Minneapolis Foundation Grants for Minnesota Environmental Justice
Community-based nonprofits, tribal governments, local governments, schools, and higher education institutions in Minnesota and other EPA Region 5 states can seek funding for environmental justice assessment and engagement projects, with awards up to US $150,000. The Minneapolis Foundation supports work in disadvantaged communities on issues like environmental health, air and water quality, healthy homes, and disaster resilience.
The Minneapolis Foundation
Laird Norton Family Foundation Grants for Minnesota Watersheds
Minnesota environmental and conservation organizations working on watershed health and resilience may be eligible for funding to strengthen long-term social and ecological conditions. Minnesota environment groups can access funding through Laird Norton Family Foundation’s Watershed Stewardship program, which currently prioritizes work in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and select Western U.S. watersheds.
Laird Norton Family Foundation
American Heart Association Grants for Minnesota Health
Minnesota organizations working on healthcare access, food security, or economic vitality can access funding through the American Heart Association’s Social Impact Fund. For-profit and nonprofit applicants operating in the U.S. or Puerto Rico may receive up to US $500,000 for scalable solutions addressing social and environmental determinants of health, which may include community-based environmental health projects.
American Heart Association
Minnesota Resilience Funding via Boreal Waters
Full proposal due Jul 30, 2026
Nonprofits, tribal governments, public entities, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups in northeastern Minnesota can apply for Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Community Opportunity Fund Resilience grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $50,000 for resilience-focused projects. Environmental and climate adaptation initiatives that strengthen community stability and long-term systems change may be especially competitive.
Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Minnesota Environmental Policy Funding via Joyce Foundation
Full proposal due Aug 3, 2026
Minnesota environmental and justice-focused organizations working on climate policy or Great Lakes and drinking water issues can access funding through the Joyce Foundation for advocacy and policy change initiatives. Eligible national or regional groups must advance clean energy, freshwater protection, or equitable water access in Great Lakes states, with priorities for communities disproportionately impacted by environmental harms.
The Joyce Foundation
Impact Fund Environmental Justice Grants in Minnesota
Full proposal due Aug 6, 2026
Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing environmental justice and other impact litigation in Minnesota can receive US $10,000 - US $50,000 in recoverable funding for out-of-pocket litigation costs. The Impact Fund supports cases addressing environmental, economic, racial, and social injustice, with a preference for filed or soon-to-be-filed cases that can drive significant law reform.
The Impact Fund
Community Development Grants for Nonprofits from Initiative Foundation
Applications due Sep 15, 2026
Nonprofits, public schools, and government units in the greater Pine area of Minnesota can seek project funding for economic and community development, including environmental stewardship and community beautification. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Initiative Foundation’s Greater Pine Area Endowment supports efforts that enhance quality of life and address needs of vulnerable residents.
Initiative Foundation
Community Improvement Funding from St. Croix Valley Foundation
Applications due Sep 15, 2026
Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government agencies, churches, and school districts with community-improvement or environmental projects can access funding through the St. Croix Valley Foundation’s SACF Great Idea Competition. Grants up to US $10,000 support innovative projects benefiting Stillwater-area communities, enhancing quality of life, addressing local needs, and strengthening community connections within Washington County, Minnesota.
St. Croix Valley Foundation
Environmental Education Grants for Nonprofits from Andersen Foundation
Applications due Sep 30, 2026
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental education and related community programs in Minnesota can seek funding for operations, programs, projects, and some capital needs. Fred C And Katherine B Andersen Foundation primarily supports work in the St. Croix Valley region, which may include environmental initiatives that build thriving local communities.
Fred C And Katherine B Andersen Foundation
Open Space Restoration Grants for Nonprofits from Musser Fund
Applications due Oct 8, 2026
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local governments in Minnesota can apply for up to US $35,000 to implement ecosystem restoration and public open space projects that engage local communities. With a mission to support environmental initiatives, the Laura Jane Musser Fund provides implementation grants for projects that enhance ecological integrity while promoting public access and long-term sustainability.
Laura Jane Musser Fund
Laura Jane Musser Fund Support for Open Space Planning
Applications due Oct 8, 2026
Grants from Laura Jane Musser Fund help Minnesota environmental organizations and local governments plan community-driven projects for publicly owned open spaces. Eligible 501(c)(3)s and local units of government can seek up to US $8,000 for planning efforts that enhance ecological integrity, expand public access, and lay groundwork for long-term sustainable habitat and park improvements.
Laura Jane Musser Fund
Minnesota Environmental Funding via Otter Tail Foundation
Applications due Oct 10, 2026
Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental sustainability, education, or stewardship can seek support for projects and programs, including operating and capital needs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Otter Tail Corporation Foundation provides funding for initiatives that protect natural resources and foster collaboration between businesses and communities in eligible Minnesota counties.
Otter Tail Corporation Foundation
Minnesota Transportation Funding via Minnesota Department
Letter of inquiry due Oct 31, 2026
Local governments and regional agencies in Minnesota can seek funding for pedestrian and bicycle facilities, trail projects, and related infrastructure through the Greater Minnesota Transportation Alternatives Solicitation. Minnesota Department of Transportation supports projects such as Safe Routes to School and historic preservation that may benefit environmental and community-focused initiatives.
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
Minnesota Environmental Cleanup Funding via DEED
Applications due Nov 1, 2026
Statutory or home rule charter cities, counties, port authorities, and development or housing authorities in Minnesota can apply for the Contamination Cleanup and Investigation Grant to assess and clean up polluted sites for redevelopment. Administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, it covers up to 75% of eligible investigation, cleanup, demolition, and related project costs.
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)
Community Projects Funding for Minnesota Nonprofits via Initiative Foundation
Applications due Nov 30, 2026
Nonprofits, public schools, and government units in the Hackensack Lakes area can seek funding for start-up or capacity-building projects that support community development, environmental projects, and health and wellbeing. Initiative Foundation awards competitive grants across Central Minnesota, with applications accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly for projects serving the nine surrounding townships.
Initiative Foundation
US $250,000 - US $3,800,000
Green Fertilizer Funding from Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Applications due Dec 2, 2026
Agricultural and rural electric cooperatives in Minnesota can apply for Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Green Fertilizer Grant Program, awarding US $250,000 - US $3,800,000 for green fertilizer production facilities. Funding supports renewable-energy-based, low-carbon fertilizer plants that use locally sourced inputs and provide member training on best management practices, with at least 50% matching investment required.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
Minnesota Department of Transportation Support for School Travel
Applications due Feb 21, 2027
Schools and districts in Minnesota seeking to promote walking and bicycling to school can receive up to US $500,000 to fund Safe Routes to School coordinator positions for three full school years. Minnesota Department of Transportation supports non-infrastructure efforts that encourage active, environmentally friendly student transportation and community safety.
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
Boreal Waters Community Foundation Grants for Minnesota Biodiversity
Pre proposal due Mar 8, 2027
Nonprofit and fiscally sponsored organizations doing biodiversity conservation work in Minnesota’s northeast counties can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 for one-year projects preserving and restoring habitat, aiding vulnerable species, and advancing environmental education and research. Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Biodiversity Fund supports community-led, equity-centered efforts that build long-term ecosystem resilience and capacity.
Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Boreal Waters Support for Minnesota Biodiversity
Letter of inquiry due Mar 9, 2027
Environmental nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects in northeast Minnesota and nearby tribal nations can apply for Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Biodiversity Fund large and multi-year grants, awarding up to US $150,000 for habitat and species conservation. Funding supports habitat restoration, vulnerable species, climate adaptation planning, research, and environmental education that strengthen regional ecosystems.
Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Environmental Project Funding from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Applications due Mar 24, 2027
Minnesota environmental organizations and public entities seeking support for on-the-ground projects can host Minnesota GreenCorps AmeriCorps members to advance air, water, land, and climate initiatives. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency places full-time members for 11 months to help with energy conservation, green transportation, stormwater and forestry, waste reduction, recycling, and community outreach projects.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Unspecified amount in in-kind support
Izaak Walton League Grants for Minnesota Conservation
Applications due Mar 30, 2027
Conservation-minded individuals, educators, media professionals, and community groups in Minnesota can be nominated for awards recognizing environmental stewardship, education, and conservation leadership. With a mission to protect outdoor America, Izaak Walton League of America honors local conservation achievements that may complement environmental project work across the state.
Izaak Walton League of America
Blandin Foundation Grants for Minnesota Community Wealth
Letter of inquiry due Apr 17, 2027
Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal governments, public agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects in rural Minnesota can apply for Blandin Foundation’s community wealth building grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $150,000 for multi-year initiatives. Funding can support community development, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and equitable economic opportunities, with emphasis on small, low-income, diverse, and remote communities including Itasca and surrounding counties.
Blandin Foundation
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Grants for Minnesota Recycling
Applications due May 26, 2027
Minnesota businesses and other entities seeking to expand recycling and waste management efforts in Minnesota can apply for funding to build long-term recycling market capacity. Focused on recycling and waste management, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency invites projects that use or process recyclable materials into higher-value products, with awards from US $50,000 - US $300,000 requiring a 20% match.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Minnesota Broadband Infrastructure Funding via Iron Range
Applications due May 29, 2027
Minnesota public entities and partners improving broadband infrastructure can access funding through Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehab to expand high-speed internet for households and businesses. This program, funded through the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund, offers up to US $99,999 per project with a required 1:1 cash match and timely application relative to construction start.
Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehab
Agricultural Market Development Funding from Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Letter of inquiry due Jun 30, 2027
Organizations in Minnesota developing enterprises, supply chains, or markets for continuous living cover crops can apply for US $50,000 - US $100,000 to support early-stage commercial development. Minnesota Department of Agriculture supports environmental and agricultural projects that expand CLC crop production, improve soil and water quality, and build equipment and infrastructure for value chain growth.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)
Minnesota Global Awareness Funding via Boreal Waters
Applications due Sep 14, 2027
Minnesota nonprofits, schools, governments, and tribal entities working on environmental sustainability and related global issues can seek support for education, media, and community projects. Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Global Awareness Fund backs initiatives that foster peace, justice, human rights, and cross-cultural understanding, including global education, conferences, media production, and sister city or peace and justice center efforts.
Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Social Justice Project Grants for Nonprofits from Boreal Waters Community Foundation
Applications due Sep 14, 2027
Nonprofits, public entities, Tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups in Minnesota’s Boreal Waters Community Foundation service area can receive up to US $4,000 for social justice, human rights, and community education projects. Boreal Waters Community Foundation supports efforts such as peace and justice lectures, cultural exchanges, and local initiatives that may include environmental preservation work.
Boreal Waters Community Foundation