Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs, including those serving Minnesota communities, may be eligible for support to develop or expand their work. Creag Foundation supports creative, early-stage or evolving initiatives across areas like human and social services, health, community development, and public safety; applications are by invitation following a letter of inquiry.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Minnesota nonprofits planning community events or fundraisers that advance equitable and affordable housing or related economic stability initiatives can seek sponsorship support for their activities. Minnesota housing organizations can access funding through Old National Bank to support events like galas, tournaments, or special events that benefit low- to moderate-income residents and underrepresented groups in eligible counties.

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.

Minnesota nonprofit organizations and government entities can seek operating or project support for community development, equitable and affordable housing, and economic mobility efforts that advance vibrant, equitable communities. Grants from the McKnight Foundation help Minnesota affordable housing and community wealth initiatives expand access to capital, preserve affordability, and strengthen fair, just housing systems for low-income and BIPOC residents.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for economic, environmental, racial, or social justice in Minnesota can seek US $10,000 - US $50,000 in recoverable grants for case expenses. The Impact Fund supports class actions and multi-plaintiff cases, which may include challenges tied to housing stability and community conditions.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on equitable and affordable housing and related human services can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 to strengthen their community impact. With a mission to help people live their best life, Altra Foundation provides Best Life Community Awards to housing, homelessness, and community development organizations in designated counties.

With a mission to improve lives and strengthen communities, Andersen Corporate Foundation provides Minnesota nonprofits focused on affordable and supportive housing with funding for general operations, programs, and capital needs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Twin Cities metro and St. Croix Valley counties can request US $5,000 - US $50,000 for housing access and stability initiatives.

Nonprofits, school districts, Tribal and local governments in Central Minnesota can seek up to US $10,000 for early-stage economic and workforce development projects that may include affordable housing efforts. Grants from Initiative Foundation help Minnesota organizations pilot new strategies, build partnerships, and assess feasibility to attract and retain workers and strengthen local economies.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota seeking support to tell impactful stories about their work can apply for the Storytelling Grant, which offers more than US $50,000 for communications and storytelling projects. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation currently accepts unsolicited applications only from wildlife conservation nonprofits, which may include organizations also working on housing-related community wellbeing.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on affordable housing and related community services in Minnesota can seek support for operations, programs, projects, and some capital needs. The Fred C and Katherine B Andersen Foundation prioritizes work in the St. Croix Valley region and also considers healthcare, education, human services, civic, and environmental education initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal nations, schools, and local agencies serving Northeast Minnesota can seek more than US $10,000 to support basic needs, including equitable and affordable housing programs. With a mission to help communities thrive, Northland Foundation provides flexible general operating or program-restricted funding within its seven-county and five–Native nation service area.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Affordable housing providers in Minnesota and other Midwest states can apply for Enterprise Community Partners’ Asset Management University Cohort, a five‑month training program to strengthen asset and property management skills. Up to 15 mission‑aligned organizations receive CHAM online training, peer learning, and post‑training technical assistance to better preserve long‑term housing affordability.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) public charities working on affordable, equitable housing and community development can apply for approximately US $15,000 from Old National Bank to support impactful programs. Funding supports affordable housing, economic and workforce development, and financial empowerment, with priority for underrepresented and low- to moderate-income communities within the bank’s Minnesota footprint counties.

Nonprofits, public entities, tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups in Minnesota working on equitable and affordable housing and related equity issues can seek up to US $300,000 for transformational projects. Boreal Waters Community Foundation funds initiatives that address root causes, build cross-sector partnerships, and shift systems toward long-term opportunity, resilience, and belonging.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota providing equitable, affordable housing and related human services can seek multi-year Community Grants of more than US $20,000 for general operating or program support. Patrick & Aimee Butler Family Foundation prioritizes work serving vulnerable people, including those experiencing homelessness or lacking safe, stable housing in the Twin Cities and East Metro.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofits and mission-oriented housing organizations with scalable affordable housing innovations can apply for Enterprise Community Partners’ national competition, including applicants in Minnesota. Enterprise Community Partners provides U.S. equitable and affordable housing groups with US $2,000,000 grants to expand proven solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery and programs that increase housing choice and access.

Minnesota nonprofits, tribal governments, public entities, and fiscally sponsored groups working on economic stability and affordable housing can access funding through Boreal Waters Community Foundation to support programs, operations, and capacity building. Grants of US $25,000 - US $50,000 back community-led, equity-centered projects in northeastern Minnesota and neighboring northwestern Wisconsin counties.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing economic opportunity, housing, or financial stability can apply for Target Foundation’s Hometown Program grants of US $25,000 - US $200,000. Grants from Target Foundation help Minnesota organizations expand affordable housing, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and asset-building efforts for underserved, low-income, and BIPOC communities, with priority for the Twin Cities metro area.

Nonprofit housing organizations, cities, tribes, school entities, and private developers in Minnesota can seek funding to create or improve affordable, owner-occupied single-family homes. Grants from Minnesota Housing Finance Agency help Minnesota affordable housing providers acquire, rehabilitate, or construct homes and offer downpayment or closing cost assistance to low- and moderate-income homebuyers.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.