Best Hennepin County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

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 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.

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 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 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 Pederson Nursing Scholarship, awarded by the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, provides $1,000 to support an oncology nurse at the University of Minnesota Fairview Hospital. This scholarship aims to enhance the education of nurses caring for women with ovarian cancer, improving their ability to provide quality care. Established in memory of Janet Pederson, who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2015, this scholarship honors her legacy and commitment to healthcare.

The Carolyn Foundation in Minneapolis, MN, is dedicated to improving the lives of low-income middle school students by funding programs that help them succeed academically. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that provide access to high-quality education and support during and after school, ensuring these students are well-prepared for their futures. Emphasizing equity, inclusion, and community partnerships, the foundation aims to create lasting positive change for families and the community at large.

The Community-Built Playspace Grants, funded by KaBOOM!, aim to empower communities to create kid-designed playspaces that foster health and well-being. These grants address inequities in access to safe play areas, particularly in communities of color, ensuring that all children can benefit from spaces that promote social, emotional, and physical development. By supporting the construction of these playspaces, KaBOOM! works to enhance resilience and learning opportunities for children, transforming neighborhoods into vibrant, engaging environments.

The WCA Foundation Grant empowers local women in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area by funding initiatives that address the urgent needs of women, including health, economic stability, shelter, and safety. This volunteer-led organization focuses on participatory grantmaking, inviting nonprofit proposals that align with their mission to foster a world where all women thrive. Their commitment to understanding and responding to community needs makes a significant impact on women's lives.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation provides grants focused on education, human services, and health and medicine. They support high-performing educational institutions, scholarships, and nonprofits that enhance learning experiences. In human services, they assist organizations tackling hunger, shelter, and mental health issues. Their health initiatives include funding for medical research and treatment services. All support is by invitation only, ensuring that funding aligns with their mission to reduce suffering and promote community well-being.

The James R. Thorpe Foundation provides support for youth-focused organizations in Minneapolis, prioritizing those that serve low-income communities. With a commitment to fostering self-awareness, academic skills, and artistic engagement, the Foundation aims to assist youth aged 12 to 18 in their transition to adulthood. Grants are typically awarded for general operating costs or program support, ensuring impactful aid reaches smaller nonprofits with budgets under $3 million.

The Eden Prairie Community Foundation Grants support local organizations aligned with their mission of community enrichment. Since 1981, they have awarded over $2 million to nonprofits in Eden Prairie. The foundation focuses on Arts & Culture, Education, Recreation & Environment, and Social Services. Eligible applicants are charitable organizations serving Eden Prairie residents. Grants are not available for debt retirement, endowments, or individuals. Priority is given to projects addressing diversity, equity, inclusion, food insecurity, and affordable housing.

The Otto Krayer Award in Pharmacology recognizes individuals whose contributions to the field embody the ethical standards and scholarly excellence of Otto Krayer. Established in 1985 and reactivated in 2017, this biennial award includes a $2,500 honorarium and a plaque. It aims to honor ASPET members who demonstrate commitment to teaching and support for young scientists, fostering interdisciplinary research that advances drug action understanding.

The Elmer L. & Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation Legacy Grants, a part of the Minneapolis Foundation, has been enhancing lives since 1957 through family grantmaking. With a focus on arts, education, and social change, these grants support Minnesota organizations, particularly in the Twin Cities. They prioritize funding for operational projects rather than capital campaigns, ensuring community engagement and sustainability. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits with requests typically between $1,000 and $3,000.

The Minnesota Racial Equity Fund Grant aims to foster lasting change by supporting organizations in the Twin Cities that address historic systemic racism affecting communities of color. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, focusing on employment, education, and community safety. Only tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations in Hennepin and Ramsey counties are eligible. This initiative is part of H.B. Fuller Company Foundation's commitment to racial equity and community empowerment.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

Background

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created by H.R.1 (Section 71401 of Public Law 119-21) on July 4, 2025. It is a federal initiative to help states support rural communities in improving health care access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the health care delivery ecosystem. The RHTP focuses on promoting innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and workforce investment in rural communities. The federal program will grant up to $50 billion to states over five budget periods. Minnesota has outlined their initiatives online (learn more about Minnesota's Rural Health Transformation Program).

This RFP supports the planning and development of regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiatives. These initiatives will serve as a mechanism for regional collaboration to build effective community-based mental health services for children and adolescents across Minnesota. Based on the work of the Minnesota Adult Mental Health Initiatives, this activity brings counties and consortia of counties together to regionally coordinate mental health crisis services and support child and adolescent mental health. While Minnesota has a model of Adult Mental Health Initiatives, the needs of children and adolescents are different from those of adults, and this model should reflect these unique needs. Notably, this activity must be shaped for the needs of children and adolescents.

The Awesome Foundation offers Local Chapter Grants of $1000 to individuals and groups for innovative projects that enhance community engagement. Each chapter operates independently, focusing on unique interpretations of 'awesome' across various fields such as arts and technology. Grants are awarded monthly, emphasizing no-strings-attached support. This initiative encourages creativity and experimentation, aiming to inspire and delight communities worldwide. For more details, applicants can explore individual chapter preferences and restrictions through the foundation's website.

The Butler Family Foundation's Community Grants Program focuses on supporting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, through two-year grants. These grants, ranging from $30,000 for general operating support to $20,000 for specific projects, prioritize housing services, addiction support, and domestic violence prevention in urban areas of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with substantial annual budgets.

The MRAC Flexible Support Grant Program aims to enhance arts access for Minnesotans by funding projects that promote arts programming and strengthen organizational capacity. For FY2024, $4,301,763 is allocated, with $3,000,000 designated for organizations led by individuals who identify as BIPOC or LGBTQIA2+. This initiative encourages communities to sustain and grow their arts offerings, fostering inclusivity and diversity in the arts sector.

The Deluxe Corporation Foundation's ERG Grant Program supports diverse and inclusive initiatives by empowering employee resource groups (ERGs) to partner with nonprofits addressing relevant social issues. Each of the ten ERGs will award a $25,000 grant to a selected organization, fostering community impact and collaboration. The foundation, established in 1954, has invested over $109 million in charitable causes, focusing on financial literacy, education, and community support to enhance lives and promote entrepreneurship.

Mount Sinai Community Foundation Grant

Our Mission

The Mount Sinai Community Foundation is a collective giving circle whose members come together to support initiatives that improve health, enhance well-being, or otherwise advance medical care in the Jewish and larger communities, honoring the history and legacy of the Mount Sinai Hospital.

MSCF seeks to fund innovative grant proposals from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for one-time grants up to $10,000 that fulfill MSCF’s mission to improve health, enhance well-being, or otherwise advance medical care for Minnesota residents. 

Through the generosity of the Frances & Samuel Finkelstein/Janice Finkelstein Mattison Memorial Fund, one of the grantees may receive funding in the area of: cancer research and education; mental health or cancer treatment; medical ethics and quality assurance; or patient advocacy programs.

Funding Priorities

• MSCF seeks to fund innovative programs and/or essential equipment that have a meaningful, direct, and high impact on the target population.
• MSCF is especially interested in discrete projects that can be identified as MSCF funded efforts. These projects or items may be funded by MSCF funds alone or with a limited number of other funding partners.
• Applicants with unique grant requests who may be unable to secure funding elsewhere are encouraged to apply.
• Funding sought for information technology or equipment and/or software upgrades will not be considered unless they are integral to the delivery of the health or medical services provided.
• Grant requests where MSCF grant dollars are only a small component of the overall project budget are unlikely to be funded.
• Through the generosity of the Frances & Samuel Finkelstein/Janice Finkelstein Mattison Memorial Fund, one of the grants may receive funding for cancer research or education; medical ethics/patient advocacy programs; or treatment for children, seniors, disabled, or the homeless.

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation aims to enhance community vitality through grants supporting affordable housing, environmental education, and workforce development. Focusing on low- to moderate-income populations, the Foundation prioritizes innovative programs that foster community connections and educational opportunities. By investing in both community vitality and education, they strive to create vibrant neighborhoods and empower individuals with the skills needed for success in today's workforce. Their commitment extends across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

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.

May Family Foundation

Eleanor Jean May established the May Family Foundation in 2000, as a gesture of gratitude to the communities that shaped her life. The May Family Foundation is dedicated to identifying programs that strongly resonate with our mission and values as we work together to empower and uplift lives within our communities.

Our foundation provides resources and opportunities that empower young individuals to thrive and reach their full potential. Our goal is to create a brighter future for under-resourced youth in our local communities.

May Family Foundation Mentoring Grant

Our foundation strives to be engaged in our local communities beyond grant funding. We support select programs that align with our goals and form a connection through potential volunteering opportunities, site visits, and recognition of successes.

We welcome grant applications for financial support in mentoring:

• Programs that pair students with adult mentors who provide guidance and support to help students succeed academically and develop important life skills.
• These can go beyond the classroom, such as sports and recreation enrichment programs.