Search Through Grants for Children in Minnesota in the U.S.

Dekko Foundation Grant

Our Funding Priorities

We believe children and young people from birth through age 18 are naturally wired to achieve economic freedom through their own development and by being in learning environments that support their self-sufficiency. When they have opportunities to connect their skills and talents to careers, they further their ability to create goods and services for others. It is through the creation of value for others within our democracy and free-enterprise system that they can earn, build, use, and share their wealth in the manner they choose. In other words, they have achieved economic freedom.

Through our grantmaking, we invest in the healthy development of children and young people and in environments that nurture their self-sufficiency. Using what we’ve learned over our four decades as a grantmaker and our understanding of the principles of child development, we have established a set of funding priorities that guides our work.

Grantmaking Priority Areas  (find additional details here):

• Early Childhood Development: Our goal is to prepare young people for lives of economic freedom, and it all starts in the critical years from birth to age five.  During this time children benefit when the adults in their lives understand how they are growing and learning and know how to apply that understanding.
• Middle Childhood Development: Growth and learning in middle childhood builds on the foundation that was laid in early childhood.  While they continue to rely on their parents and their familiar surroundings, children from age six through twelve become voracious explorers of the world around them.
• Adolescent Developments: To be ready for a life of economic freedom, a young person must have the opportunity to learn skills, acquire knowledge and build character.  Beginning at about age thirteen, young people begin to think about their purpose in life and crave ways to apply the experiences and information that they’ve gained during their childhood.
• Community Development: Only vibrant communities are able to adequately support the development of their children and young people.  The best of those communities act as economic freedom role models for their citizens.

Begun in 1969, Mardag Foundation has continued the legacy of its founder, Agnes Ober, who overcame poverty in her early life and whose charitable spirit led her to create a permanent means by which to give back to and strengthen her community. Mardag Foundation is a family foundation that for more than 50 years has focused on ways to engage with and invest in communities across Minnesota through nonprofit grants. The Foundation has evolved its grantmaking as community needs have changed, while staying true to our founder’s commitment to caring for those most in need.

As our mission, Mardag Foundation supports Minnesota nonprofits to remove barriers and create opportunities for low income or traditionally marginalized children, youth and families; older adults with barriers to living independently; and to build capacity of organizations supporting the arts and humanities. Grant seekers should note that beginning in 2026, Mardag Foundation will move away from its Arts & Culture funding priority. 2025 will be the last year of funding in this priority area

Mardag Foundation offers two types of grants (beginning in 2026): Responsive Grants and System-level Grants. Beginning in 2026 organizations serving older adults will only be eligible in Mardag’s Responsive grant process.

Responsive Grants

Responsive Grants will provide grants within select funding priorities to support ongoing, urgent, emergent and timely community opportunities. The goal of our Responsive grantmaking is to support community-driven solutions to emergent needs in the East Metro and Greater Minnesota. Our Responsive Grants will offer one-time emergency support of $2,500 – $20,000 per grant depending on the need.

Funding Priorities

We fund Food Access or Housing organizations that serve low-income children, youth, families and/or older adults from Native American/Indigenous or immigrant/refugee communities in the East Metro or Greater Minnesota, filling an unexpected emergency financial gap in response to:

• Unexpected maintenance or repairs for buildings, vehicles, technology and/or equipment
• Natural, environmental and/or civic disasters

Nordson Corporation Foundation

The Nordson Corporation Foundation awards grants to non-profits in our communities throughout the United States. Since 1989, the Foundation has awarded more than $60 million in grants to improve the quality of life in our communities, placing a special focus on causes related to education. Employees support the foundation by making donations during our annual A Time to Give Campaign, or by participating in a Community Affairs Committee (CAC). Committees review grant applications and vote to distribute Foundation funds to deserving local causes. During the last financial year, the Foundation gave out 362 grants totaling $6.3 million.

Nordson Foundation Giving Strategies

The geographic areas in which Nordson has major facilities determine the Nordson Foundation's giving priorities.

Within these geographic areas, granting priorities are driven by community needs. Although needs change quickly, our vision is long term. We pursue and support results-oriented opportunities that prepare individuals for full and equal participation in the economic and social mainstream. We believe these kinds of programs help improve the quality of life over the long term and produce stronger, more enlightened communities in which we live and work. We strive to fulfill these responsibilities in our communities through contributions to charitable activities with a focus on education. Other major giving categories that are supported are human welfare, civic affairs and arts and culture. 

Nordson Foundation Values 

In the spirit of our corporate founders, the Nordson Corporation Foundation continues to operate on the belief that business, as a corporate citizen, has a social responsibility to share its success with the communities where it operates and draws employees.  

The Nordson Foundation is dedicated to improving our communities by supporting the continuum of education from birth to adulthood in the belief that education is the key for individuals to become self-sufficient, productive members of society.  

To prepare individuals for economic independence, a variety of quality educational experiences are necessary. To be successful today, individuals not only need to master the basics, “reading, writing and arithmetic”, they must also know how to think critically and creatively. Strengthening the community’s human capital – through quality education – is crucial.  

The Nordson Foundation offers support to non-profit organizations that cultivate educational curriculum and experiences that foster self-sufficiency, job readiness and goals to aspire to higher education. The Foundation is well aware of the fact that for non-profit organizations to remain viable they must receive operating support. With this in mind, Nordson Corporation Foundation does invest in general operating support.  

As stewards of the Foundation assets, the directors feel strongly that the organizations that are supported by the Foundation be able to measure the effectiveness of their mission and programs. Quantitative and/or qualitative data allows for the Foundation to ensure that the organizations it supports are bringing about the desired outcomes in our communities.

Nordson Foundation Goals

The goals of the Nordson Corporation Foundation are to insure that:

• All children have access to and receive quality educational experiences from early childhood  
• All individuals have the opportunity to be self-sufficient members of society 
• There is a continuum of quality educational opportunities 
• Our communities are strengthened by the organizations we fund whether their focus is education, human welfare, civic or arts and culture

Nordson Foundation Funding Strategy

Through its grant-making, the Foundation supports organizations that directly or indirectly seek to maximize success before, during and beyond the traditional classroom years. Grants will be reviewed and considered on the basis of their enrichment to the communities where our employees live and work. Organizations and programs receiving grants will be expected to identify relevant, measurable outcomes to demonstrate the effectiveness of their programs.

Education

• Early Childhood Care and Education
• Maximizing Student Success
• Access to quality educational opportunities
• Innovative programs
• Partnerships/collaborations with school districts
• Funding gaps not covered by public monies
• Augmenting core curriculum
• Exposure to programs that expand on traditional education
• Workforce Preparation
• Initial preparation for the world of work
• Retraining for the new job market
• Strengthening our communities

Human Welfare

• Promote prevention and lifestyle maintenance programs and activities
• Promote crisis intervention
• Promote life transition opportunities
• Promote systemic change

Arts and Culture

• Actively seek to broaden the audience bases in Nordson communities
• Support the visual and performing arts
• Provide educational enrichment for students
• Motivation for at-risk youth
• Provide access to the arts for special needs audience
• Promote greater understanding among people via the arts

Civic

• Work to improve the physical or economic environment
• Provide cultural or historical preservation
• Strive to inform citizens and increase their participation in community improvement

Mission

The mission of the Peter J. King Family Foundation is to provide bricks and mortar funding to organizations whose activities are dedicated to the improvement of children’s health, education and welfare, and to building a stronger family environment.  

Additional Criteria

Beyond furthering the mission of the Peter J. King Family Foundation, grant requests will be evaluated against the following criteria:

• Emphasis on economically disadvantaged areas
• Organizations’ proven ability to sustain operations over the long term
• Maximizes the number of people benefiting from the grant
• Emphasis as major donor.
• Geographic Focus:
• Saint Paul, Minnesota Area (First Priority)
• Saint Paul / Minneapolis Metro Area (Second Priority)
• Africa (Third Priority)
• Program funding gifts are not considered

Valero Energy Foundation 

Valero, its employees and the Valero Energy Foundation are committed to improving the quality of life in communities where we work and live, fulfilling a mission that was set from the beginning. We set the standard for corporate citizenship and promotes prosperity in our communities. 

The Valero Energy Foundation -- a public charity and Valero's philanthropic arm -- funds nonprofit agencies that serve predominantly disadvantaged children and families. In 2019, the Foundation contributed appoximately $40 million in assistance in the communities where Valero has major operations.

Four Pillars of Support

Our funding focuses on our four pillars of giving in communities where we have major operations.

• Basic Needs:  Valero gives assistance to agencies that provide basic needs of life, including shelter, food and clothing necessary for the development of a strong and safe community. 
• Health Care: We invest in the development of strategic community health resources and facilities that will support the needs of all members of our nearby communities, with major gifts going to children’s hospitals, university medical centers and service providers that offer specialized health care services and programs.
• Education: Valero is a strong advocate of education as it creates a necessary foundation for all children to thrive and for adults to lead productive lives. 
• Civic: We support civic and environmental initiatives directly related to the success of the communities where we live and work.

About Us

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 & Values

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

Integrity. Be solid partners: ethical, reliable, and transparent. Keep the mission and values at the forefront.

Respect. Honor different cultures, traditions, and beliefs. Trust communities to know their own challenges and strengths.

Empowerment. Help ensure people and communities can use their voice and power to shape their own lives for the better.

Inclusiveness. Actively work to reach and reflect the diversity of the people and communities served. Be intentional to break down barriers and bring people together.

What We Fund

Quarterly grants can be used for general operating support and are flexible to help grantees meet their funding needs. General operating grants are only available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are headquartered and have a staffing presence in our geographic region. Grants may also be used for capacity-building efforts that strengthen the organization or improve service delivery.

Program restricted grants are available for nonprofit organizations that 1) have operations or are headquartered outside our region or 2) are governmental organizations, such as school districts, colleges or universities, or Tribal nations. Program-restricted grants can only be used to support a specific program and associated activities that take place in our service area.

Grant Priorities

The most successful proposals will clearly address one or more of the following five priorities.

Basic Needs

Services and programming that address human needs essential to overall wellbeing. Proposals can address one or more of the following basic needs categories.

• Food Security
  • Support for food access programming such as meal services, food banks and food shelves, and child hunger programs (summer meal programs, backpack programs, school-based pantries, etc.).
• Affordable Housing
  • Support for affordable housing programs or services that help increase opportunities for people to access quality affordable housing.
  • Proposals should be for general operating or program support, not construction costs.
  • Examples are programs that provide downpayment assistance, home ownership programming, and landlord/tenant rights education.
• Homeless Services
  • Support for services to people experiencing homelessness such as support for shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, or warming shelters.
• Aging
  • Providing services to help older adults age in place, such as caregiver support, grocery services, or meal services.
• Health and Wellbeing
  • Programs that support the health, wellness, and mental wellbeing of people who otherwise would not have access to these services.
  • Examples are free health clinics, oral health care programs, and mental health services.
• Other Basic Needs
  • Services to people with disabilities, workforce programs, legal services, etc.

Belonging

Inequities exist in our society. Resources and opportunities are often limited based on place (where someone lives), race (skin color or cultural background), and class (economic status). Belonging seeks to support projects and initiatives designed to help everyone, especially those who are under-served or underrepresented in traditional power structures, to gain full and fair access to essentials like quality housing, education, and employment, and generally thrive. This may include broad, community-wide efforts or a specific focus on belonging within our existing priority areas.Domestic and Sexual Violence

Prevention and intervention efforts in relation to domestic abuse and family violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, such as shelter, advocacy, legal, and other supports or visitation programs that provide a place for safe and supervised parental visits.

Early Childhood Care and Education

Early care and education quality and access, parenting education, and supports. Note: the quarterly grant program does not include support for child care start-ups or child care operating expenses, but sometimes there is funding available for these activities through Special Grant Opportunities.

Out-of-School Time

Structured, consistent, and accessible out-of-school time educational programming and activities for broad groups of children and youth delivered by an organization whose primary focus is to serve youth/youth development.

Strategic Approaches that are Encouraged

High-impact programs and projects build in certain strategic approaches that can improve outcomes. We encourage including one or more of the following approaches in work considered for funding

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• Actively working to reach and fully reflect the diversity of communities served, facilitate inclusion, and counter systemic inequity.

Multi-Generational

• Considering the needs of multiple generations when addressing an issue. For example, programs for children may include components for parents and guardians.

Collaboration

• Bringing other partners into a program or project in order to tap others’ expertise, expand geographic or demographic reach, and/or improve outcomes.

Systems Change

• Seeking to change public policy and increase the civic engagement of under-represented populations.

The Impact Fund awards recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits, private attorneys, and small law firms who seek to confront economic, environmental, racial, and social injustice. Since our founding in 1992, the Impact Fund has made more than 800 recoverable grants totaling more than $10 million for impact litigation. We award grants four times per year, most within the range of US$10,000 to US$50,000.

Social Justice

The Impact Fund provides grants and legal support to assist in human and civil rights cases. We have helped to change dozens of laws and win cases to improve the rights of thousands. The cases we are funding allege that:

• In Texas and North Carolina, incarcerated people with mental health disabilities are forced to remain in jail despite being found not guilty and unable to proceed with a criminal trial.
• In Orange County, California there are currently 13 gang injunctions under effect, which disproportionately affect young men of color.
• In Chicago, Illinois, the city’s homeless shelter program is inaccessible to people with disabilities.
• In Springfield, Oregon, the city and its police department used excessive force against Black Lives Matter protesters.
• In West Virginia, the state fails to protect children in foster care from abuse and neglect. 
• In Montana, voter suppression laws disadvantage young adults and give priority to gun owners.
• In Gary, Indiana, a gun manufacturer negligently marketed and distributed its guns, leading to an epidemic of gun violence in the city. 
• In Vancouver, British Columbia, the police perpetuate systemic discrimination against Indigenous people through bureaucratic measures.

Environmental Justice

The Impact Fund provides grants to support local litigation for environmental justice. These grants are for cases aiming to help people or communities who are affected by environmental harm or who lack access to basic environmental needs, such as clean water, clean air, adequate waste treatment, and green spaces. The cases we are funding allege that:

• In Centreville, Illinois, the city’s failure to maintain its sewer system has caused raw sewage to flood peoples’ homes, endangering the property and health of a predominantly Black community.
• In Fresno County, California, the California Department of Transportation approved a highway expansion project that would increase air pollution and traffic in one of the state’s most environmentally burdened communities.
• In downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the proposed expansion of a highway would divide the region's Black, Asian, and Latine neighborhoods and cause pollution and ill health.
• In North Dakota, the five-month closure of a highway in response to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests disproportionately affected the livelihoods and health of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe members.
• In Ontario, Canada, mercury contamination of the English-Wabigoon river system causes catastrophic environmental and health impacts for the Grassy Narrows First Nation.
• In Sacramento, California, the county government and Sacramento Area Sewer District violated the Clean Water Act by discharging raw sewage into nearby rivers.
• In the Eastern Coachella Valley in California, 1,900 residents of the Oasis Mobile Home Park suffer from arsenic-laced drinking water, wastewater contamination, and overcharging for utilities.

Economic Justice

The Impact Fund provides financial and other forms of support to cases fighting for economic justice. From workers' rights to consumer protection for vulnerable populations, impact litigation is a powerful tool to hold corporationss and the government accountable. The cases we are funding allege that:

• In Brooklyn, New York, a prominent mortgage lender engaged in predatory practices, leaving homeowners of color at risk of losing their homes. 
• In Washington, live-in caregivers are unconstitutionally excluded from the state’s wage-and-hour protections.
• In Ravalli County, Montana, the county has created a “modern-day debtors’ prison” by incarcerating people unable to afford pre-trial fees. 
• In San Diego, California, vehicle ordinances target unhoused vehicle owners even when no adequate housing alternative exists.
• In New York, a federal immigration detention facility is violating minimum wage and forced labor laws by forcing detainees to work for just a dollar a day. 
• In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the city and county destroy the property of unhoused individuals and conduct forced evictions from public spaces. 
• In Miami, Florida, insurance companies discriminate against a nonprofit community development corporation renting to tenants with Section 8 rental subsidies.

Who We Are

Mission:

• Our mission is to strengthen local communities by empowering community foundations.

We Believe In:

• Capturing and preserving the legacy of our donors … Forever
• Our duty to provide unparalleled, personalized service to our donors
• Inspiring philanthropy across generations
• Utilizing financial resources as a tool to bring about lasting, positive change
• Our responsibility to serve as a trusted local leader and community catalyst, building connections between people who share a common geography

We Value:

• Community - We bring people together to leave our world better than we found it. Everyone is welcome at the Community Foundation table.
• Integrity - We recognize that our assets are our people, capital and reputation. If any of these is ever diminished, the last is the most difficult to restore.
• Commitment - We possess an authentic and genuine dedication to the communities and people we serve.
• Innovation - We are committed to being flexible and improving what we do and how we do it, each and every day.
• Optimism - We have a “can-do” attitude that inspires creative solutions.
• Diversity - We integrate the diversity of our local communities in our discussions and actions.
• Generosity - We nurture a "pay-it-forward" approach that supports community-based philanthropy to grow and serve local communities.

WACF Community Impact Grant

The Willmar Area Community Foundation (WACF) supports specific community initiatives through a variety of grants. WACF seeks to make smaller grants for general operations and programs to address changing community needs. WACF also seeks to make significant grants that will be the "Difference Maker” in bringing about community-wide, lasting, and positive changes in the Willmar area. WACF is looking to provide leadership and financial support that goes beyond the grant in order to advance the project or initiative that needs a large dollar amount to get started or completed.

Focus Areas

• Addressing the Achievement Gap for our Youth:
  • Projects that address access to quality early childhood programming and address barriers to access.
  • Projects that improve access to enrichment activities for low income and underserved children.
  • Projects that provide ‘on ramps’ for skills, training and experiences beyond a four year college prep focus including apprenticeships, skills training, innovative programming, etc.
  • Projects are preferred that help build foundational, technical and soft skills that prepare young people for our future workforce and that help students with challenges to become productive members of our community.
• Increasing Community Connections and Welcoming Diverse Populations:
  • Projects that welcome newcomers to our community, that create social connections, create an open/welcoming community, address aesthetics and improve the quality of life through art and active recreational opportunities.
  • Leadership development projects for emerging leaders of varied ages and backgrounds.
  • Newcomer Programs that are community led and culturally relevant or that connect New Americans to education and civic systems.
• Supporting Productive Aging:
  • Projects that provide basic needs for low income seniors or enrich the quality of life for seniors across the spectrum.
  • Activities that deploy multigenerational approaches to connect seniors and youth or projects that meaningfully engage seniors as a volunteer force to address an unmet community need.

Funding

Amount Range: $5,000 to $20,000 (focused on single organization, issue or program)

Mission Statement

The Beim Foundation, a multi-generational family foundation, honors the past while embracing the future. Founded over 70 years ago by Nels Christian Beim, an immigrant from Norway, the Foundation has both a Minnesota-focused granting component and a program that serves other regions of interest to the Directors. The Foundation’s philanthropic priorities favor small, community-based, and developing organizations. Grants are made in the areas of arts, environment, human services and education.

Grantmaking Philosophy

In all of its grantmaking, the Foundation supports projects that are strengths-based, focus on prevention, and apply common sense solutions to community needs. The Foundation favors innovative approaches that are participant designed, leverage community resources, and have a ripple effect in the community.

Minnesota Legacy Program

Through the Minnesota Legacy Program, The Beim Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area. Under this granting program, the Foundation supports a limited number of organizations.

This year, the Beim Foundation will accept Letters of Intent from environmental education programs or projects that serve children and youth from under-resourced communities within the seven-county Twin Cities metro area.

Funding

Grants will likely range between $10,000 and $30,000.

Background

F. R. Bigelow Foundation believes that our community should not only benefit from our work, but inform and form it as well. Creating solutions to today’s issues requires a collaborative approach. Our work is also rooted in a commitment to racial equity.

We offer general operating, program and some capital support. The Foundation considers grant applications from nonprofit organizations and public entities fostering a vibrant East Metro region and seeking to achieve racially and economically equitable outcomes in the areas of arts & culture, economic & community development, education & youth development, health, housing and human services.

Funding Priorities

F. R. Bigelow Foundation has six focus areas and will consider proposals that address one or more of the following:

Arts & Culture

Strengthening the arts & culture sector to serve all individuals and all communities across the East Metro region by supporting general operations and capital projects

• The Foundation shares Grantmakers in the Arts’ view that all “peoples, their cultures, and their art contribute to the meaning and understanding of our humanity and should be honored and celebrated.”
• Priority will be given to arts and culture organizations that seek to amplify narratives and voices across BIPOC communities and other communities experiencing marginalization (e.g., people with disabilities, low-income communities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, formerly incarcerated people, etc.).
• Please note that the Foundation has not historically supported specific productions, performances, exhibits, artist fees, etc. through this application-based process.

Community and Economic Development

Building a strong and vital East Metro through community building, physical development and strengthening support for low-income individuals, families and underrepresented communities through workforce development and training 

• The Foundation seeks to invest and partner in solutions informed and formed by the people facing the highest barriers to wealth creation, economic security and family-sustaining career pathways. In the East Metro, this includes BIPOC, women, veterans, young people, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated people and LGBTQIA+ people.
• Specific priorities for wealth creation include strengthening the entrepreneur ecosystem and increasing local ownership of businesses and homes.
• Regarding economic security, the Foundation recognizes the importance of anchor institutions embedded at the neighborhood level. For workforce development, we will prioritize employment pathways that meet the needs of individuals and employers alike.

Education & Youth Development

Supporting under-served children, youth and young adults by investing in access to high-quality education and youth development both in and out of school from cradle to career

• The Foundation recognizes how important it is for students and young people to feel cared for, protected, valued and seen after a difficult period in their learning and growth. This is complex and urgent work, and the Foundation will prioritize organizations that blend academic, social and emotional support for young people most impacted by educational inequity.
• The Foundation will also prioritize support to organizations working to build a robust early childhood system that gives children and families access to high-quality care and education programs.

Health

Increasing health equity through quality, affordable, culturally relevant services, particularly for low-income, uninsured, under-insured and socially marginalized individuals.

• The Foundation continues to prioritize health organizations that focus on health equity and increasing access to affordable, culturally relevant health services.
• The Foundation hopes to better align its health grants to be inclusive of programs and organizations that serve low-income families, provide free or affordable, culturally relevant services, and holistic care.
• Given the increase in severity, cost of and demand for mental health services, urgent care and/or crisis prevention, access to reproductive health care, trauma-informed health care, and free or reduced services for uninsured or underinsured communities, the Foundation will prioritize these programs and organizations to continue to serve our most vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Housing

Improving access for low-income individuals and families to affordable quality housing, preventing and ending homelessness.

• The Foundation embraces the vision for housing justice articulated by the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness.
• The Foundation will prioritize work that ensures the most marginalized people experiencing housing instability and homelessness are able to access housing that is “safe, decent, affordable,” and “free of prejudice” while also receiving the additional support and services they need.

Human Services 

Investing in basic needs for individuals and families, helping them be safe, stable and independent.

• The Foundation will prioritize grants that assist residents in navigating life transitions, finding safety and stability, and promoting independence.
• In addition to supporting work that centers the voices of the people most impacted by an organization’s work, special priority will be given to disability support services, child welfare support services, family and parent support services, food relief and assistance, older adult services, immigration and legal services, and re-entry supports for formerly incarcerated people.

Types of Grants

The Foundation will consider grant applications for:

General Operating Support

• These grants provide flexible funding for nonprofits in which at least 50% of the organization’s services benefit residents in the East Metro (Dakota, Washington and Ramsey counties).

Capital Projects

• The Foundation supports capital projects located in the East Metro with 50% or more of services from that facility benefiting East Metro residents.
• Grants are designed to support investment in buildings, facilities and equipment. Foundation investments are typically limited to buildings owned by nonprofits or held by long-term lease agreement.
• These grants are generally paid over multiple years.

The Sheltering Arms Foundation supports high quality direct service programs and a limited number of advocacy efforts that raises the level of public awareness and commitment to the well-being of children. Advocacy programs might include public education campaigns, public policy development, research, coalition building, or community organizing

What We Fund

Advocacy

The Sheltering Arms Foundation’s vision of success is that the opportunity gap will be significantly diminished because broad public will exists to make investments to assure that all Minnesota children succeed in school and life. To achieve this goal, we fund advocacy efforts that increase access to high quality, culturally appropriate early childhood care and education and youth development/out of school time opportunities.

We fund political networks, coalitions and campaigns that lobby, advocate and organize for children’s early learning and life success. We also support training to help parents become advocates for their children’s early learning and out of school time success.

Early Childhood

The Sheltering Arms Foundation’s vision of success is that all Minnesota children with the least access to resources are socially and emotionally, as well as physically and cognitively ready for kindergarten. To achieve this goal, we fund high quality culturally appropriate early childhood programs that support children’s social, emotional, physical and academic development with strong family engagement strategies.

Eligible programs include innovative early care and education, targeted home visiting and parent education, and early childhood mental health programs.

A high quality early care and education program has the following elements:

• A 3 or 4 star Parent Aware rating or is on a pathway to attain it
• A research based high quality curriculum
• Opportunities for family engagement in programming
• Quality assessment tools where data informs program improvement
• Access to professional development for staff that supports growth in their job in areas such as: program design, evaluation and assessment, inter-cultural skills, and child development.

A high quality parent education and targeted home visiting program has the following elements:

• A focus on strength-based whole child and family development that includes cognitive, physical, social and emotional development
• A research based high quality curriculum and evidenced based model
• A parent-child interaction component
• Active involvement of parents/caregivers in their child’s learning process
• Intensity and duration of contact appropriate for goals of the program
• Quality assessment tools where data informs program improvement
• Access to professional development for staff that supports growth in their job in areas such as: program design, evaluation and assessment, inter-cultural skills, and child development.

A high quality early childhood mental health program has the following elements:

• Priority given to mental health programs that align with high quality early care education and targeted home visiting programs
• Primary focus on Relationships
• Culturally appropriate interventions
• Research based high quality methodology
• Opportunities for family engagement in programming
• Initial assessment of each child including for trauma and chronic stress
• Intensity and duration of client services appropriate to the goals of the intervention
• Quality assessment tools where data informs program improvement
• Access to professional development for staff that supports growth in their job in areas such as: new developments in early childhood mental health treatments, program design, evaluation and assessment, and inter-cultural skills.

Youth Development

The Sheltering Arms Foundation’s vision of success is that all Minnesota children are socially and emotionally, as well as physically and academically prepared to succeed by 7th grade. To achieve this goal, we fund high quality culturally appropriate youth development programs for 5-12 year olds that support children’s social, emotional, physical and academic development with strong family engagement strategies.

Eligible programs are out of school time and mentoring programs in school based settings, community settings or affordable housing locations.

A high-quality youth development programming should include the following elements:

• Sequential activities that teach skills
• Active and experiential learning
• Focused and explicit skill development
• Developmentally and culturally appropriate program design
• Intensity and duration of contact
• Social and Emotional Learning competencies (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making)
• Opportunities for family involvement and participation in programming
• Quality assessment tools where data informs program improvement
• Access to professional development for staff that supports growth in their job in areas such as: youth programming, evaluation and assessment, inter-cultural skills, and program design.

Mardag Foundation Grants

Mardag Foundation has three primary interest areas for its grantmaking.

Improving the lives of low-income Children, Youth and Families that lack access to critical opportunities and resources that they need

Mardag Foundation seeks to support organizations focused on eliminating barriers and increasing access to equitable opportunities for children, youth and families.

This round, priority will be given to organizations working with marginalized communities (especially Black, Indigenous and communities of color) at the intersections of education, basic needs, mental health, access to healthcare, pathways to employment, and stable and affordable housing.

Supporting older adults across Minnesota who lack access or have barriers to critical opportunities to thrive and create community connections

Mardag Foundation supports organizations directly serving low-income older adults who may also be experiencing other forms of marginality (e.g., Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, etc.).

Priorities include meeting basic needs, improving the well-being and quality of caregiving, addressing isolation and mental health issues, services to help older Minnesotans age in place and/or in safe and stable housing, and intergenerational programming.

Building capacity to improve community vitality through Arts and Culture

Mardag Foundation shares Grantmakers in the Arts’ view that “all peoples, their cultures, and their art contribute to the meaning and understanding of our humanity and should be honored and celebrated.”

Priority will be given to arts and culture organizations that seek to amplify narratives and voices across BIPOC communities and other communities experiencing marginalization (e.g., older adults, people with disabilities, low-income children/youth/families, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, etc.) through the arts.

Carolyn Foundation 

Our Vision

To improve the lives of children/families, communities and the environment through the involvement of successive generations of the family of Carolyn McKnight Christian.

Our Mission

To support programs and initiatives that effect positive change now and in the future.

Our Values

Minneapolis, MN - Community Grantmaking Priority:  Middle School Children & Youth

Carolyn Foundation wants to fund programs that encourage low-income middle school students in Minneapolis to attend high performing/potential schools and provide support programs during and after school that help ensure that those schools are relevant to this student population. The Foundation believes that:

• All parents love their children and want them to get an education that will prepare them for success.
• All kids are capable of learning and doing well in school regardless of socio-economic status.
• Schools matter – attending a school that is providing students most in-need a good education is critical for long-term success.
• Support programs, no matter how good, don’t make up for damage done by attending a low performing school. In schools that are doing well, support programs create relevance and added value.
• Middle school (G 6-7-8) is a critical developmental stage setting the foundation for success in high school that is often under-resourced

School Based Programs Guidelines

Carolyn Foundation is committed to partnering with schools that are providing a quality education to students most in need. We know that the benefits of additional programs and resources in these schools will be used wisely and support a high-quality system of education. We also know that great enrichment or after-school programs sometimes draw families to schools that are failing students, creating a harmful unintended consequence. To this end, we will fund programs in middle schools that are closing the gap for students most in-need in Minneapolis. These schools can be found in the Minneapolis School Finder, and are listed below.

As we review proposals, we carefully look at the middle school age populations being served and focus our efforts on those with significant economic challenges typically as indicated by eligibility for free or reduced lunch. We will seek programs that apply proven best practices and respectfully support these young people and their families in culturally appropriate ways.

In addition to our continuing emphasis on developmentally appropriate programs designed for middle school students, we also recognize the importance of culturally relevant programs, staff and organizations that empower young people to develop agency, independence, and empowerment. We prefer programs that explicitly demonstrate an equity, inclusion, and empowerment lens in their work.

Because we believe programs that are integrated and aligned with school curriculum and objectives have the highest impact – all in-and after-school program requests must include a letter of support from the school leader (not community ed.) explaining how and why the program fits with the school’s priorities and plans.

Community Based Programs Guidelines

As we review proposals, we carefully look at the middle school age populations being served and focus our efforts on those with significant economic challenges typically as indicated by eligibility for free or reduced lunch. We will seek programs that apply proven best practices and respectfully support these young people and their families in culturally appropriate ways. Click the following links for more information about program design for middle school age youth: 

• Once We Know It 
• Quality Matters
• Middle School Transition 

In addition to our continuing emphasis on developmentally appropriate programs designed for middle school students, we also recognize the importance of culturally relevant programs, staff and organizations that empower young people to develop agency, independence, and empowerment. We prefer programs that explicitly demonstrate an equity, inclusion, and empowerment lens in their work.

About School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network (SBHSN).

Utilizing a unique framework of funding systems offered by the Department of Health and Human Services, managed care organizations, health insurers, and private donors, SBHSN promotes a system of care model (Coaching Model℠) offering a mix of evidenced-based intervention, prevention, and care coordination services to children in grades K-12. The Coaching Model aims to expand quality mental healthcare access on public school campuses and improve children's social, emotional, behavioral, family, and wellness outcomes.

School-Based Mental Health Implementation Grant

In response to the growing number of students who need mental health counseling, the School-Based Healthcare Solutions Network (SBHSN) is accepting applications from Local Education Agencies (LEA), Public and Private Universities, State and local Colleges, Charter School Management Companies, Public Schools, Charter Schools, and Non-Profit Organizations (501c3) to implement and expand mental health program services on local school campuses. Grantees will receive direct funding and reimbursement to support the following activities: 

• Expanding access to School-Based Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
• Coordinating mental healthcare services with school administration and staff. 
• Delivering mental healthcare services and coordinating academic-support activities to students with a history of attendance, behavior, and poor academic performance.

FUNDING

5-Years, renewable based on meeting performance goals 5-year award ceiling is $5,500,000.

Mission

The Hugh J. Andersen Foundation’s mission is to give back to our community through focused efforts that foster inclusivity, promote equality, and lead to increased human independence, self-sufficiency and dignity. To fulfill this mission, the Foundation acts as a grantmaker, innovator, and convener.

History

The Hugh J. Andersen Foundation was incorporated on March 2, 1962. The original board members were Hugh J. and Jane K. Andersen, and Hugh’s sister, Mary Andersen Hulings. They strongly embraced Andersen Family values learned from Fred, Molly, Isabel and Kitty Andersen: giving back to the community, being responsible citizens, and caring for their neighbors. The current board members continue to uphold this commitment, strive to build upon this spirit of philanthropy, and remain strongly supportive of the St. Croix Valley area.

Overview

The Foundation is particularly interested in asset-based programs created, initiated, supported or staffed by the constituency for whom benefits are sought. This type of effort builds upon and further develops individual and community capacities. These programs or projects are internally motivated and organized, rather than need-based, service-oriented systems brought in and directed by nonconstituents

Programmatic Focus

Within the primary geographic focus areas, the Foundation is particularly interested in direct service programs:

• Serving children and youth, especially those that provide personal development activities.
• Providing various social support services to the community at large.
• Providing access to health-related services and information.
• Providing educational opportunities and enrichment to the general community.

The Foundation will only consider the following types of programs and organizations if services are provided in the St. Croix Valley – Washington County in Minnesota and Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties in Wisconsin:

• Special projects or programs in public schools.
• Programs for individuals with developmental or physical disabilities.
• Programs for seniors.
• Public/civic projects and activities

Minnesota Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects to Support Community Revitalization, Connectedness, and Equity by Promoting Education, Work, and Health

Minnesota has been awarded $47.5 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Corona Virus Capital Projects Fund. Grants will be used to fund Multi-Purpose Community Facility Projects in areas that will benefit the most from support to address challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic through supports for education, work, and health focused on advancing family economic stability, connections, and educational opportunity for our state’s children and youth. Funding is available to family resource centers, full-service community schools, libraries, childcare and early learning facilities, and community centers.

Projects must be designed to enable work, education, and health monitoring jointly and directly, but these activities need not be the exclusive function or purpose of the Project. An eligible applicant may apply for multiple CFP projects; however, they must submit one application per proposed CFP site.

Funding

Total amount available: This grant opportunity estimates that $47.5 million is available on a one-time basis.

Maximum grant amount: The maximum grant award amount is approximately $500,000 for each qualifying applicant.

Minimum grant amount: The minimum grant award amount is approximately $200,000 for each qualifying applicant.

Patrick and Aimee Butler Family Foundation

The Butler Family Foundation seeks to foster safety, opportunity, and growth for individuals and families by supporting effective nonprofit organizations in the arts, environment, and human services.

Community Grants

The Butler Family Foundation's Community Grants Program awards two-year grants for general operating support or for specific projects and programs. Organizations applying for grants in the arts or human services must work in the urban cores of Saint Paul or Minneapolis or in the East Metropolitan suburbs. Organizations applying for grants in the environment may work anywhere in Minnesota.

The FM Area Foundation's community grand round addresses needs throughout Cass County, North Dakota, and Clay County, Minnesota, and promotes collaborative efforts to improve life in these areas. We will have one grant cycle that aligns with our five areas of impact. Organizations will self-select the focus area that best describes the work of their organizations.

The FM Area Foundation will consider grant applications covering a wide rang of community needs with a focus on:

• Arts, Culture & Creativity: Inspiring imagination and innovation through arts and culture
• Basic Human Needs: Building ladders out of poverty
• Community Building: Fostering initiatives that strengthen the community
• Education: Lifting lives through learning
• Women's Fund: Empowering women and children

Grant Criteria

In reviewing applications, the Foundation will consider the following criteria:

• The extent to which the organization addresses a community need, demonstrates broad-based community support, and provides benefits to the community-at-large.
• The extent to which the proposal maximizes community resources through cooperation and collaboration with other organizations in the community and the elimination of redundant services, programs or projects.
• The extent to which the proposal and organization prioritizes engaging and serving underrespresented populations.
• The capacity of the applicant's organization and the staff to achieve organizational success.
• Grant requests ranging from $500 to $15,000 will be considered.
• You must select if you are applying for General Operating Support or Existing Program/Project Support.
• Each year, the needs far outweigh our ability to fund. We strive to support a wide variety of organizations in our community.

About Our Funding

The information provided on this page applies only to potential grantees located in the state of Minnesota. The Medica Foundation recognizes the importance of supporting the unique health needs of individual communities in our grantmaking.

Our overarching principles:

• Benefit the communities Medica serves
• Advance health equity
• Build trust and collaboration with grantee partners and create mutual accountability between funders and nonprofits
• Improve the availability of, access to, and/or quality of health care
• Achieve success or demonstrate effectiveness through measurable outcomes

Minnesota: Early Childhood Health Grant

We seek proposals that support early intervention programs that foster optimal growth and development for children from birth through age 12. We prioritize proposals that strategically align their work to advance health equity for the following communities:

• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
• Immigrants and refugees
• Individuals experiencing homelessness
• Individuals living in rural areas
• LGBTQ+
• Youth in or aging out of foster care

We'll prioritize proposals that address:

• Abuse prevention
• Culturally-focused care
• Early childhood health workforce
• Maternal health and birth equity (e.g., prenatal/perinatal care and doula support)
• Oral health
• Parenting skills
• Primary care and immunizations
• Social-emotional learning

Funding

Individual grants may be awarded up to $100,000.

About Our Funding

The information provided on this page applies only to potential grantees located in the state of Minnesota. The Medica Foundation recognizes the importance of supporting the unique health needs of individual communities in our grantmaking. 

Our overarching principles:

• Benefits local communities.
• Improves the availability of, access to and/or quality of health care.
• Achieves success or demonstrates effectiveness through measurable outcomes.

Minnesota: Behavioral Health Grant

We seek proposals that provide support for people of all ages experiencing serious mental illness and/or substance use disorders. We also seek proposals that creatively or collaboratively address the behavioral health workforce shortage. This includes programs that address service delivery gaps; integrate physical and mental health care; address co-occurring disorders; attend to the mental health needs of children; and/or provide supportive and intensive case management services.

We focus on promoting improvements to health outcomes and equitable solutions to reduce health disparities. Priority is given to proposals that build partnerships and collaborations within the community and embrace trauma-sensitive practices, with a strengths-based approach to care and treatment.

Funding

Individual grants may be awarded up to $50,000

The Minneapolis Foundation announces a call for proposals from nonprofits, schools, and school districts seeking grants for work that advances equity and supports youth voice in local K-12 schools. Our Reimagine Education grants prioritize efforts to:

• Support public schools and school districts with the implementation of literacy strategies grounded in the science of reading, with the goal of ensuring all children can read at or above grade level.
• Elevate student and community voices and leadership to build bridges between schools, families, and communities in order to improve school climate, learning environments, and academic outcomes.
• Provide opportunities for educators to build their understanding of race and equity and implement strategies that create culturally responsive and inclusive schools.
• Advocate for policies at the school, local, and state level to address systemic disparities in Minnesota’s education system.

WHAT WE WILL FUND

We plan to award between $1 million and $1.2 million to 25 to 30 organizations. Grants will range from $25,000 to $75,000, with an average award of roughly $40,000.

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of  the types of work we plan to support:

• Professional development and training to support teachers and school leaders to implement evidence-based literacy instruction
• Recruitment and retention of diverse educators with equity-focused mindsets
• Principal and teacher leadership and collaboration
• Student leadership and power building
• Development of equity and climate frameworks
• Local or state policy advocacy
• Development and implementation of strategies to support student mental health and improve school climate and culture
• Efforts to engage students and their families in district and school-level decision-making

We are also open to other ideas that help create equitable outcomes for children and youth from local Black, Indigenous and communities of color.

About This Grant

The Opportunity Gap refers to vast and growing differences in opportunities available to poor and well-off children and families nationwide. These include quality early childhood education, to Advanced Placement courses in high school, to sport and enrichment activities that provide mentoring, teambuilding and other life-long skills they need to be good citizens and good employees. The WACF seeks to make a variety of smaller grants to support the five building blocks to help our children succeed. The focus areas include projects that address career on-ramps for success, engagement in the K-12 years, high quality early childhood education, safe and caring communities, and/or stable families and parenting.

What We Fund

• New or expanded programs/projects.
• Capital funding can be requested during this round but only for projects that are solely focused on children, youth and families. Capital grants maximum is $20,000 one time for a project.

Focus Areas

• Addressing the Achievement Gap for our Youth
  • Address access to quality early childhood programming and address barriers to access.
  • Projects that improve access to enrichment activities for low income and underserved children.
  • Projects that provide ‘on ramps’ for skills, training and experiences beyond a four year college prep focus including apprenticeships, skills training, innovative programming, etc.
• Career On-Ramps for Success
• Engagement in the K-12 Years
• High Quality Early Childhood Education
• Safe and Caring Communities
• Stable Family and Parenting

What We Fund

Joseph Durda established his Foundation in 1989. Prior to his passing in 1990, he wrote:

" The very basis of the human condition - its tragedy and its triumph - can be found in the entities this Foundation will be supporting. All the poverty that is lessened by a helping hand, all the hunger that is alleviated by the gift of food, all the service that makes heroes of the most humble among us....charity is the supreme virtue, and the great channel through which the mercy of God is passed on to mankind." -- Joseph Durda Sept. 1989

The grant making framework reflects the core priorities of the Foundation, supporting organizations that provide direct services in which the Foundation endeavors to create a positive impact. The following are high priority areas:  

• Charitable giving for the needy, poor and homeless... those needing a helping hand.
• Aid and assistance to orphans and underprivileged youth.
• Services for the disabled and those with disabling health issues.
• Educational support to our young people to help advance their lives.
• Invest in cardiovascular and other medical research.
• Support and assist our military veterans and their families.  

 Illinois Arts Council 

The Illinois Arts Council serves the people of Illinois through a variety of grants and services, primarily geared to: 

Support Illinois' Arts Sector: Operating and technical support provided to organizations and programs statewide helps keep Illinois’ arts sector vital, vibrant, and accessible to all.

Advance Arts Education: The arts can be a part of the education of every single child in this state through the programs, services, partnerships, and collaborations of the Illinois Arts Council. 

Foster Creativity and Working Artists: Resources, opportunities, and direct support for the work of individual artists -- the foundation of Illinois' creative environment.

Illinois State funding for the arts includes programs offered by Arts Midwest.

About Arts Midwest

Arts Midwest advances creativity across our region, building unprecedented opportunity for everyone who calls this place home. We support, inform, and celebrate arts organizations and creative communities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, we work to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Together, we nourish the creative roots of the Midwest—and share our region’s transformative ideas with the world.

This year, we’re pleased to offer two tracks of funding: GIG Fund and GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness.

GIG Fund

The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to offer public-facing arts projects and activities in Midwestern communities.

The goal of the GIG Fund is to make arts opportunities more accessible to underserved audiences across the region. Funds may be used for performances; exhibits; arts festivals; public art, or other activities that provide Midwesterners the opportunity to experience art and creativity. This round of GIG Fund grants is for supporting activities taking place between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. There are three requirements:

1) Engage a Professional Artist or Ensemble 2) Offer at Least Two Activities Featuring the Artist(s) and 3) Reach an Underserved Audience: At least one activity must engage an underserved audience—groups with limited access to the arts due to geography (such as rural audiences), economics (such as lower income audiences), disability, or lack of relevant content (such as families or school communities without ready access to children’s or all-ages programming).

These grants are federal funds that derive from the National Endowment for the Arts. A 1:1 match is required.

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is a regional development and philanthropic organization that fosters economic and community vitality in the 20 counties of southern Minnesota through a culture of collaboration and partnership. .

Early Care and Education Grant Program

The Early Care and Education Grant program will help fund early care and education services for children birth to age five. Organizations that work with these children in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible to apply. 

Grant funds could be used to support social, emotional, physical and mental health, training and development to operate and address the needs of young children, or other activities necessary to maintain the services in early care and education.

The Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH) Follow Along Program is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to provide culturally and linguistically inclusive supports and resources for families from our focus communities to increase enrollment and participation in the program.

The Follow Along Program identifies developmental and social-emotional areas of need in young children (birth through kindergarten entrance), connects them with services as early as possible, and continues to support them in their development throughout early childhood. Families complete periodic questionnaires (called Ages and Stages Questionnaires) focused on developmental and social-emotional skills. When needs are identified, staff from local public health departments then follow-up with families.

MDH is seeking collaboration with a group of organizations to support a Community Connectors component. Our goal is to better reach populations that have been historically underserved by the Follow Along Program. Organizations will recruit and deploy a group of Community Connectors to provide culturally and linguistically inclusive outreach and navigation support for families as they enroll and participate in the Follow Along Program. The Follow Along Program Community Connectors will specifically serve families from a focus population group(s). Focus population groups are historically oppressed groups, including (but not limited to) Tribal Nations, American Indian, African American, Somali, Hmong, Latinx, and Karen communities, as well as those from rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.

What We Fund

Our funding focuses on building healthy generations by increasing access to health insurance coverage and quality healthcare, increasing access to and quality of early childhood care and education, and increasing social connections within and across communities and generations to reduce social isolation.

Healthy Start

Healthy Start: Investing in early childhood care and education for lifelong health

The goal of this funding opportunity is to increase access to quality early childhood care and education supports for vulnerable young children and their caregivers.

The Foundation will fund tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored groups and Tribal Nations across Minnesota working to support healthy child development and eliminate structural, racial, and health inequities that impede access to and quality of the following early childhood care and education supports:

• High-quality child care and early learning, which is in unsustainably low supply, is deeply unaffordable and lacks necessary workforce support and resources
• Early childhood screenings, which are essential in providing developmental assessment, support and early intervention services
• Family home visiting, which increases parents’ knowledge, provides social support, and connects families to additional resources

Funding

The Foundation expects to grant a total of up to $1 million in year one and an additional $1 million in year two. Applicants may apply for grants of up to $100,000 per year and may apply for one- or two-year grants (up to $100,000 each year). Organizations applying for two-year grants may request different amounts each year.