Best Dakota County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

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.

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.

Dakota County 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving children’s health, education, and family welfare through capital projects can access funding through the Peter J. King Family Foundation. Bricks-and-mortar requests serving economically disadvantaged communities and demonstrating long-term sustainability are prioritized, with strongest consideration for organizations in the Saint Paul and broader Twin Cities metro area, including Dakota County.

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.

Dakota County, Minnesota nonprofits serving children, youth, and families can access funding through the Wisdom Family Foundation for operating support or small capital projects. Invitation-only grants of US $1,000 - US $5,000 have recently supported youth enrichment, food security, medical assistance, environmental relief, racial equity, and related community-strengthening efforts in the Twin Cities area.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.

Biofertilizer Innovation and Efficiency Pilot Program

The Biofertilizer Innovation and Efficiency Pilot Program provides incentive payments to farmers for reducing the application rate of commercial nitrogen fertilizer when using a qualifying biofertilizer product and incorporating innovative technologies into their crop nutrient management. The program is available for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons. 

The program is open for all agricultural crops that have a recommended nitrogen fertilizer rate published by the University of Minnesota. Recommended rates can be found by crop, Crop-specific nutrient needs | University of Minnesota. 

Payment Rate and Crops

Farmers meeting program requirements will receive a payment of $15 per acre.

The maximum amount of land each farm entity can enroll is up to 3,000 acres. The MDA reserves the right to limit the number of acres enrolled per applicant based on the number of applications received.

Qualifying Biofertilizer Products

The biofertilizer product(s) used is at the discretion of the farmer when the following requirements are met:

• The product must be registered as a specialty fertilizer, soil or plant amendment, or licensed as a fertilizer with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and
• The product label must specify that the product provides a source of nitrogen or nutrients supplied by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.

Visit the Registered Product Search to find products holding a current registration in Minnesota.

The intent of the program is to improve nitrogen management and incorporate innovative technologies, so compost or a continued use of legume inoculants will not be eligible under the program. 

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing direct services to women 18 and older in Dakota County, Minnesota can apply for WCA Foundation grants of US $10,000 - US $30,000 to support fundamental needs like education, economic stability, shelter, safety, and health. Focused on human services, The Minneapolis Foundation offers both project and general operating support for eligible programs.

The MRAC Emergency Relief Grant offers $500 to artists in the Twin Cities metro area facing unexpected financial hardships due to personal emergencies or natural disasters. This initiative by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council aims to enhance arts access by supporting individuals actively engaged in creative practices. Eligibility requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and residing in one of the seven metro counties for a minimum of six months prior to application.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Dakota County, Minnesota can apply for approximately US $15,000 to support affordable housing, workforce development, economic development, and financial empowerment programs. Grants from Old National Bank help community-based groups serving underrepresented and low- to moderate-income residents deliver measurable, sustainable impact within the bank’s regional footprint.

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.

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 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 North Star Black Cooperative Fellowship aims to empower Black-led cooperatives by reconnecting them with their historical roots in cooperative economics. This seven-month program encourages participants to reclaim the legacy of Black economic cooperation, offering training in governance, conflict resolution, and cooperative skills. With a focus on community building and collective care, the fellowship includes stipends and support for creating cooperative economic projects, fostering a vision of self-governance and shared prosperity among Black communities.

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 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 Memorial Lutheran Church Endowment Fund in Afton aims to enrich community life through charitable, educational, and religious grants. Overseen by a dedicated committee, it welcomes applications from both members and non-members to support innovative projects that extend beyond regular ministry needs. The fund encourages initiatives that foster faith, support local and international charities, and assist individuals pursuing theological education, thereby promoting the church's mission of sharing God's love globally.

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.

Background

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created by H.R.1 (Section 71401 of Public Law 119-21) on July 4, 2025. It is a federal initiative to help states support rural communities in improving health care access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the health care delivery ecosystem. The RHTP focuses on promoting innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and workforce investment in rural communities. The federal program will grant up to $50 billion to states over five budget periods. Minnesota has outlined their initiatives online (learn more about Minnesota's Rural Health Transformation Program).

This RFP supports the planning and development of regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiatives. These initiatives will serve as a mechanism for regional collaboration to build effective community-based mental health services for children and adolescents across Minnesota. Based on the work of the Minnesota Adult Mental Health Initiatives, this activity brings counties and consortia of counties together to regionally coordinate mental health crisis services and support child and adolescent mental health. While Minnesota has a model of Adult Mental Health Initiatives, the needs of children and adolescents are different from those of adults, and this model should reflect these unique needs. Notably, this activity must be shaped for the needs of children and adolescents.

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 Butler Family Foundation's Community Grants Program offers two-year grants focusing on arts accessibility in the Twin Cities. It supports 501(c)(3) organizations that provide musical instruction and access to visual arts for low-income residents. With minimum grant sizes of $30,000 for general support or $20,000 for specific projects, this initiative aims to enhance community engagement in the arts, ensuring that diverse audiences can participate in cultural experiences.

The Donaldson Foundation offers organizational grants focused on enhancing educational opportunities and community involvement. With an annual budget of $1.2 million, the foundation supports various initiatives, including scholarships and matching grants to educational institutions. It prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a clear need and impact, especially in areas where Donaldson operates. Eligible recipients must be IRS tax-exempt and located in specific U.S. regions, ensuring the foundation's commitment to local communities.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) was created in July 2003 with the merger of the former Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) and the Minnesota Department of Economic Security (MDES). DEED is the state's principal economic development agency. The Department's programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

Go MN! Service Provider Grant

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DEED-VRS) is requesting proposals from VRS Community Partners with a VRS Professional and Technical (P/T) contract to partner on VRS’s Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grant model demonstration project titled Go MN! and provide Progressive Employment services to individuals currently working in subminimum wage employment or who may be contemplating subminimum wage employment in our Apple Valley, Faribault/Owatonna, Rochester, Winona and Woodbury locations. This grant will provide funding to qualified responders to attend “Jobsville” team meetings twice per month as part of implementing the Progressive Employment model, as well as to attend Progressive Employment training and other related meetings and trainings. These funds will be provided to qualified responders to supplement the provision of work-based learning activities and employment services to participants of the Go MN! program.

Request For Proposal: Apple Valley

The purpose of this grant is to provide services to adults currently working or contemplating work in subminimum wage employment and for youth who are considering subminimum wage employment to explore careers with businesses in the Apple Valley service area. This grant will be limited to working with individuals in the pilot area and the Go MN! project will help participants explore employment opportunities across different industries.

Up to 3 qualified responders are eligible for up to $10,000 for up to 2 staff members per responder who would work under this grant at $5,000 per staff member. 

Hormel Foods Corporation is dedicated to making a positive impact through its charitable initiatives, primarily focused on food security, community support, and educational programming. The Hormel Foods Charitable Trust provides financial support to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations that align with these giving pillars, ensuring access to nutritious and affordable meals while promoting sustainable practices. By emphasizing social responsibility, Hormel Foods aims to improve the quality of life in communities and address pressing social issues.

The C.H. Robinson Foundation's Twin Cities Grants Program, established in 2005, focuses on enhancing local communities through grants that support basic needs such as hunger, shelter, education, and workforce development. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The program prioritizes initiatives that address food insecurity, provide housing solutions, and improve educational opportunities, ultimately aiming to foster a stronger, more resilient community.

Benefitting people in the places making the AI future possible

The Future is for Everyone Fund

Meta is investing directly in education, community enhancement, workforce development and sustainability projects in locations where we have a data center in the United States.

The AI future we are building is for everyone. That starts with making sure everyone in the places that are home to a Meta data center feel the benefits in their communities. We want students to have bright futures, small businesses to flourish and communities to be prosperous.

Our commitment to the communities we call home.

The Future is for Everyone Fund supports investments and programs that address local community priorities in the United States, where we have a Meta data center:

We invest in the people and shared spaces that help a community thrive. That includes the parks, trails, and gathering places where neighbors come together, the technology and access that keep them connected, and first responders - like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics — who keep our communities safe.

We support the people and organizations that power local economies - helping workers gain the skills, certifications, and hands-on experience the modern economy rewards, and backing initiatives that create jobs and give a community its character.

We fund the programs, spaces, and tools that help learners of every age discover what they're capable of - from early literacy and the arts to hands-on science, technology, and problem-solving - and we equip the educators who make it happen with the resources to bring their most ambitious lessons to life.

We invest in the long-term health of the land, water, and wildlife that make our communities home - supporting things like habitat restoration and resource conservation that connects people to the natural world.

What is the Future is for Everyone Fund?

The Future is for Everyone Fund is Meta’s $1 billion commitment to invest directly in the U.S. communities that are home to a Meta data center. The Fund supports local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations and is organized into four focus areas that reflect local priorities: Community Enhancement, Economic Vitality, Education, and Sustainability. It builds on the over $70 million in grant funding we’ve provided to our data center communities since 2011.

The Hugh J. Andersen Foundation Grant supports community-focused initiatives aimed at enhancing inclusivity and self-sufficiency within the St. Croix Valley. The foundation prioritizes asset-based programs led by the communities they serve, particularly those benefiting children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3) and located in designated counties. The foundation does not fund individual scholarships or loans, lobbying, or fiscal agents, aiming for collaborative funding efforts.

Cub Foods Charitable Giving is dedicated to supporting local communities through hunger relief, nutrition education, and access to healthy food. They focus on partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations within 25 miles of their stores that align with these missions. Eligible organizations can receive funding, while Cub Foods does not support third-party requests, travel fees, or individual fundraising efforts. Their commitment to enriching lives reinforces their belief in being a good neighbor.