Best Disaster Preparedness and Relief Grants in Minnesota

Marathon Petroleum provides Minnesota disaster preparedness and relief organizations, including eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, with community investment support. Funding focuses on workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities, including safety projects that help communities prepare for, mitigate, and respond to disasters and emergencies, with preference for areas where the company has significant operations.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits and independent emergency response organizations can access funding for safety, disaster preparedness, and community resilience projects through the Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible programs must primarily serve Minnesota communities along the Union Pacific network and align with the foundation’s safety-focused priorities.

Minnesota K-12 public schools with existing libraries that suffered significant library damage from recent disasters can access funding through Dollar General Literacy Foundation to rebuild books, media, and equipment. Eligible schools must be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center and have experienced a qualifying natural disaster, fire, or federally recognized act of terrorism.

Eligible tribal governments, community-based nonprofits, local governments, and educational institutions in Minnesota and other EPA Region 5 states can apply for The Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 grants, awarding up to US $150,000 for environmental and public health assessment and engagement projects. Funding supports activities like environmental monitoring, community research, and public education that can strengthen local disaster preparedness and resilience in disadvantaged communities.

Legal services organizations in Minnesota and other eligible Midwestern states can apply for funding to host attorney and law student fellows providing free civil legal aid to disaster-impacted communities. Focused on disaster relief and legal services, Equal Justice Works supports host organizations with up to US $146,800 for fellow salaries, benefits, and program costs.

Nonprofits and community partners addressing disaster relief, community crises, or civic challenges in Minnesota can apply for Bush Foundation’s Partnership Fund grants, with awards up to US $150,000. Funding supports collaborative, regional efforts in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and neighboring Native nations that tackle significant issues or seed new initiatives aligned with Bush’s strategy and values.

Nonprofit organizations improving health outcomes through cancer support, disaster preparedness and relief, food access, or healthcare workforce development across the U.S. and Canada can apply for McKesson Foundation grants above More than US $25,000. Minnesota organizations working on disaster preparedness or humanitarian aid may be especially competitive if they align with the foundation’s health equity pillars.

With a mission to strengthen communities, International Paper Company Foundation provides Minnesota nonprofits and eligible public entities with US $2,500 - US $10,000 to support disaster preparedness, relief, health, and critical community needs. Organizations in Minnesota counties where International Paper operates, especially those engaging company employees, may be competitive applicants.

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Incident Management System (NIMS) Cooperative Agreement aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) for effective disaster response. It focuses on closing funding gaps, fostering collaboration among federal and non-federal partners, and improving resource coordination during emergencies. This initiative supports the DHS's goals of building national resilience and enhancing first responder training, ensuring swift and effective responses to various threats and disasters.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Minnesota can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Programs in disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery may be especially competitive, including efforts that strengthen community resilience before and after emergencies.

Nonprofit organizations providing disaster preparedness, relief, or humanitarian aid in Minnesota can apply for McKesson Foundation grants up to US $25,000. McKesson Foundation supports programs across the U.S. and Canada that advance health equity, including emergency response, crisis recovery, and medicine and food assistance for vulnerable and underserved communities.

Minnesota public entities and regional partners working on disaster recovery, preparedness, and economic revitalization can seek funding to plan or implement projects after 2023–2024 natural disasters. The Economic Development Administration provides up to US $50,000,000 through readiness, implementation, and industry transformation pathways for communities aiming to rebuild and strengthen long-term economic resilience.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local government agencies seeking backup power solutions for essential services can apply for disaster preparedness support, including in Minnesota, through Hillman Family Foundations’ Powered & Prepared Initiative; awards are US $300,000. Projects must serve communities in specified southwestern Pennsylvania counties and be located on property owned by the lead organization.

Minnesota nonprofits and research institutions working on disaster preparedness, relief, and broader resilience projects can access funding through the Japan Foundation’s Japan–U.S. Global Partnership Grant Program. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations collaborate with Japanese partners on policy-oriented research, dialogue, and exchanges addressing global issues like climate change, disaster prevention, post-disaster recovery, and related community resilience challenges.

The Bertin Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities that align with the foundation's mission of community strengthening and compassion. Grant requests are accepted annually from July 1 to August 31, focusing on program or project support rather than general endowment. The foundation values measurable outcomes and responsible stewardship, and gives preference to organizations with Gold or Platinum status on Candid.

The Disaster Resilience Program Fellowship supports low-income communities affected by disasters by mobilizing lawyers and law students to provide free civil legal aid. This initiative ensures access to essential legal services, helping families navigate recovery barriers. Attorney Fellows receive a salary while Student Fellows earn a stipend for their service. Participants engage in outreach, build community relationships, and receive comprehensive training to enhance their legal skills, contributing to the resilience of affected communities.

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 CareQuest Emergent & Relief Fund aims to address the unique challenges faced by historically underserved communities in the healthcare system, particularly in oral health. This fund supports innovative approaches, urgent clinical responses, and immediate relief efforts for community crises. Grants are targeted at organizations demonstrating commitment to equity in health services, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. With a focus on transformative change, this initiative seeks to enhance access and improve health outcomes across diverse populations.

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

The Crawford Taylor Foundation focuses on enhancing programs that create lasting legacies in St. Louis. With priorities in community development, women's health, animal welfare, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to support 501(c)(3) organizations that meet specific eligibility criteria. They avoid funding multi-year grants or for-profit initiatives, emphasizing support for local causes and relief efforts deemed important by the Taylor family.

The EA Funds: Long-Term Future Fund Grant focuses on improving civilization's long-term trajectory by funding projects that mitigate global catastrophic risks. With grant sizes ranging from $1,000 to over $500,000, it welcomes applications from individuals and organizations globally. The fund particularly supports innovative small teams and individuals, emphasizing projects that reduce existential risks from AI and enhance global governance of transformative technologies. Applicants are encouraged to apply even if unsure of eligibility.

The Emerging Climate Champions Award supports youth-led climate initiatives by providing funding for organizations with at least two years of community-led operation. This award aims to empower young leaders aged 15-35, particularly from under-represented groups, to tackle climate challenges. With global funding for youth-driven climate solutions being scarce, the award encourages innovative approaches across various climate issues, including education, advocacy, and sustainable agriculture, thereby promoting resilience and social justice.

The NAILBA Charitable Foundation Grant aims to support small, well-managed U.S. charities that assist those in need, particularly children. Grants are available to organizations with backing from a NAILBA member and that meet specific criteria, such as nonsectarian operation and appropriate fiscal accountability. Since its inception in 2002, the foundation has invested in community transformation by funding initiatives that directly engage in beneficial services, thereby enhancing the welfare of underprivileged groups.

The Disaster Grants Program by LSC provides vital funding to organizations aiding survivors of government-declared emergencies. It empowers legal aid groups to deliver essential services to low-income disaster survivors, ensuring access to legal assistance during crises. The program also educates communities on disaster legal services and prepares them for future emergencies, enhancing resilience and response capabilities. By supporting various grant types, the initiative addresses immediate needs and fosters long-term recovery strategies.

The Disaster Relief and Resilience Scholarship supports residents of western North Carolina whose education funding has been affected by Hurricane Helene. Offered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, this scholarship is available for undergraduate and graduate students attending two- or four-year colleges. The minimum award is $1,000, aimed at helping students overcome financial hardships caused by the disaster and continue their educational pursuits.

The CAPTRUST Community Foundation provides Crisis Grants to support nonprofit organizations aiding families impacted by natural disasters or emergencies. By dedicating over 10% of its annual budget for crisis assistance, the foundation ensures that funds directly benefit those in need. Grants can be requested up to $5,000 to help rebuild lives during challenging times, reflecting the foundation's commitment to integrity and support for children and families in crisis.