, and capacity. Nonprofits must be IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities, with one application accepted per year.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

Lake Region Arts Council 

Since its inception as an arm of the Rural Development Commission in 1977, Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) has been committed to providing access to quality arts opportunities and programming. In its early years, LRAC offered only one grant program. Our current offerings include nine grant programs, a monthly newsletter, an online arts calendar, two art galleries, workshops and networking meetings, an artist registry, and technical assistance to arts organizations and artists. 

The Arts Mentorship Program

The Arts Mentorship Program is an Arts Study Award for Students in Grades 8-12.

A limited number of students currently in grades 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 are selected each year to be part of this one-of-a-kind student art program. Each study award is valued at $700 and pairs students with artistic professionals to help increase and enhance their skills. Awards are made on the basis of commitment and potential for artistic development. 

• Inclusive to ALL artistic mediums (i.e. visual arts, dance, creative writing, drama, music, design, media arts, etc.) 

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.

The AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant Program, managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, promotes urban youth agricultural education and community development in urban areas. With a total funding of $1.87 million available this fiscal year, grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 can help organizations obtain necessary resources. Eligible projects must support urban agriculture initiatives and can be located in cities with populations over 5,000 or on tribal lands, fostering resilience in local agricultural economies.

The Lake Region Arts Council (LRAC) offers the Legacy Organizational Grant to enhance arts access, education, and cultural heritage in West Central Minnesota. This grant supports nonprofit arts organizations, local governments, and educational institutions, focusing on projects that foster community engagement and artistic development. Eligible applicants can include arts organizations with a 501(c)(3) status, as well as local governments and cultural heritage groups, provided their projects align with the LRAC's mission.

The Lake Region Arts Council offers the LRAC Operating Support Grant to enhance the arts' vitality in West Central Minnesota. This grant supports arts organizations with annual expenses below $174,000, focusing on fine arts and promoting community engagement. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to arts programming and be located within the nine-county LRAC region. The funding covers operational costs, ensuring organizations can stabilize and grow their artistic offerings.

The Lake Region Arts Council's Project Grant supports artistic initiatives in West Central Minnesota, offering up to $3,000 for projects in various disciplines such as art, dance, literature, and music. Applicants are required to match 20% of the grant amount, fostering community involvement and artistic expression. This grant aims to enhance the vibrancy of the local arts scene and encourage creativity among residents.

The LRAC Fellowship, a $5,000 grant from the Lake Region Arts Council, aims to support exceptional artists in the LRAC nine-county area. Open to disciplines including music, visual arts, literary, and performance, this fellowship recognizes artistic excellence and encourages creative growth. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 25 years old, and residents of the LRAC region for at least 12 months. This funding helps artists pursue new directions and enhance their contributions to the community.