Best Fillmore County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Farmers market vendors in Fillmore County, Minnesota who are Compeer Financial clients can receive up to US $500 to improve education, marketing, or technology for their booths. Grants from Compeer Financial help fund branding, websites, mobile payment tools, and equipment like tents, tables, scales, coolers, signage, and display racks.

Rural volunteer fire, rescue, or ambulance departments collaborating across adjacent jurisdictions in Fillmore County, Minnesota can seek funding for specialized emergency response equipment. With a mission to strengthen rural communities, Compeer Financial provides up to US $7,500 for items like chest compression systems, fit testing machines, or hydraulic extrication tools within its 144-county service area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs in education, health, human services, environment, arts, or community development in Fillmore County, Minnesota can receive support through the Best Life Community Awards. Focused on strengthening local communities, Altra Foundation invites eligible nonprofits nominated by Altra members to compete for US $2,500 - US $10,000 in funding.

Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies in Fillmore County, Minnesota can seek more than US $50,000 for transformative community health and well-being projects, including poverty, economic stability, and neighborhood improvements. Focused on community health, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation invites local organizations to propose initiatives that advance its Community Health Improvement Plan and produce measurable, positive health outcomes.

The Small Town Grants Program, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, aids communities with populations of 10,000 or less by providing grants up to $10,000. This initiative encourages projects that enhance the quality of life and foster community engagement. Eligible projects must be innovative, and a 25% cash match is required. Excluded from funding are for-profit entities and general operating expenses, ensuring that resources directly benefit community growth.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.

Biofertilizer Innovation and Efficiency Pilot Program

The Biofertilizer Innovation and Efficiency Pilot Program provides incentive payments to farmers for reducing the application rate of commercial nitrogen fertilizer when using a qualifying biofertilizer product and incorporating innovative technologies into their crop nutrient management. The program is available for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons. 

The program is open for all agricultural crops that have a recommended nitrogen fertilizer rate published by the University of Minnesota. Recommended rates can be found by crop, Crop-specific nutrient needs | University of Minnesota. 

Payment Rate and Crops

Farmers meeting program requirements will receive a payment of $15 per acre.

The maximum amount of land each farm entity can enroll is up to 3,000 acres. The MDA reserves the right to limit the number of acres enrolled per applicant based on the number of applications received.

Qualifying Biofertilizer Products

The biofertilizer product(s) used is at the discretion of the farmer when the following requirements are met:

• The product must be registered as a specialty fertilizer, soil or plant amendment, or licensed as a fertilizer with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and
• The product label must specify that the product provides a source of nitrogen or nutrients supplied by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.

Visit the Registered Product Search to find products holding a current registration in Minnesota.

The intent of the program is to improve nitrogen management and incorporate innovative technologies, so compost or a continued use of legume inoculants will not be eligible under the program. 

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 Chosen Valley Community Foundation

The Chosen Valley Community Foundation works to strengthen our community through meaningful philanthropy. Donations made to the Foundation stay in our community and are distributed through our Grants, Scholarships, and Special Projects programs.

An affiliate of the Rochester Area Foundation and serving the Chatfield School District area, The Chosen Valley Community Foundation is a Minnesota non-profit corporation recognized as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization by the IRS.

Fall Community Grants

The Chosen Valley Community Foundation welcomes grant applications that serve the Chatfield community and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. Grants are awarded annually as funding permits.

Grant Criteria:

• Project must have a timeline and clearly stated, measurable goals and outcomes.
• Organization must complete final report within 30 days of the end of project. The final report form is available on the website.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Greater Minnesota Public Infrastructure

The Greater Minnesota Business Development Infrastructure Grant Program helps stimulate new economic development, create new jobs and retains existing jobs through investments in public infrastructure.

It provides grants to cities of up to 50% of the capital costs of the public infrastructure necessary to expand or retain jobs in the area, increase the tax base, or expand or create new economic development.

Award Amounts

Applicants wills be awarded 50% of eligible, capital costs for eligible projects, pending availability of funds. Applicants may receive no more than $2,000,000 in two years for one or more projects. If after five years the project has not proceeded in a timely manner and is unlikely to be completed, the grant will be cancelled and grant money awarded to the city must be returned.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.