Best Dodge County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Building resilient rural communities.

Supporting communities across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.

The mission of the Taylor Family Farms Foundation is to collaborate with knowledgeable and trusted philanthropic partners to build resilient rural communities.

We believe that strong partnerships and local insight are essential to creating lasting impact. By working alongside experienced organizations, we ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.

Fall 2026 Grant Cycle Details

Grant Guidelines and Eligibility

Reliable emergency services are essential to every community. In rural areas, those services are often provided by volunteers who step forward when their neighbors need them most.

The Taylor Family Farms Foundation is now accepting grant applications from emergency services providers serving rural communities.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, schools, and municipalities that are eligible to receive funding from a public foundation.

The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) offers Programming and Project Support Grants for organizations to fund activities in arts creation, performance, publication, and exhibition. Grants range from $3,000 to $11,000 for nonprofit arts organizations and $3,000 to $6,000 for non-arts nonprofits and educational institutions. Eligible applicants must be located in the SEMAC region and have a defined mission statement. The program aims to enhance arts access, education, and cultural heritage in southeastern Minnesota.

Nonprofit organizations and individual artists can receive up to US $8,000 for rural arts projects in Dodge County, Minnesota communities under 7,500 people. Focused on arts and culture, Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council invites collaborations with local partners that provide active community engagement and an accessible public event across any artistic discipline.

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.

Greater Minnesota Public Infrastructure

The Greater Minnesota Business Development Infrastructure Grant Program helps stimulate new economic development, create new jobs and retains existing jobs through investments in public infrastructure.

It provides grants to cities of up to 50% of the capital costs of the public infrastructure necessary to expand or retain jobs in the area, increase the tax base, or expand or create new economic development.

Award Amounts

Applicants wills be awarded 50% of eligible, capital costs for eligible projects, pending availability of funds. Applicants may receive no more than $2,000,000 in two years for one or more projects. If after five years the project has not proceeded in a timely manner and is unlikely to be completed, the grant will be cancelled and grant money awarded to the city must be returned.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing technology access and digital literacy programs for families or seniors in Dodge County, Minnesota can apply for Spectrum Digital Education Grants from Charter Communications; awards US $2,500 - US $50,000 for broadband education initiatives. Programs must serve Spectrum markets, partner with low-income or multicultural communities, and track participant impact and demographics.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing housing, homelessness prevention, or emergency support services in Dodge County, Minnesota can apply for funding to assist homeless individuals, children, and families. With a mission to support and improve the lives of those experiencing homelessness, Edina Realty Foundation backs programs such as shelter, food, medical care, job readiness, and financial assistance across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public institutions, and government units in Dodge County, Minnesota can apply for Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s Taylor Rural Improvements Grant, offering up to US $30,000 for capital projects providing essential services. Projects must serve underserved residents in small towns under 10,000, focusing on food, clothing, shelter, transportation, or internet access, with a 25% match required.

Large 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing food access, shelter, low-income healthcare, disability services, or school-based mental health in Dodge County, Minnesota can apply for Community Responsive Grants up to Up to US $75,000. With a mission to strengthen community vitality, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation supports operations, programs, or capital projects serving its 20-county region and Prairie Island Indian Community.

Nonprofit and community organizations providing books to children birth to age eight in Dodge County, Minnesota can receive in-kind early literacy support through the Early Literacy Grants program. Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation supplies books, via its publishing partners, for organizations to give families to keep and read at home to boost school readiness.

With a mission to enhance Minnesota’s agricultural economy, Minnesota Department of Agriculture provides Dodge County nonprofits, schools, local governments, tribal communities, and eligible businesses with US $5,000 - US $75,000 for urban agriculture projects. Funding supports youth agricultural education and community or economic development through equipment, facilities, staffing, transportation, and related project costs in urban or Tribal areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies supporting small business development in Dodge County, Minnesota can seek up to US $10,000 for projects that grow local business activity and economic vitality. Grants from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation help eligible groups in its 20-county region foster entrepreneurship, innovation, job creation, and broader access to opportunity, with preference for smaller communities.

The Small Town Grants Program, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, aids communities with populations of 10,000 or less by providing grants up to $10,000. This initiative encourages projects that enhance the quality of life and foster community engagement. Eligible projects must be innovative, and a 25% cash match is required. Excluded from funding are for-profit entities and general operating expenses, ensuring that resources directly benefit community growth.

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 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.

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. 

Pet welfare 501(c)(3) nonprofits hosting cat or dog welfare events in Dodge County, Minnesota can seek event sponsorship, product donations, or giveaways. Grants from Nestlé Purina help U.S. pet welfare organizations support pet-related community events, primarily near its facilities, with at least six months’ lead time required for sponsorship requests.

The SMIF Early Literacy Grant, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, aims to enhance school readiness for children from birth to eight years old by providing books. With over $1.5 million invested annually in early childhood development, the program fosters collaboration to ensure that children in 20 counties across south central and southeastern Minnesota have access to essential literacy resources. This initiative is vital for nurturing future leaders and promoting community vitality.

Eligible bona fide farmers markets in Dodge County, Minnesota can receive up to US $1,000 to enhance services for consumers and vendors. Focused on food access and healthy eating, Compeer Financial supports marketing, technology upgrades, staff or vendor education, research, and safety improvements for markets within its 144-county territory.

Rural volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments in Dodge County, Minnesota can receive up to US $4,000 for emergency response equipment. Compeer Financial supports departments serving rural communities within its 144-county territory, helping first responders obtain essential tools and gear that must be purchased and used by the end of the calendar year.

High school agriculture departments needing classroom equipment or program support in Dodge County, Minnesota can apply for Compeer Financial’s Agriculture Education Grant, with awards up to US $4,000 per school. Funding supports hands-on agricultural education and modern classroom technologies for schools within Compeer’s 144-county territory.

The SMIF Paint the Town Grants aim to foster community pride and collaboration by funding mural, welcome sign, or historic structure painting projects in communities with populations under 10,000. Administered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation in partnership with local Ace Hardware stores, these grants encourage volunteer participation and visual impact. Eligible projects must demonstrate public use and community engagement, ensuring that at least half of the painting work is conducted by volunteers.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing food access, homelessness, or military and veterans services in Dodge County, Minnesota can apply for funding to support local programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, SpartanNash Foundation provides nearby nonprofits with grants for initiatives that fit its Hunger, Heroes and Hope focus areas.

Individual artists in Dodge County, Minnesota creating original work in dance, literary arts, music, theatre, visual arts, or interdisciplinary projects can receive US $3,000 - US $6,000 to advance their practice and present a public capstone event. Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council supports adult U.S. citizen or resident artists who reside full-time in the SEMAC region.

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.