Best Dakota County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Cities, counties, and their development authorities in Dakota County, Minnesota can seek funding to plan or develop affordable housing and related livable community policies. With a mission to support equitable, transit-oriented, and pedestrian-friendly redevelopment, Metropolitan Council provides grants up to US $100,000 for policy and affordable housing program development projects in 2026.

Nonprofit and community partners planning affordable housing or community-focused commercial projects in Dakota County, Minnesota can seek funding for pre-development, acquisition, environmental work, site preparation, and construction. Focused on equitable and affordable housing, Metropolitan Council invites applicants to pursue up to US $2,000,000 for development projects across all stages.

The Agriculture Education Grant, funded by Compeer Financial, aims to enhance high school agriculture programs by providing up to $4,000 for classroom equipment and educational initiatives. This grant promotes hands-on learning and modern technologies, ensuring students are well-equipped to explore the evolving agricultural landscape. Eligible applicants include high school agriculture departments within a specified 144-county territory, with a focus on schools that have not received funding in the past two years.

The County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Program aims to support rural communities within Compeer Financial’s territory by providing funding for upgrades and repairs to county fair facilities. Eligible organizations can receive up to $4,000 to enhance livestock buildings, 4-H buildings, and judging arenas. This initiative not only improves facilities but also fosters community engagement and agricultural education, ensuring that fairs continue to thrive in delivering memorable experiences for all ages.

The Jones Family Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the vitality of Red Wing by addressing critical community challenges. It prioritizes equitable access to resources and transformative ideas in areas such as education, economic vitality, and arts & culture. The foundation supports qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits within a 30-mile radius of Red Wing, considering special projects, start-up costs, and program expansions. However, it does not fund ongoing operating expenses or religious/political programs.

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 FINNOVATION Fellowship Program is evolving in 2025 to better support social entrepreneurs, particularly those at the early stages of their business ideas. The program will now consist of two phases: a Discovery Module and a Fellows Module, allowing for more participants and tailored resources. This initiative is ideal for passionate individuals aiming to create positive community impacts. Eligible candidates must be 18 years or older, authorized to work in the U.S., and committed to addressing social or environmental challenges.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Elmer L. & Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation Legacy Grants, a part of the Minneapolis Foundation, has been enhancing lives since 1957 through family grantmaking. With a focus on arts, education, and social change, these grants support Minnesota organizations, particularly in the Twin Cities. They prioritize funding for operational projects rather than capital campaigns, ensuring community engagement and sustainability. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits with requests typically between $1,000 and $3,000.

Nonprofit organizations and public entities running food access or nutrition education programs in Dakota County, Minnesota can access funding via Bayer Fund to address malnutrition and hunger. Eligible, established 501(c)(3)s, schools, and local governments in designated legacy-Monsanto communities may apply for invited support for behavior-change nutrition education and food security efforts serving underserved families and young children.

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation provides grants focused on education, human services, and health and medicine. They support high-performing educational institutions, scholarships, and nonprofits that enhance learning experiences. In human services, they assist organizations tackling hunger, shelter, and mental health issues. Their health initiatives include funding for medical research and treatment services. All support is by invitation only, ensuring that funding aligns with their mission to reduce suffering and promote community well-being.

Nonprofit organizations in Dakota County, Minnesota providing direct services that meet fundamental needs of adult women can apply for the WCA Foundation Project Investment Grant, awarding US $10,000 - US $30,000. Administered through The Minneapolis Foundation, this opportunity supports programs in women’s health, economic stability, shelter, and safety across the Twin Cities metro area.

Nestlé Purina Animal Welfare Grants focus on enhancing the well-being of pets and their owners through monetary donations to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. These grants support capacity building, capital improvements, and spay/neuter funding. The program aims to strengthen relationships between pets and people, particularly in communities near Nestlé Purina facilities, ensuring that both pets and their owners thrive together.

The Deluxe Corporation Foundation's ERG Grant Program supports diverse and inclusive initiatives by empowering employee resource groups (ERGs) to partner with nonprofits addressing relevant social issues. Each of the ten ERGs will award a $25,000 grant to a selected organization, fostering community impact and collaboration. The foundation, established in 1954, has invested over $109 million in charitable causes, focusing on financial literacy, education, and community support to enhance lives and promote entrepreneurship.

The MRAC Flexible Support Grant Program aims to enhance arts access for Minnesotans by funding projects that promote arts programming and strengthen organizational capacity. For FY2024, $4,301,763 is allocated, with $3,000,000 designated for organizations led by individuals who identify as BIPOC or LGBTQIA2+. This initiative encourages communities to sustain and grow their arts offerings, fostering inclusivity and diversity in the arts sector.

The Butler Family Foundation's Community Grants Program focuses on supporting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, through two-year grants. These grants, ranging from $30,000 for general operating support to $20,000 for specific projects, prioritize housing services, addiction support, and domestic violence prevention in urban areas of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with substantial annual budgets.

Dakota County, Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving financially vulnerable older adults can access funding through Stevens Square Foundation to support community-based senior services and innovative aging programs. Grants of US $10,000 - US $30,000 fund home-based supports, caregiver assistance, care coordination, social engagement, transportation, and planning or implementation of new projects in the Twin Cities seven-county metro area.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Dakota County, Minnesota can apply for the John Mondati Foundation Grant to support programs in holistic and alternative medicine, wellness, and integrated health education. Organizations in the greater Twin Cities area promoting community health education and empowering patients to take responsibility for their health may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and public agencies improving health for economically disadvantaged residents in Dakota County, Minnesota can access funding through the Boston Scientific Foundation. Eligible programs address prevention, awareness, diagnosis, access, or quality of care for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory, mental wellness, gastrointestinal, and urologic diseases.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups running immigrant and refugee empowerment and education programs in Dakota County, Minnesota and the seven-county metro can seek more than US $5,000 for capital, multi-year, or general operating support. Marbrook Foundation supports initiatives fostering intercultural learning, youth-friendly environments, financial independence, and community leadership for immigrants and refugees.

The Minneapolis Foundation is launching the 2026 Project Investments Grant Round through the WCA Foundation, which supports nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities metro area. The grant prioritizes initiatives led by and for women, addressing critical needs such as health, economic stability, shelter, and safety. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local women, emphasizing holistic approaches and demonstrable impact. This funding opportunity fosters community-driven solutions for women's empowerment and well-being.

The RCU Foundation Grant supports capital projects in the arts, education, and health sectors, having awarded over $10 million since 2012. Prioritizing community benefit and sustainability, it evaluates requests based on demonstrated need and organizational capacity. The foundation focuses on areas served by Royal, ensuring a significant impact on local communities in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. It does not fund direct grants to individuals or certain operational expenses, encouraging diverse financial support for projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Dakota County, Minnesota working on workforce readiness, college and career preparation, entrepreneurship, or financial education can apply for Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America’s one-year grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $50,000. Funding supports job skills training, post-secondary access, small business development, financial empowerment, and prevention of elder financial abuse in the Twin Cities metro area.

The Allianz Life Insurance Company's Financial Stability Grant aims to reduce barriers to economic inclusion by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance financial stability for low- to moderate-income families. With grants ranging from $50,000 to $75,000, this program prioritizes groups that serve diverse communities, promote equity, and collaborate with local organizations. By focusing on basic needs such as food, shelter, and affordable housing, Allianz is committed to fostering sustainable economic independence within the Twin Cities metro area.

Dakota County, Minnesota arts nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects offering culturally specific or intercultural arts programming can access funding through Marbrook Corporate Foundation, with awards from US $5,000 - US $20,000. Eligible Twin Cities metro programs must feature professional public productions or exhibits, prioritize wide audience reach, and aim for positive social impact and community inclusion.

PFund Foundation

PFund Foundation builds equity with LGBTQ+ communities across the Upper Midwest by providing grants and scholarships, developing leaders, and inspiring giving.

BIPOC LGBTQ+ Small Business Grants (Equity Fund Program)

PFund Small Business Grants (Equity Fund Program) are for BIPOC LGBTQ+ small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Upper Midwest. The program includes $5,000 in grant funding per year for two years and business membership to Quorum, the LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce, and to the PFund Small Business Cohort which includes monthly learning and networking sessions.