Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for funding that supports work, home, and play initiatives. Focused on equitable, high-impact community development, US Bancorp Foundation prioritizes organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary support for community programs through Costco Foundation’s charitable contributions. Funding is available for program needs, with decisions based on documented community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support; warehouse-level donations are handled separately locally.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Minnesota may be eligible for support, especially those seeking seed funding or new directions. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations finding new ways to address societal issues; funding is by invitation, but qualified groups can submit a letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through education, health, development, or welfare programs can receive funding for seed or ongoing projects in Minnesota and beyond. The Dan Paul Foundation supports initiatives such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, environmental education, and youth scholarships, with awards up to US $15,000.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s culture grants to support arts and science programming, including in Minnesota. Funding supports program and capital needs, prioritizing youth engagement, arts education, STEAM initiatives, and artist development at institutions like museums, theaters, ballets, symphonies, and performing arts centers.

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.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Minnesota working on climate and clean energy systems change can apply for McKnight Foundation’s Midwest Climate and Energy grants to support operating or project work. Efforts around renewable energy, decarbonizing transportation and buildings, green infrastructure, and climate-focused civic engagement may be eligible, with proposals accepted on a rolling basis.

Nonprofit charities managing community, humanitarian, education, environmental, or arts projects in countries where Roche operates, including Minnesota via its U.S. affiliate, may be eligible for philanthropic support. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities launch or grow innovative, sustainable initiatives that engage Roche expertise and employees in social, scientific, cultural, and community development activities.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota working on economic mobility, basic needs, arts, environment, or community development can seek sponsorship support for community-focused events and programs. Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s regional U.S. sponsorships may benefit nonprofits launching or growing initiatives in housing, workforce education, hunger relief, arts and culture, and diversity and inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing program support in areas like poverty relief, education, health, families, or animal welfare may be eligible, but must serve communities in the Southern U.S., not Minnesota. Robinson Foundation supports single-year, non-capital projects for established charities, considering fiscal responsibility, other funding sources, and clear, tangible impact on their key audiences.

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.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. TJX Foundation supports organizations that align with its mission and have not received TJX funding in the past 12 months.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking seed funding for environmental or human services work, including in Minnesota, can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help support general operating or program/project costs, issued as unrestricted awards, for U.S.-headquartered groups working in these priority areas.

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S., including Minnesota, can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support museums, arts and cultural programs, education, health facilities, environmental and wildlife efforts, and community services. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation favors projects where relatively small grants can make a significant difference, including seed funding for new or growing initiatives.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving women 18 and older with essential services can seek US $10,000 - US $30,000 in funding for general operations or projects in Minnesota’s seven-county Twin Cities metro. Grants from The Minneapolis Foundation help programs addressing education, economic stability, shelter, safety, health, and related basic human needs that primarily benefit women.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Minnesota nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with project support. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving U.S. residents, especially near Minneapolis, can seek funding for hunger relief, shelter and housing, adult self-sufficiency, economic development, or arts and cultural enrichment initiatives.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project support in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental programs can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation. U.S.-based organizations may request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of funding, with one application per grant year and an online LOI and application required.

Minnesota public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofit organizations can seek seed funding for planning and education projects in historic preservation, with awards from US $2,500 - US $5,000. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports activities like feasibility studies, preservation plans, community forums, and innovative outreach that build local capacity for preservation work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving economic stability, workforce readiness, health, or disaster relief in Minnesota communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates can seek project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports programs addressing poverty, hunger, homelessness, health and social services, literacy, and related needs for underserved individuals and families.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building for projects primarily benefiting communities in Union Pacific–served Minnesota locations, with an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota working on youth education, family services, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Seed and growth-stage community programs serving underserved young people and their families may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations in Minnesota with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, recognizing collaborations that address significant social issues. U.S. nonprofits demonstrating measurable community impact and innovative, multi-sector partnerships may be selected for one of six annual awards honoring exemplary leadership and social impact.