Best Cook County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Employee Scholarship Grant provides financial support for HCBS provider organizations to fund employee scholarships and repay educational loans. This initiative aims to enhance workforce development in nursing and health care fields, enabling career advancement for employees within the HCBS sector. Eligible nonprofit and for-profit organizations can apply for these grants, facilitating improved service delivery and employee retention in this essential industry.

The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant, offered by the American Library Association, supports libraries facing budget constraints by providing $2,500 to three selected libraries. The 2025-2026 cycle focuses on programming that strengthens community ties through libraries as third spaces, promoting gatherings and connections among individuals. Eligible proposals may include intergenerational gardening programs, play-based activities for adults, or visual arts performances. Applicants must have ALA or ARSL membership and demonstrate how their program will foster community engagement.

The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant, provided by the American Library Association, aims to support innovative community engagement projects in libraries. This annual grant awards $2,000 to two selected libraries, focusing on themes of community empowerment. Eligible applicants include various library types in the U.S. and U.S. territories, and projects must demonstrate community collaboration and creativity. Libraries are encouraged to submit proposals that reflect local needs and foster civic participation.

Extreme Terrain’s Clean Trail Initiative Program aims to enhance trail integrity by supporting groups in the U.S. with grants for projects like trail clean-up, restoration, and expansion. Eligible applicants include Wrangler and 4x4 clubs, environmental organizations, and those managing public or private trails. The initiative emphasizes responsible off-roading while encouraging volunteers to engage in improving our natural landscapes. This program fosters community involvement and promotes sustainable practices in outdoor activities.

The Alternative Fuel Foundation Grant aims to support educational institutions in developing programs focused on renewable energy and environmental sustainability. Grants typically range from $250 to $500, with larger amounts considered on a case-by-case basis. Eligible applicants include public or private K-12 schools and universities. The foundation encourages projects that promote alternative fuels and community involvement, with a preference for initiatives that can be completed within a year.

The CHS Foundation offers funding for innovative projects in precision agriculture and data analytics. This annual grant program supports colleges and universities focusing on enhancing agronomy and ag mechanics curriculum. Applications are accepted from April 15 to May 31, with priority given to initiatives that foster hands-on learning and technology development. Eligible projects should emphasize data analysis and improve students' understanding of agricultural technology, while adhering to funding guidelines.

The Ag Health and Safety Grants, awarded by CHS and the CHS Foundation, aim to enhance agricultural safety and foster community well-being. These grants focus on educating youth and farmers about agricultural hazards, providing training for rural professionals, and developing essential safety guidelines. With a commitment to improving safety standards, the program has benefitted over 32,000 youth and supported more than 450 communities through safety initiatives and equipment, ensuring a safer future for all involved in agriculture.

The CHS Foundation supports initiatives that benefit the agriculture industry, focusing on 501c3 organizations within specific states. Their funding is aimed at empowering cooperative growth and sustainable practices. Local projects may also be eligible through the CHS Seeds for Stewardship program. However, funding is not available for individuals, sports teams, or religious groups, ensuring that the support remains directed towards community and cooperative development.

The Community Partnership Grant, administered by the Sons of Norway Foundation, offers up to $5,000 for projects that promote and preserve Norwegian culture and heritage. Open to individuals and groups from Norway and the U.S., the grant encourages initiatives that reflect the foundation's core values such as lifelong learning and community generosity. Applications must be submitted online in English and should demonstrate a commitment to celebrating Norwegian cultural traditions.

The Minnesota Department of Education offers the Grow Your Own Competitive Grant Opportunity to enhance and diversify the teacher workforce in Minnesota. This grant, with a total of $30,000,000 available, supports programs specifically for people of color and American Indian individuals seeking to obtain their first professional teaching license. Eligible applicants can receive up to $750,000 to create programs that provide tuition scholarships or stipends for teacher preparation.

The Visionary Prize for Women’s Economic Empowerment, established in 2022 by Visionary Women and the Hostetler/Wrigley Foundation, honors a visionary woman leader of a nonprofit focused on advancing women's economic empowerment in the U.S. This prestigious award provides $100,000 in unrestricted funds to support the recipient's agency and its initiatives. Eligible candidates must have a minimum of four years of operation and an annual budget exceeding $500,000, actively working towards women's economic advancement.

The NDEP STEM Open NFO invites innovative proposals for research and implementation of effective STEM education and outreach programs. This continuously open announcement from the Department of Defense encourages submissions that align with key initiatives, including support for community colleges and strategic partnerships. As funding becomes available, amendments detailing specific topics and submission guidelines will be released. Applicants must submit white papers to express interest in full applications for potential funding consideration.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, supported by the National Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges and universities to promote tree planting and green spaces on campus. This initiative fosters community engagement, enhances mental health, and contributes to environmental sustainability. By meeting five key standards, institutions can earn recognition, inspiring pride and commitment to environmental stewardship among students and staff alike. Join the movement to create healthier, more beautiful campuses that benefit both people and the planet.

The Cornerstone: Learning for Living Planning Grants, sponsored by The Teagle Foundation and NEH, aim to revitalize humanities education in higher learning. With a focus on transformative texts and faculty engagement, the initiative encourages diverse institutions to innovate general education. Grants up to $25,000 support curriculum reform and professional development, fostering a sense of belonging and community among students while enhancing their analytical skills and cultural awareness.

The Teagle Foundation and the NEH are offering the Cornerstone: Learning for Living implementation grants to enhance the role of humanities in higher education. Aimed at revitalizing student engagement, the initiative supports diverse institutions in creating transformative curricula and fostering community. Grants of up to $350,000 over 24 months will fund faculty development, course redesign, and outreach efforts, ensuring sustainable humanities programs that benefit a wide array of students, particularly in STEM fields.

The Gilead Foundation offers funding aimed at creating equitable health opportunities for all. Through its Giving Together Program and the Creating Possible Fund, it mobilizes resources to support community organizations that address health disparities and promote education equity. By fostering employee volunteerism and matching contributions, the Foundation actively engages in building healthier communities. This holistic approach seeks to dismantle barriers to health access, ensuring a sustainable impact on individuals and communities.

The Scheidel Foundation offers Integrative Cancer Care Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with cancer. This initiative supports organizations that promote awareness and adoption of integrative practices, targeting both the medical community and patients. The Foundation seeks proposals that foster long-term solutions and innovative programs, focusing on evidence-based information and practices. Grants are available through a selective process, emphasizing transformative impacts in the field.

The Alexandra Armstrong Innovation Grant, offered by the Foundation for Financial Planning, recognizes nonprofits that demonstrate exceptional creativity and impact in pro bono financial planning services. Established in honor of Alexandra Armstrong, a dedicated advocate for community service and financial planning, this grant aims to expand access to vital financial advice for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply annually to receive funding that supports innovative programs designed to enhance financial well-being.

The Emily Hall Tremaine Exhibition Award, established in 1998, supports innovative, thematic exhibitions that present contemporary art within unconventional frameworks. It fosters creativity by offering funding up to $200,000 for curators partnering with non-profit spaces. The award encourages exploration of critical ideas, emphasizing intellectual quality and public impact. Eligible applicants include established curators and institutions, aiming to promote artistic expression while enhancing community engagement and discourse through diverse projects.

The Emily Hall Tremaine Exhibition Research Grant supports innovative projects that explore contemporary art in new frameworks. With a focus on education in the United States, the foundation emphasizes the importance of research that challenges conventional thought. Grants of $10,000 are awarded to curators collaborating with established non-profits, promoting impactful exhibitions. The foundation aims to foster family unity and respect while addressing enduring societal issues through art, environment, and learning differences.

The Pop Culture Collaborative offers Major Grants to support initiatives that promote long-term narrative change and social justice through pop culture. Targeting U.S.-based nonprofits, for-profits, and individuals, these grants aim to engage mass audiences in transformative experiences. With a focus on communities often marginalized, the Collaborative's efforts are designed to foster a pluralistic society where everyone belongs. Grants range from $20,000 to $200,000, depending on project scope and duration, with applications reviewed biannually.

The Amgen Foundation Inc focuses on non-healthcare donations and sponsorships that target humanitarian, social, educational, and community programs. They offer support to organizations outside the U.S. healthcare community, particularly those recognized as tax-exempt public charities. Eligible organizations must serve specific Amgen communities throughout the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance health outcomes and address critical societal needs, thereby reducing the burden of disease and improving lives.

The Burkburnett Legacy Foundation aims to enhance philanthropy and provide charitable opportunities to support nonprofits in Burkburnett, TX. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government entities, with grants awarded for charitable purposes. The foundation promotes the well-being of all, irrespective of race or gender. However, certain ineligibilities apply, such as restrictions on grants to political candidates or individuals. Organizations can apply annually to benefit from this foundation's support.

The Royal B. Kinder Fund aims to enhance the quality of life in Wichita Falls by promoting charitable giving. Nonprofits in Archer County are eligible to apply for grants, which are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations and other charitable projects. The fund encourages initiatives that benefit the community without discrimination. However, restrictions apply to fundraising, scholarships, and grants to individuals or political entities. Eligible organizations can apply annually to support various charitable purposes.

The AGRI First Bite Farm to School and Early Care Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, aims to assist school districts and early childhood education centers in developing local procurement practices. This grant supports projects that emphasize Minnesota-grown foods, including taste tests and increased menu offerings. Applicants can receive $2,500 to $5,000 without a cash match, fostering a strong connection between local agriculture and education.

The AGRI Equipment Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, provides funding up to $25,000 for equipment purchases that support Farm to School initiatives. Applicants may also apply for the Farm to School First Bite Mini Grant. The grant requires a 1:1 match and completion of projects by a specified date. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for Minnesotans by promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

The AGRI Farm to School and Early Care Full Tray Grant supports school districts and early childhood education centers in Minnesota seeking to enhance local food procurement. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000 with a 1:1 cash match requirement. Projects may include increasing the frequency of Minnesota-grown foods in meals and forming relationships with local producers. This initiative aims to promote healthy eating and local agriculture while benefiting communities across the state.