Best Fillmore County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

SEMAC: Arts Management Training grants are designed to assist nonprofit arts groups in southeastern Minnesota by funding participation in management education workshops. Grants of up to $300 per person can cover topics like fundraising, audience development, and marketing. Applicants must demonstrate community impact and be located within the SEMAC region. The submission deadline is thirty days before the training start date, ensuring timely planning and execution of educational opportunities.

Rural volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments in Fillmore County, Minnesota can receive up to US $4,000 for essential emergency response equipment. Compeer Financial supports first responders across its multi-county service area, helping rural departments upgrade tools and gear that protect local communities year-round.

Farmers markets in Fillmore County, Minnesota that are bona fide markets with at least three local vendors can apply for Compeer Financial’s Farmers Market Grant Program. Grants up to Up to US $1,000 support marketing, technology upgrades, vendor or staff education, research, and safety improvements that enhance services for consumers and vendors.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public institutions, and government agencies in Fillmore County, Minnesota can apply for Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s Taylor Rural Improvements Grant, offering up to US $30,000 for capital projects. Funding supports essential services like food access, transportation, shelter, clothing, or internet accessibility in rural communities under 10,000 residents within SMIF’s 20-county region.

Building resilient rural communities.

Supporting communities across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.

The mission of the Taylor Family Farms Foundation is to collaborate with knowledgeable and trusted philanthropic partners to build resilient rural communities.

We believe that strong partnerships and local insight are essential to creating lasting impact. By working alongside experienced organizations, we ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.

Fall 2026 Grant Cycle Details

Grant Guidelines and Eligibility

Reliable emergency services are essential to every community. In rural areas, those services are often provided by volunteers who step forward when their neighbors need them most.

The Taylor Family Farms Foundation is now accepting grant applications from emergency services providers serving rural communities.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, schools, and municipalities that are eligible to receive funding from a public foundation.

Individual artists in disciplines like dance, music, theatre, literary, and visual arts in Fillmore County, Minnesota can receive $3,000 - US $6,000 from Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council to advance original work. Funding supports projects that culminate in a public performance, publication, or exhibition hosted by a nonprofit or other approved venue in the SEMAC region.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund supports local events and initiatives that promote health and well-being in the community. Applications should be submitted at least 12 weeks prior to the event date. The fund prioritizes non-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies that align with the Health System’s Community Health Improvement Plan. Event sponsorships, local memberships, and partnerships are encouraged to enhance community engagement and address social needs, ultimately fostering a healthier community.

Fillmore County, Minnesota health and rural care nonprofits, public agencies, and Tribal Nations can access funding through the Medica Foundation to advance health equity in rural communities. Grants up to US $20,000 over two years support priorities like dental, maternal, mental and chemical health, primary and sexual care for underserved groups, and senior health services.

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.

RBC Foundation USA provides Fillmore County, Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for workforce preparation, youth development, arts access, and related community programs. Eligible organizations have at least three years of public charity status, a $100,000+ operating budget, and operate in communities where RBC Wealth Management has an active business presence.

501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least five years of operations and $2M+ in annual expenses can apply for up to US $75,000 to support food access, shelter, clinics, disability services, or school-based mental health. With a mission to strengthen communities, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation provides Fillmore County, Minnesota organizations and other regional providers with funding for operations, programs, or capital projects.

501(c)(3) nonprofits providing housing, homelessness prevention, or emergency support services in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, including Fillmore County, can seek support for housing, shelter, programs, and financial assistance. With a mission to improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness, Edina Realty Foundation provides grants to organizations offering food, emergency shelter, medical care, job readiness training, and related services.

Nonprofit and community organizations working with children from birth to age eight in Fillmore County, Minnesota can receive free books to support early literacy and school readiness. Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation’s Early Literacy Grants provide books for families to keep and read at home, with pickup typically scheduled in June in Owatonna.

Communities under 10,000 residents in Fillmore County, Minnesota and SMIF’s 20-county region can receive paint for community murals, welcome signs, or historic structures. Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation covers paint costs (up to 100 gallons considered) for highly visible, volunteer-driven projects; a government or 501(c)(3) fiscal agent is required for eligible privately owned or historic sites.

Focused on early literacy, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation invites Fillmore County, Minnesota organizations serving children from birth to age eight to apply for book grants that boost school readiness. Eligible nonprofits and community groups can receive children’s books to distribute to families to read and keep, supporting local early childhood development efforts.

Grants from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation help Fillmore County, Minnesota nonprofits and public institutions expand small-business support and strengthen local economic development. IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, and public institutions in SMIF’s 20-county region, including Fillmore County, can request up to US $10,000 for projects that foster entrepreneurship, job creation, and community vitality.

The County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Program aims to support rural communities within Compeer Financial’s territory by providing funding for upgrades and repairs to county fair facilities. Eligible organizations can receive up to $4,000 to enhance livestock buildings, 4-H buildings, and judging arenas. This initiative not only improves facilities but also fosters community engagement and agricultural education, ensuring that fairs continue to thrive in delivering memorable experiences for all ages.

The SEMAC Individual Artist: Emerging Artist Grant provides $3,000 to support artists who have demonstrated some achievement but lack extensive recognition. This grant encourages creativity across various disciplines, including Dance, Music, and Visual Arts, culminating in a public engagement event. Artists must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens, and residents of the SEMAC Region for six months. Notably, matching funds are not required, making this an accessible opportunity for emerging talent.

The SEMAC: General Operating Support Grants invite nonprofit arts organizations in the SEMAC region, with operating expenses under $174,000, to apply for funding aimed at enhancing their stability through administrative support. Grants of up to $5,000 annually (totaling $10,000 over two years) are available, with recipients required to submit an interim report after the first year. Applications are accepted until funds are depleted, with specific deadlines for notifications.

The SEMAC Opportunity Grants provide vital support to nonprofit arts organizations and educational institutions for unexpected projects. These grants do not require matching funds and are available to eligible applicants in southeastern Minnesota. Organizations can apply twice per fiscal year, with projects needing to be completed within twelve months. The application deadline is fifteen days before the project start date, ensuring timely funding for artistic initiatives that benefit the community.

The Programming Grants for Arts Organizations, previously known as Presenter/Production Assistance Grants, provide funding to nonprofit organizations and artists in Southeastern Minnesota. Sponsored by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, these grants support arts-related programming, including public performances and educational activities. Organizations must demonstrate artistic quality and community impact, while educational institutions are eligible for Presenter Assistance. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to foster creativity and cultural engagement in the region.

Non-federal, nonprofit rural hospitals in Fillmore County, Minnesota can use this grant for capital improvements to update, remodel, or replace aging facilities and equipment. Grants from Minnesota Department of Health help eligible small hospitals (50 beds or fewer) preserve and improve access to hospital services, with awards ranging from US $45,000 - US $125,000.

Small nonprofit rural hospitals in Fillmore County, Minnesota can apply for US $25,000 - US $45,000 to develop strategic plans or implement transition projects that preserve or enhance access to health services. Grants from Minnesota Department of Health support needs assessments, service modifications, and improved emergency and ambulatory care for underserved rural communities.

The SEMAC: School Residency Grant supports artist residencies in K-12 public or non-religious private schools, providing students with direct arts experiences. This grant enhances artists' professional development through unique employment opportunities. Residencies last from one to five full school days and culminate in a public capstone event. Applications are due thirty days prior to the residency, and no matching funds are required, making this an accessible opportunity for artists in the southeastern Minnesota region.

The SEMAC Rural Arts Grant aims to foster arts initiatives in rural communities of southeastern Minnesota with populations under 7,500. It supports diverse artistic projects including visual arts, music, and performance, encouraging local engagement and collaboration with community partners. Grants range from $3,000 to $6,000, and eligibility includes individual artists and nonprofit organizations within the SEMAC region. This initiative seeks to enhance cultural experiences and strengthen community ties through accessible arts programming.

Greater Minnesota Housing Infrastructure Grant Program

Grant funds can be used to cover up to 50% of capital costs of physical public infrastructure necessary to support a qualifying housing development. This may include sewers, water supply systems, utility extensions, streets and more, necessary to support single-family, multifamily, homeownership and rental housing development.

Grants are generally limited to:

• $40,000 per lot for one to four units
• $180,000 per lot for multifamily housing (five or more units/building)
• $60,000 per manufactured housing lot
• No more than $500,000 to any grantee or project over a two year period.

Applicants’ matching funds may include in-kind contributions, such as donation of land.