Best Goodhue County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant Program, managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, promotes urban youth agricultural education and community development in urban areas. With a total funding of $1.87 million available this fiscal year, grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 can help organizations obtain necessary resources. Eligible projects must support urban agriculture initiatives and can be located in cities with populations over 5,000 or on tribal lands, fostering resilience in local agricultural economies.

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. 

The Rural Hospital Planning and Transition Grant, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health, aims to support small, nonprofit rural hospitals in developing strategic plans and implementing transition projects. This initiative enhances access to healthcare for underserved communities in Minnesota, ensuring they receive necessary services. Grant recipients will create sustainable plans to address community health needs and improve service delivery, fostering equity and inclusion in healthcare access.

The PLTW Gateway program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by supporting schools in eligible counties to implement PLTW Gateway units. With a total grant of $20,000, schools are encouraged to offer at least one unit per academic year, fostering real-world skills and engagement in STEM fields. This initiative seeks to increase access and participation in high-quality STEM learning experiences, ultimately preparing students for future careers.

The PLTW Gateway program, in collaboration with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to Project Lead The Way initiatives in eligible communities. By providing grants for program expansion, the initiative encourages schools to implement new PLTW units and train teachers, empowering students with essential skills for future careers. This partnership seeks to inspire a new generation of learners through hands-on, real-world challenges, thereby fostering greater participation in STEM fields across various regions.

The SMIF Paint the Town Grants aim to foster community pride and collaboration by funding mural, welcome sign, or historic structure painting projects in communities with populations under 10,000. Administered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation in partnership with local Ace Hardware stores, these grants encourage volunteer participation and visual impact. Eligible projects must demonstrate public use and community engagement, ensuring that at least half of the painting work is conducted by volunteers.

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 SMIF Early Literacy Grant, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, aims to enhance school readiness for children from birth to eight years old by providing books. With over $1.5 million invested annually in early childhood development, the program fosters collaboration to ensure that children in 20 counties across south central and southeastern Minnesota have access to essential literacy resources. This initiative is vital for nurturing future leaders and promoting community vitality.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant supports modernization projects for eligible rural hospitals in Minnesota. Grant funding will enable hospitals to update or replace aging facilities and equipment, ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services in communities with populations below 15,000. With an estimated total of $1,755,000 available, hospitals can receive awards ranging from $45,000 to $125,000, provided they match at least 25% of the grant request from non-state sources.

The PLTW Launch program, in collaboration with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by expanding access to innovative educational modules in eligible schools. This initiative supports public and charter schools in targeted counties, focusing on increasing student engagement in STEM fields. Through grant funding, participating schools can introduce new PLTW Launch modules and provide essential training for teachers, fostering a richer learning environment to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

The SpartanNash Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on Hunger, Heroes, and Hope. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located within a 30-mile radius of SpartanNash facilities. The Foundation ensures that every dollar raised directly benefits partner organizations, with a commitment to community impact. Grants are not available for ineligible entities, including those outside the radius or not aligned with the Foundation's mission. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has positively influenced local communities.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Early Literacy Grants by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation aim to enhance school readiness for children from birth to age eight by providing access to books. This program encourages organizations working with young children to apply for funding to distribute books to families, fostering a love for reading at an early age. Partnerships with local publishing companies ensure a steady supply of quality reading materials, with book pickups scheduled for June in Owatonna.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) will offer Economic Development Grants starting in Fall 2025. These grants aim to enhance local economies by supporting initiatives in entrepreneurship and community development within a 20-county region. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public institutions in SMIF's area. Grants of up to $20,000 will be available, making it a valuable opportunity for organizations focused on economic growth.

The Community Responsive Grants, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust, aim to support organizations addressing critical community needs in south central and southeastern Minnesota. Grants of up to $75,000 will be awarded to eligible nonprofits focusing on areas such as literacy, children's health, and mental health. Applicants must have a 501(c)(3) designation and a proven operational history of at least five years.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is offering the Promise Act Grant, providing $1.1 million to support small businesses in south central and southeastern Minnesota. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 will help businesses facing economic challenges such as lack of access to capital or population decline. This program aims to stimulate regional economic recovery and diversification, funded by a one-time allocation from the Minnesota Legislature.

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.

The Red Wing Area Fund Grant supports projects enhancing the quality of life in Red Wing, Minnesota. With a mission to initiate and appraise community projects, the fund seeks initiatives that reflect the area's unique character and engage a broad base of citizens. Eligible organizations include non-profits and public agencies, while grants generally do not cover operating expenses or support sectarian purposes. This ensures a focus on impactful, community-driven efforts.

The Red Wing Shoe Foundation's RWSF Direct Grants aim to enhance community well-being by supporting non-profit organizations that serve areas where employees live and work. Grants focus on education, arts, environmental protection, and youth development, especially for at-risk individuals. The foundation values inclusivity and does not discriminate based on race, gender, or disability, ensuring that their contributions positively impact local communities.

The SEMAC Individual Artist Grants support artists in the SEMAC Region by providing financial assistance to foster original artistic work. Grants ranging from $2,000 to $6,000 are available for various disciplines including Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens aged 18 and over, who are full-time residents of the SEMAC Region. The program encourages diverse artists, including those from underrepresented communities, to apply and showcase their work in public events.

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.