Best Duluth Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The William E. Barto Scholarship Fund, established in 1995, honors the legacy of William E. Barto, a former Navy serviceman and artist. This fund provides $4,000 annually for up to four years, supporting students pursuing a degree in the Arts. Eligible applicants must be graduates from select high schools in northeastern Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin, maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrate financial need. The fund is managed by Boreal Waters Community Foundation.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, established in 1975, provides grants under $3,500 to nonprofit organizations and public entities in the North Shore region. Focused on areas like social welfare, arts and culture, education, community development, and environmental protection, the Foundation has awarded over $18 million in grants. It aims to enhance opportunities for local residents, particularly those in low-income situations, and supports initiatives that foster long-term positive impacts.

The Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation offers grants over $3,500 to nonprofits and public entities aiming to enhance community welfare, arts, education, economic development, and environmental stewardship. Operating since 1975, the foundation prioritizes projects that benefit residents in Cook, Lake, and Southern St. Louis Counties. Eligible applicants must have a 501(c)(3) designation or work with a fiscal sponsor. The foundation does not fund private foundations or projects for election campaigns or direct religious purposes.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

The Great Lakes Fisheries Trust offers grants for ecological and biological research aimed at enhancing ecosystem health and sustainable fish populations. These grants support competitive fisheries research, focusing on resilience, sustainability, and stakeholder value. The next funding cycle will open with a request for proposals in late 2026 for the 2027 program year, promoting innovative research and capacity-building efforts within the fisheries sector.

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 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 Eveleth Community Foundation Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the Eveleth area, focusing on arts, education, community development, environmental sustainability, and human services. It prioritizes projects that address urgent community needs, build capacity, and foster collaboration. Organizations must demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant period and may receive temporary funding to stabilize critical services. This grant is essential for those addressing unique challenges or responding to crises within the community.

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.

Minnesota's Coastal Program Grants offer funding for projects aimed at enhancing the management of Lake Superior's coastal areas. Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, these small grants (up to $10,000) support short-term initiatives that promote planning, outreach, technology advancement, and youth education. Eligible projects include developing plans, hosting conferences, and creating educational resources for youth. The program prioritizes sustainability and community engagement in coastal management efforts.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

The F26AS00084 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants to Great Lakes Tribes, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support the development and implementation of Tribal Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plans. Eligible Great Lakes tribes can apply for competitive grants to address invasive species issues within the Great Lakes Basin, including outreach and prevention efforts. This initiative focuses on early detection and control, significantly contributing to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

The Chisholm Community Foundation Grants support innovative projects that benefit the Chisholm and Balkan communities in various sectors, including arts, education, and environmental conservation. The foundation prioritizes projects with matching funds, encourages volunteer involvement, and seeks initiatives that demonstrate new solutions to community challenges. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies, while restrictions apply to operating expenses, endowments, and individual grants.

Community Opportunity Fund

The Community Opportunity Fund is at the heart of our work at Boreal Waters Community Foundation. It’s how we connect generosity with possibility to support bold ideas, local leadership, and long-term solutions across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Each year, this fund helps nonprofits tackle critical challenges, strengthen communities, and ensure that everyone in our region can thrive.

A Grant Program Rooted in Community and Collective Generosity

As our region’s permanent civic endowment, the Community Opportunity Fund helps nonprofits and community groups respond to challenges, create solutions, and build a better future. In 2023, we restructured the fund to offer larger, more flexible grants—supporting not just programs, but long-term vision and systems change.

We focus on these interconnected areas:

Community Opportunity Fund: Belonging Grant Focus

Creating spaces and opportunities where all people are valued, heard, and are able to thrive. Projects amplify voices, foster creative expression, and create a vibrant, inclusive culture.

Examples:  

• Elevates diverse voices and perspectives, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.  
• Embraces the common humanity of all individuals.
• Implements practices that increase connection, respect, and safety.
• Strengthens community bonds and promotes equity for all.

Community Opportunity Fund: Opportunity Grant Focus 

Community Opportunity Fund: Resilience Grant Focus 

What We Fund

We support a wide range of community-driven, equity-centered work. Funding can be used for:

• Program or Project Support: To launch, expand, or sustain work in Opportunity, Resilience, or Belonging
• General Operating Support: To build strength and stability
• Capacity Building: To grow organizational effectiveness or leadership
• Community-Led Solutions: Especially those involving lived experience and cross-sector collaboration
• Systems Change and Upstream Impact: Projects that address root causes—not just symptoms

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.

Northland Foundation

The Northland Foundation is a place-based, publicly supported foundation working within seven Northeast Minnesota counties and all or parts of five Native nations.

Mission: Our mission is to support Northeast Minnesota people and communities working toward a future where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

Otto Bremer Community Responsive Fund

The Northland Foundation is serving as an intermediary for the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) Community Responsive Fund with up to $600,000 available for re-granting within northeast Minnesota according to the priorities and guidelines of the OBT.

Focus Areas that OBT Grants Will Support

Grants may support operations, programming, and/or capital projects for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations operating within northeast Minnesota. Grant proposals must be for work in one or more of the following OBT focus areas.

• Food. Organizations and programs that directly operate meal sites and food pantries to meet basic daily needs (large, region- and state-wide food bank activities are NOT included).
• Shelter. Organizations and programs that provide short-term and emergency shelter beds for people who are housing insecure or facing homelessness.
• Low-income healthcare clinics. Organizations and programs that primarily provide affordable medical, dental, and mental health services to people with limited financial resources or who are uninsured/under-insured.
• Disability services. Organizations and programs that support people with physical/cognitive disabilities.
• School-based mental health. Organizations and programs that have established school-based mental health services.

About Knight Foundation

John S. and James L. Knight believed that a well-informed community could best “determine its own true interests” and was essential to a well-functioning, thriving democracy. They pursued those beliefs, building and leading one of the largest and most successful newspaper companies in American history.

For 75 years, Knight Foundation has supported the people, ideas and insights that lead to thriving communities. The foundation invests in local journalism, arts and culture and community development in the 26 cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers.

Since our founding in 1950, we have been committed to the communities we serve and to providing those communities with the tools they need for residents to thrive.

Knight Cities Challenge

Knight Foundation is currently accepting applications for the Knight Cities Challenge, a $5 million open call inviting individuals and organizations across its 26 communities to submit new, creative ideas for projects that can spark change and leave a lasting local impact.

Building on a long history of open challenges across programs, Knight democratizes access to grantmaking to unlock the best and brightest ideas. This spring, KCC returns to invest in its first cohort of community-centered solutions to local challenges and help promising ideas take root and grow.

Project ideas must focus on at least one of Knight’s investment areas: strengthening local news and information, creating pathways for economic opportunity or cultivating connection through arts, culture and the places that bring people together.

You may submit one idea, either as an individual or on behalf of your organization. While you are limited to one application as the lead applicant, you may collaborate on other projects submitted by different partners. Each individual or organization may receive funding for only one project.

For large institutions such as universities or city governments, schools or departments are considered separate entities. 

The Minnesota Power Foundation Grant Program provides support to organizations focused on enhancing community health and vitality in service areas. Grants over $5,000 are reviewed quarterly by the Foundation's board. Eligible recipients include tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) and accredited schools, which must operate within the Foundation's designated service area.

The Duluth Public School Funds Grant Program, managed by Boreal Waters Community Foundation, awards grants ranging from $500 to $2000 annually to Duluth Public School staff for projects aimed at enhancing student growth. This year, due to remote learning challenges, grants between $500 and $5000 may also be awarded for mental health initiatives. The program emphasizes measurable skills, demonstrated needs, and aims to enrich the overall student experience.

About YouthBridge

We are the bridge between donors, nonprofits and the potential of our region.

At YouthBridge Community Foundation, caring for the future of St. Louis is at the heart of everything we do. We help charitably-minded individuals, families and businesses support causes that serve children and their families in our region. We work with professional advisors to offer philanthropy planning to their clients. And above all, we are building the bridge to a stronger, more vibrant community.

Child Welfare Capacity Building Grant

The Child Welfare Capacity Building Grant will aid and support nonprofits whose primary mission is to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children by addressing child abuse and neglect through foster/adoption care, prevention, and treatment of child abuse.

This grant will provide resources for organizations to build strong staff and boards, plan for their futures, evaluate programs, improve finances, support critical indirect staff positions, and update technology so they can serve the community with a sense of confidence. Award amounts will generally be $10,000.

Guidelines

YouthBridge Community Foundation will award grants to child or youth serving nonprofit organizations that are located in and primarily serve the St. Louis metropolitan area.

The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, established in 1994, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Greater Itasca Area through philanthropic efforts. Governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, the foundation awards grants to nonprofits addressing local needs across various sectors, including education and the arts. With over 30 years of experience, it connects generous donors with community needs, fostering collaboration and compassion to create lasting, positive change.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a cooperative agreement for research on the long-term demography of imperiled bumble bee species, particularly the rusty patched bumble bee. This initiative aims to leverage collaborations to enhance understanding and recovery strategies for these species. Research will focus on site surveys, innovative monitoring technologies, and data compilation to address significant knowledge gaps. The project aims to produce actionable insights for land management partners to support conservation efforts.

The ARAC Art Project Grant offers up to $5,000 for arts activities that benefit local communities in Minnesota. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, colleges, schools, and tribal governments that have operated for at least one year. Projects should engage the public and occur within specified counties. Funds can support various arts initiatives, including performances, exhibitions, and workshops, but cannot be used for general operating costs or activities primarily for private benefit.

The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council offers the Operating Support Grant, providing up to $15,000 annually to nonprofit arts organizations in Minnesota's Arrowhead region. This grant supports overall operations and programming expansion, benefiting various arts activities. Eligible applicants include arts organizations and groups with a fiscal sponsor that meet specific criteria. This initiative fosters a thriving arts community by ensuring organizations can sustain and grow their impactful programs.