Best Mental Health Grants in Minnesota

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa can apply for McKnight Foundation’s Midwest Climate and Energy grants to support systems-change work on clean energy, transportation, buildings, working lands, and democratic participation. Minnesota organizations whose climate initiatives intersect with community wellbeing or equity-focused services may find this funding complements broader mental health and resilience efforts.

Minnesota Lutheran higher education institutions, ministries, and related 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for programs in Lutheran higher education, health and human care, and faith strengthening. Focused on these ministry areas, Rupert Dunklau Foundation invites eligible organizations in Nebraska and contiguous states, including Minnesota, to apply for support that may include mental health and human care initiatives.

Minnesota mental health providers serving uninsured children and youth under 21 can access funding through the Minnesota Department of Health to support safety net mental health services in Minnesota. Awards up to US $394,000 are allocated annually over a three-year period, proportionally based on the number of uninsured young patients served, with no match required.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies improving physical, mental, and social well-being can apply for US $2,500 - US $49,999 in core contribution grants to support community health initiatives, including in Minnesota. Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation’s Thriving Community Impact Fund backs programs addressing poverty, economic stability, and neighborhood environments within its 21-county Western Wisconsin, Southeast Minnesota, and Northeast Iowa service region.

The Initiative Foundation's Emerging Needs Grants offer vital support to nonprofits in Central Minnesota facing unexpected challenges. These grants enable organizations to stabilize and adapt, ensuring they continue to meet pressing community needs. With a focus on immediate impact, the funding is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating in the region, allowing them to address service gaps and enhance their operations during crises.

Nonprofits, school districts, and local governments in Central Minnesota seeking to build organizational capacity can apply for Initiative Foundation’s Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants, offering up to US $10,000. Funding supports planning, staff and board training, and process improvements for groups addressing basic needs, economic opportunity, and non-clinical mental health services, including suicide prevention and substance abuse.

MN Community Justice Reinvestment Grant Program

In 2016, the Minnesota legislature established the Community Justice Reinvestment Account to provide supportive services to justice-impacted individuals to reduce further involvement in the criminal justice system. This Account is used to create the Community Justice Reinvestment Grant program, which most recently distributed $1,017,474.54 in 2024 to fund:

• Chemical dependency and mental health treatment programs,
• Programs that improve supervision,
• Pretrial and precharge supervision programs,
• Programs to reduce recidivism of controlled substances offenders on probation or supervised release or participating in drug courts,
• Support local participation in drug court initiatives approved by the Judicial Council.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal nations, schools, and local agencies serving Northeast Minnesota can seek Northland Foundation quarterly grants of more than US $10,000 for general operating or program support. With a mission to help people and communities thrive, Northland Foundation prioritizes basic needs, health and wellbeing, and related community services that may include mental health programming.

Outpatient primary care clinics in Minnesota that run or plan pediatric mental health training programs can apply for grants of US $50,000 - US $250,000 to build provider skills and confidence. Grants from Minnesota Department of Health help clinics strengthen pediatric mental health care through enhanced training and better use of mental health resources.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children ages 0–12 through direct services or advocacy can apply for Sheltering Arms Foundation grants up to US $15,000. Grants fund early childhood education, youth development, and children’s mental health programs, including culturally appropriate, family-engaged services that may strengthen mental health supports for young people in Minnesota.

Minnesota nonprofits, public schools, and agencies improving STEM education for economically disadvantaged K–12 students can access funding via Boston Scientific Foundation. Programs must serve communities near Boston Scientific facilities and demonstrate evidence-based approaches and measurable outcomes. Organizations supporting youth whose families are under 185% of the poverty level may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Beltrami County offering education, basic needs, or health and mental health services can apply for United Way of Bemidji Area grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $40,000. Programs improving youth opportunity, financial stability, or a healthy community in Minnesota may be eligible.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal governments, and public agencies in rural Minnesota can apply for Blandin Foundation’s Community Wealth Building Grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $150,000 for multi-year community development projects. Funding can support mental health and wellness, affordable housing, workforce development, equitable access to capital, and other efforts that reduce racial and economic disparities in small, remote communities.

Large 501(c)(3) organizations in northeast Minnesota can seek funding for food access, shelter, low-income clinics, disability services, and school-based mental health work. With a mission to support thriving communities, Northland Foundation provides invitation-only grants of US $10,000 - US $75,000 for operations, programs, or capital projects in these Otto Bremer Trust focus areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with at least five years of operations and $2M+ in annual expenses can seek up to US $75,000 for operations, programming, or capital projects supporting food, shelter, low-income clinics, disability services, or school-based mental health. Focused on basic human needs, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation serves eligible communities in its 20-county south-central and southeastern Minnesota region.

With a mission to transform lives through systems change, George Family Foundation provides Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental access and stewardship with funding. Nonprofits that expand youth outdoor participation, improve parks and public spaces, or protect land and natural resources may be eligible, including those connecting time in nature with mental health and wellbeing.

Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is partnering with the Otto Bremer Trust to deliver $525,000 in grant funding to organizations across Northwest Minnesota through the 2026 Community Responsive Fund.

Funding priorities and eligibility criteria for this program are established by Otto Bremer Trust and focus on supporting organizations that provide essential, direct services to meet basic needs in our communities.

Funding Priorities

Food:

• Programs that directly operate meal sites or food pantries to meet daily needs

Shelter:

• Short-term or emergency shelter for individuals experiencing housing instability or homelessness

Low-Income Healthcare Clinics:

• Affordable medical, dental, or mental health services for uninsured or underinsured individuals

Disability Services:

• Programs supporting individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities

School-Based Mental Health:

• Established mental health services delivered within school settings

Award period: One-year

• Maximum grant amount: $75,000
• Available funding: $525,000

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and public agencies in Minnesota offering health programs for economically disadvantaged people can apply for Boston Scientific Foundation’s invitation-only support. Funding focuses on disease prevention, awareness, access, and quality of care, and may benefit mental health initiatives within 30 miles of eligible Twin Cities communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, health, human services, environmental stewardship, cultural enrichment, or community development, including mental health services, in eligible Minnesota counties can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000. With a mission to help people live their best life, Altra Foundation provides awards nominated by Altra Federal Credit Union members.

The Medica Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing rural health in Minnesota by funding community-led initiatives that address health equity. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, it supports projects that improve healthcare access and quality, particularly in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government agencies, and Tribal Nations, while emphasizing measurable outcomes and culturally-focused care.

Minnesota organizations providing clinical and mental health services to American Indian people living off reservations can apply for funding to expand culturally informed care. Focused on preventive, medical, dental, and mental health services, the Minnesota Department of Health offers competitive grants of up to US $100,000 for projects running January 2025 through December 2026.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing early care and education for children birth to five in southern Minnesota can seek funding to support social, emotional, physical, and mental health services. Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation offers up to US $20,000 for programs in its 20-county region that maintain and strengthen early childhood care and education.

The Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (SRHS) grant program, established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1978, aims to enhance access to sexual and reproductive health care across Minnesota. The program addresses barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of transportation. Funded biannually, SRHS supports various services including contraceptive counseling, outreach, and referrals. With an estimated annual funding of $4.5 million for new applicants, the program seeks to improve the health outcomes of marginalized communities.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public/government agencies, and Tribal Nations can seek funding for behavioral health programs addressing serious mental illness and substance use disorders. Grants from Medica Foundation help Minnesota mental health providers expand services, integrate physical and mental health care, and reduce health disparities, with awards up to US $200,000 over two years.