Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Minnesota

Minnesota grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary support through the Costco Foundation charitable contributions program. Grants support community-based programs near Costco locations, with decisions based on demonstrated community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Minnesota with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs may be eligible for support to launch or expand their work. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations nationwide that propose new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social issues; funding is by invitation, with letters of inquiry welcome.

Community-based nonprofits, tribal governments, local governments, and eligible institutions in Minnesota can seek up to US $150,000 for Tier 1 environmental and public health assessment and engagement projects in disadvantaged communities. The Minneapolis Foundation supports grassroots environmental justice efforts such as air, water, and soil monitoring, healthy homes, green infrastructure, and disaster resilience across EPA Region 5’s Great Lakes area.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other eligible organizations in Minnesota working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can seek project or scaling support from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards are more than US $50,000. This global funder supports work in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations seeking to share their impact through storytelling can receive media-focused support for work in preservation, education, or wellness. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant funds communications that highlight efforts like wildlife conservation, historic preservation, early education, mental health, and related community initiatives across the U.S., including Minnesota grassroots groups.

Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, and Tribal Nations doing grassroots organizing can receive up to US $25,000 in rapid response funding for urgent policy, civic engagement, legal, or healing justice needs. Headwaters Foundation for Justice prioritizes BIPOC-led efforts addressing systemic oppression, with unrestricted operating grants decided eight times per year.

Grassroots and other organizations working on gun violence prevention, justice reform, or violence intervention that impact Minnesota can apply for the Joyce Foundation’s Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant. Funding supports research, policy development, advocacy, pilot initiatives, and public education to build safe, racially equitable communities in the Great Lakes region, including Minnesota.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Minnesota can access funding via the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This national “foundation for all” supports charitable groups seeking to create positive change, so grassroots organizations with qualifying tax-exempt status may be eligible to apply.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Minnesota

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Black-led 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organizations, or fiscally sponsored groups, in Minnesota can access general operating support for grassroots racial and social justice organizing. Headwaters Foundation for Justice provides US $50,000 over two years to strengthen Black movement ecosystems and collective power, centering Black Minnesotans’ self-determination and long-term systemic change.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Minnesota that serve local communities can seek project, general operating, or capital support to improve quality of life. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports programs in economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief in U.S. communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts has a business presence.

Grassroots groups, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal governments, and public entities 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. Funding supports community-led efforts that strengthen housing stability, food security, workforce resilience, climate adaptation, and long-term community capacity.

Grassroots and established 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal governments, and public entities in northeastern Minnesota can seek $25,000 - $50,000 to advance belonging, equity, and inclusive community culture. Focused on community-driven, equity-centered work, Boreal Waters Community Foundation supports programs, general operations, capacity building, and systems-change efforts that elevate marginalized voices and strengthen community bonds.

Minnesota grassroots and established 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, Tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups can access funding through Boreal Waters Community Foundation to advance economic stability and independence. Grants of US $25,000 - US $50,000 support community-driven work in housing, living-wage jobs, wealth-building, educational access, and essential economic support services in northeastern Minnesota and nearby Wisconsin counties.

Native-led grassroots nonprofits and tribal programs in Minnesota can receive US $50,000 - US $100,000 in unrestricted support for community-powered solutions, including leadership, healing, cultural revitalization, and capacity building. Good Relatives Collaborative prioritizes organizations under $2.5 million in budget that are deeply rooted in and serving Native communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local governments in Minnesota can seek funding for new intercultural exchange projects that build understanding and cooperation across cultural lines. The Laura Jane Musser Fund provides up to US $25,000 for planning or implementing grassroots community, youth, or arts initiatives that foster intercultural harmony and tangible community benefits.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

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.

Environmental nonprofits, grassroots groups, and fiscally sponsored efforts in northeastern Minnesota counties can seek funding for operating costs, capital needs, start-up expenses, technical assistance, or environmental projects. Focused on conservation, education, and natural resources, Boreal Waters Community Foundation prioritizes organizations protecting the western Lake Superior watershed and serving historically marginalized communities with strong local trust.

Nonprofits, public entities, Tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored grassroots groups in Minnesota’s Boreal Waters Community Foundation service area can receive up to US $4,000 for social justice and community awareness projects. Boreal Waters Community Foundation funds efforts fighting discrimination, advancing human rights, promoting democratic participation, and addressing local issues like hunger, homelessness, and emergency aid.