Best Workforce Grants in Minnesota

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Target Foundation's Hometown Racial Equity Grant aims to advance racial equity for underserved communities in the Twin Cities. With over a century of commitment to social responsibility, the Foundation addresses systemic barriers by investing in entrepreneurship, workforce development, housing, and asset building. By supporting BIPOC-led organizations, the Foundation seeks to create equitable economic opportunities, ensuring that all families can thrive and contribute to a vibrant community. Grants range from $25,000 to $200,000, focusing on sustainable impact.

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families was established to bring together programs to better serve children, youth, and families. 

RFP to Provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training

The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, through its Economic Assistance and Employment Supports Division, is seeking proposals from qualified responders to provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) services. 

The state develops a SNAP E&T State Plan each year stipulating details on the operation of service in Minnesota.

Minnesota’s SNAP E&T program is intended for Minnesotans with low incomes to have clear pathways in developing marketable and in-demand skills, leading to career advancement and self-sufficiency. Through strong partnerships, the mission is to help Minnesotans fully utilize their SNAP benefits, gain the essential skills needed for gainful employment and successfully transition off public assistance. Minnesotans can receive SNAP E&T services if they meet all of the following:

• Receive federal food assistance
• Are age 16 or older (there are additional requirements to serve 16-17 year olds)
• Report that they intend to work at least part-time; clients reporting a disability may participate in SNAP E&T if they state they will be able to work with appropriate supports and/or training
• And are referred to SNAP E&T by an eligibility worker. 

Responders are expected to/will provide services to both Time-limited (TLR) and non-TLR SNAP recipients. Responders must have the ability to fully fund their SNAP E&T program with non-federal funding and request fifty percent (50%) reimbursement.

MN Workforce Development Grants

Workforce Development grants assist with education, training and career awareness initiatives that address regional workforce needs and gaps emerging in industries and schools.  

Funding Availability

• Funded at $700,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Board Account.
• The number of grants awarded is variable and dependent upon the amounts awarded to successful applicants.
• 1:1 match per project required.
• Up to one-half of the applicant match may include financial support from a business/industry partner including trainee stipends or wages paid by the business/industry partner. All business match items must be documented as specific support for the project, and not as a general, regular donation made to the institution or organization.
• Project must begin within nine months of a grant award.

The Home and Community-Based Services Employee Scholarship Grant and Loan Forgiveness Program, established by the Minnesota Department of Health, aims to strengthen the workforce in the HCBS sector. This initiative provides financial support for employees pursuing further education and training, while also offering loan forgiveness for qualified educational expenses. By enhancing the skills of the workforce, the program seeks to improve the quality of care in home and community-based services across Minnesota.

The Career & Technical Education (CTE) Impact Funding program aims to enhance career exploration for students in grades 5-12 across a diverse region. By fostering partnerships with local businesses and industries, the initiative supports the development of new CTE programs and pathways. It focuses on equipping students with essential technical skills, increasing awareness of CTE opportunities, and ensuring equitable access to career-connected learning experiences, ultimately preparing them for future success in their careers and higher education.

The New American Long-term Care (LTC) Workforce Development Legal Services initiative, led by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, aims to enhance the long-term care workforce by providing immigration legal services to New Americans. This program focuses on culturally responsive support to ensure that individuals born abroad can successfully enter and thrive in the LTC sector, promoting workforce integration and stability for these communities.

The Development Partnership Grants, offered by the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, fund initiatives aimed at fostering long-term economic growth in northeastern Minnesota. Applications are open from July 1, 2025, until May 29, 2026, or until funds are allocated. These grants support research, planning, and education projects that align with community development goals, helping to strengthen the region's economy and enhance local resources.

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to Minnesota public schools districts, charter schools, tribally controlled schools, and service cooperatives for the purpose of providing start-up and ongoing support of P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) schools, established as a public- private partnership, that will prepare students for high skills jobs of the future in identified growth industries.The P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) model integrates high school, college, and industry through partnerships among school districts, community colleges, and employers. With a focus on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, it combines rigorous academics, workplace learning, mentoring, and internships. 

The Great Lakes Federal Grant Navigation Program offers free assistance to local governments in accessing critical federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This program aims to simplify the grant application process, especially for smaller municipalities, by providing one-on-one support and facilitating collaboration among cohort members. By participating, cities can maximize the impact of federal dollars and strengthen their communities in the wake of economic challenges.

P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) Competitive Grant – State Fiscal Year 2026

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to public school districts and charter schools for the purpose of providing start-up and ongoing support of P-TECH schools, established as a public-private partnership, that will prepare students for high skills jobs of the future in identified growth industries.

The P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) model integrates high school, college, and industry through partnerships among school districts, community colleges, and employers. With a focus on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, it combines rigorous academics, workplace learning, mentoring, and internships. Students receive individualized support to accelerate progress toward both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree.

The model’s intended outcomes include preparing students with industry-recognized credentials and authentic workplace learning opportunities. While employment is not guaranteed, graduates are prioritized for opportunities with partner employers. P-TECH also broadens access to high-quality STEM education and lowers academic and financial barriers by aligning secondary and postsecondary pathways.

Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Professional Development Travel Grants – Federal Fiscal Year 2026

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to library staff working in Minnesota libraries for the purpose of providing opportunities to attend regional or national library conferences or continuing education opportunities which fulfill identified professional development needs for the participant and their library. It is hoped that these travel grants will allow staff to gain essential professional development skills and networking opportunities to help increase impact and develop staff through connection to bring back best practices for their libraries and their patrons.

Applicants from a regional library system may apply to fund up to five staff members’ attendance at regional or national library conferences or continuing education opportunities. Any paid staff working full-time or part-time in a Minnesota public library, academic library, school library, special library or tribal library is eligible. This includes librarians, library assistants, library specialists, library leaders, managers or supervisors, library technicians or specialists, public relations managers, or any other paid library staff working in a library.

Funding

$100,000 is available to fund 30-75 staff in attending professional development under the Grants to States program, funded by the Library Services and Technology Act, LS-260829-OLS-26.

The maximum grant award may not exceed $3,500 per person, or $17,500 in total per applicant/regional library system

The Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) offers a Partnership Grant Program aimed at enhancing workforce training and development in high-demand sectors. Grants of up to $400,000 are available for accredited educational institutions partnering with businesses to create tailored training programs. These funds can cover essential training costs, ensuring that Minnesota's workforce remains competitive and skilled. The initiative aims to foster collaboration between businesses and educational entities, addressing the state's evolving workforce needs effectively.

The Automation Training Incentive Program, offered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), provides grants up to $35,000 to small businesses in manufacturing or skilled production. This initiative supports training for incumbent workers on new automation technologies. Eligible businesses must be located outside the seven-county metropolitan area or in specific cities. The program aims to enhance workforce quality and job creation in Minnesota.

The Low Income Worker Training Program, offered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, provides essential job-specific training grants of up to $200,000 for entities helping low-income individuals. This initiative aims to enhance workforce development by enabling individuals earning at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines to acquire skills necessary for higher-paying jobs. The program supports training-related materials and certification fees, promoting economic self-sufficiency in Minnesota.

The Job Training Incentive Program, operated by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), offers grants to businesses in Greater Minnesota for workforce training. Eligible companies can receive up to $200,000 to train new employees, provided they create at least three jobs that pay above federal poverty guidelines. This initiative aims to enhance economic growth and improve job quality in the region.

The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Pathways Program aims to provide training and career opportunities for individuals with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Grants of up to $400,000 support projects that include partnerships between businesses and accredited Minnesota educational institutions. Funds can cover training-related costs but not wage subsidies or tuition reimbursement. This program is essential for fostering workforce development and enhancing the skills of low-income individuals, ultimately aiding their transition into sustainable employment.

The Minnesota Youth at Work Competitive Grant supports workforce development for economically disadvantaged youth aged 14-24. Administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), it prioritizes programs that provide career education, serve under-represented communities, and assist youth with disabilities. Applicants can request up to $850,000 annually, with potential for continued funding based on performance in the first year.

The Youth Support Services Competitive Grant Program, funded by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, aims to empower low-income communities by providing essential support services. This includes job training, internships, financial literacy, and academic interventions for low-performing students. The program specifically targets young adults from families with a history of poverty, ensuring they receive the necessary resources to thrive and succeed in their professional and personal lives.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

About CommonSpirit

A calling that defines and unites

At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

Vocational Rehabilitation Program Contract

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (“DEED”) Vocational Rehabilitation Services (“VRS”) requests applications from organizations and businesses to work as a vocational rehabilitation (“VR”) program community partner (“Community Partner”) to provide job-related services to individuals who are eligible for VRS. The State anticipates issuing multiple contracts for this work. 

The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation, established in 1962, focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, environmental protection, and community health in the regions it operates. As a leading steel manufacturer, Cleveland-Cliffs is committed to sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship. The foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations that address key challenges in education, the environment, and community well-being, ensuring impactful investments that help communities thrive across North America.

The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) Board, through the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), invites grant applications for training programs aimed at new and incumbent workers. The Partnership and Pathways Programs focus on developing cooperative training projects that cater to business needs and support individuals in need, particularly those below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. This initiative aims to strengthen Minnesota's workforce and economy.

The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership, managed by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), offers pre-development grants to support planning for large-scale training projects. Aimed at enhancing workforce skills in high-demand sectors, these grants provide up to $50,000 for institutions to expand their training capacity. This initiative encourages collaboration between businesses and educational entities to address skill gaps and improve job opportunities across Minnesota.

The Huntington Impact Investment Philanthropy Grant Program aims to strengthen communities by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance self-sufficiency and social equality. With a focus on areas such as community revitalization, affordable housing, and economic development, the program prioritizes initiatives that serve low- and moderate-income individuals. Organizations with IRS tax-exempt status can apply for funding to address critical community needs, fostering a more equitable environment for all.