Best Duluth Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Bob and Carole Lent Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to students from Duluth area public schools pursuing higher education at local colleges. This scholarship targets both traditional and non-traditional students, especially those interested in vocational fields or education roles. With an award of $1,000, it aims to support individuals who may not be top academic achievers but demonstrate financial need, honoring the legacy of dedicated educators Bob and Carole Lent.

The Fred C. and Mary H. Lewis Scholarship Fund supports aspiring business leaders in Duluth through financial assistance for tuition, books, and fees. To qualify, applicants must be full-time MBA students at the University of Minnesota Duluth, having graduated from Duluth, Superior, Proctor, Esko, or Hermantown, and demonstrate a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 along with financial need.

The Global Awareness Fund, managed by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, supports initiatives that foster understanding and cooperation among diverse cultures. Focused on issues like peace, justice, and environmental sustainability, the Fund backs projects such as educational programs, media productions, and community dialogues. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, governmental entities, and tribal governments serving specific regions in Wisconsin and Minnesota. This initiative aims to enhance civil society and promote global citizenship.

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 Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

The Wetherby Fund, managed by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to support underprivileged children in Duluth, MN, and Superior, WI. Funding priorities include educational programs, nature appreciation initiatives, and basic needs support. Eligible projects may involve summer camps, collaboration with local organizations, and assistance for children with disabilities. Nonprofits, governmental entities, and religious organizations may apply for grants to enhance children's well-being and promote community strength.

The Boreal Waters Community Foundation's Small Business Education Fund offers scholarships to small business entrepreneurs and their key employees in the Duluth Superior area. Established in 1987, the fund promotes job creation and retention through tuition assistance aimed at enhancing management skills. Eligible candidates must have been in business for at least six months and potentially employ three or more full-time-equivalent employees. Scholarships can provide up to $1,000 to support their educational needs.

The Hubert A. Nelson Scholarship Fund, established in honor of a distinguished Duluth native, provides financial support of up to $8,000 over four years. It is aimed at graduates from select Duluth high schools who pursue Business or Accounting at the University of Minnesota Duluth or the University of Wisconsin Superior. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, ensuring that deserving students can access quality education.

The James E. and Clyda J. Montague Scholarship Fund provides financial support ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 for graduating high school seniors from any school within the DSACF service area. Eligible students must be enrolled at the University of Minnesota Duluth, the University of Wisconsin-Superior, or the College of St. Scholastica and demonstrate financial need, ensuring access to higher education opportunities.

The Community Opportunity Fund, managed by Boreal Waters Community Foundation, empowers local organizations to enhance economic stability and independence in northern communities. The fund supports projects focused on affordable housing, job creation, and access to education. By fostering collaborative efforts, it aims to create lasting change in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Organizations led by marginalized communities are especially encouraged to apply, ensuring equitable opportunities for all.

The RCU Foundation Grant supports capital projects in the arts, education, and health sectors, having awarded over $10 million since 2012. Prioritizing community benefit and sustainability, it evaluates requests based on demonstrated need and organizational capacity. The foundation focuses on areas served by Royal, ensuring a significant impact on local communities in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. It does not fund direct grants to individuals or certain operational expenses, encouraging diverse financial support for projects.

The Community Opportunity Fund: Resilience Grant, offered by Boreal Waters Community Foundation, supports transformative projects in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. It aims to enhance community resilience by funding initiatives that foster adaptation and recovery from challenges. Eligible applicants include established nonprofits and grassroots organizations focused on equity and sustainability. The grant emphasizes collaborative solutions that address pressing issues like housing stability and food security, ensuring a lasting impact for historically marginalized communities.

The Community Opportunity Fund: Belonging Grant, offered by Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to foster inclusive spaces where all voices are valued. This grant supports community-driven projects that enhance collaboration and respect among diverse groups, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. It provides funding for program support, operating expenses, and capacity building to ensure lasting impact. By prioritizing equity and community ownership, this initiative seeks transformative change across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

About Us

Hibbing Foundation, an affiliate fund of Minnesota Community Foundation, allows people to join their charitable dollars for the common good our community. Our funds are not the result of a single person's or corporation's giving; they represent hundreds of donors and organizations that care about Hibbing, Minnesota.

Hibbing Foundation provides flexibility to a broad community agenda - granting to the nonprofit community and developing and enhancing new projects and initiatives in the community.

Since 1993, the Hibbing Foundation has been connecting community members, nonprofit organizations and other partners to strengthen Hibbing through charitable giving. Because the Foundation's future depends upon the generosity of donors, we are inspiring new generations of donors to nurture Hibbing and support its community foundation.

Grants

Hibbing Foundation, an affiliate fund of Minnesota Community Foundation was established with the purpose of providing leadership and financial resources to foster the social, cultural, economic development, health, civic, educational and philanthropic activities of Hibbing by establishing and administering independent, community-supported endowment funds.

The Hibbing Foundation will entertain applicants within a geographic region bound by the Hibbing School District (ISD #701) and must be a viable 501(c)3 public charity. Non-profits whose home office is outside ISD #701 but their programs are based in Hibbing and benefit the community of Hibbing are eligible to apply.

The Community Opportunity Fund, managed by Boreal Waters Community Foundation, empowers local organizations in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin by providing essential funding for transformative projects. This initiative focuses on uniting community resources to foster innovative ideas, strengthen nonprofits, and drive impactful change. With a long-standing commitment to supporting civic engagement, the Fund directs support to where it's most needed, ensuring that communities can thrive even in challenging times.

The Eveleth Community Foundation Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the Eveleth area, focusing on arts, education, community development, environmental sustainability, and human services. It prioritizes projects that address urgent community needs, build capacity, and foster collaboration. Organizations must demonstrate sustainability beyond the grant period and may receive temporary funding to stabilize critical services. This grant is essential for those addressing unique challenges or responding to crises within the community.

The Rural Family Medicine Residency Grant Program, authorized by Minnesota Statute Sec. 144.1912, aims to support family medicine residency programs located outside the 7-county metropolitan area. The program provides funding to cover training costs for eligible residents, with approximately $1,000,000 available this cycle. Each new residency position may receive up to $400,000 in funding for a maximum of three years, promoting the training of family physicians in underserved communities.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

Northland Foundation

The Northland Foundation is a place-based, publicly supported foundation working within seven Northeast Minnesota counties and all or parts of five Native nations.

Mission: Our mission is to support Northeast Minnesota people and communities working toward a future where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

Otto Bremer Community Responsive Fund

The Northland Foundation is serving as an intermediary for the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) Community Responsive Fund with up to $600,000 available for re-granting within northeast Minnesota according to the priorities and guidelines of the OBT.

Focus Areas that OBT Grants Will Support

Grants may support operations, programming, and/or capital projects for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations operating within northeast Minnesota. Grant proposals must be for work in one or more of the following OBT focus areas.

• Food. Organizations and programs that directly operate meal sites and food pantries to meet basic daily needs (large, region- and state-wide food bank activities are NOT included).
• Shelter. Organizations and programs that provide short-term and emergency shelter beds for people who are housing insecure or facing homelessness.
• Low-income healthcare clinics. Organizations and programs that primarily provide affordable medical, dental, and mental health services to people with limited financial resources or who are uninsured/under-insured.
• Disability services. Organizations and programs that support people with physical/cognitive disabilities.
• School-based mental health. Organizations and programs that have established school-based mental health services.

The Four Cedars Environmental Fund, supported by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, offers financial assistance for programs that protect and educate about the unique natural resources of the western Lake Superior watershed. Eligible applicants include charitable organizations and those serving specific counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The fund aims to enrich local environmental initiatives through capital requests, start-up costs, and technical support, fostering sustainable practices within the community.

The Minnesota Department of Health is offering funding for innovative HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) programs aimed at reducing HIV transmission in rural communities. With a total of up to $600,000 available, the initiative seeks to increase HIV screenings, referrals, and prescriptions, ultimately promoting health equity and supporting the local END HIV MN plan. Organizations that can effectively implement and evaluate these programs are encouraged to apply.

The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, established in 1994, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Greater Itasca Area through philanthropic efforts. Governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, the foundation awards grants to nonprofits addressing local needs across various sectors, including education and the arts. With over 30 years of experience, it connects generous donors with community needs, fostering collaboration and compassion to create lasting, positive change.

The Samuel F. Atkins and Barbara H. Atkins Memorial Fund Grant, managed by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, supports projects that assist low-income individuals and address animal welfare. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, governmental entities, and tribal governments located in specific counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The fund prioritizes projects demonstrating financial need, including emergency services and training programs for the physically disabled. This grant exemplifies the foundation's commitment to enhancing community welfare.

The Michigan Botanical Foundation Grant supports research and educational initiatives that enhance the understanding and preservation of Michigan's flora. Grants are available for projects involving rare species, environmental awareness, and educational programs. The foundation welcomes applications from individuals and organizations that align with its goals. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $1,500, with preference given to projects based in Michigan or the Great Lakes region. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

About Us

The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation was established in 1983 by visionary community leaders. We are a collection of hundreds of endowed funds established by individuals, families, private foundations, and businesses to enhance the quality of life in our region. Since our inception, we have distributed more than $40 million in grants and scholarships and currently administer over 360 different funds, each with its own charitable purpose. The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation promotes private giving for the public good.

Community Opportunity Fund

The Community Opportunity Fund is at the heart of our work at Boreal Waters Community Foundation. It’s how we connect generosity with possibility to support bold ideas, local leadership, and long-term solutions across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Each year, this fund helps nonprofits tackle critical challenges, strengthen communities, and ensure that everyone in our region can thrive.

A Grant Program Rooted in Community and Collective Generosity

As our region’s permanent civic endowment, the Community Opportunity Fund helps nonprofits and community groups respond to challenges, create solutions, and build a better future. In 2023, we restructured the fund to offer larger, more flexible grants—supporting not just programs, but long-term vision and systems change.

We focus on these interconnected areas:

Community Opportunity Fund: Resilience Grant Focus

Projects must enhance the ability of organizations, families, or communities to anticipate, adapt to, and recover from challenges, creating sustainable, long-term solutions that reduce risk and promote resilience.

Examples include:

• Leveraging partnerships and resources to implement scalable, lasting solutions that strengthen community resilience.
• Expanding access to knowledge, training, and tools that improve economic, social, or environmental stability for individuals and families.
• Developing community-driven solutions that address housing stability, food security, workforce resilience, or climate adaptation.
• Applying innovative or proven strategies that increase a community’s ability to prepare for and respond to systemic challenges (e.g., disaster preparedness, economic shifts, public health crises).

Community Opportunity Fund: Belonging Grant Focus 

Community Opportunity Fund: Opportunity Grant Focus

What We Fund

We support a wide range of community-driven, equity-centered work. Funding can be used for:

• Program or Project Support: To launch, expand, or sustain work in Opportunity, Resilience, or Belonging
• General Operating Support: To build strength and stability
• Capacity Building: To grow organizational effectiveness or leadership
• Community-Led Solutions: Especially those involving lived experience and cross-sector collaboration
• Systems Change and Upstream Impact: Projects that address root causes—not just symptoms

The Biodiversity Fund Grant, offered by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to enhance biodiversity in the Duluth-Superior region. It supports projects focused on habitat restoration, species protection, and addressing climate change impacts. Eligible applicants include charitable organizations that serve specific counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. This initiative seeks to promote ecological health and engage local communities in conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of vital ecosystems for future generations.