Best Hennepin County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Green Partners Grant by Hennepin County aims to empower organizations to foster environmental stewardship among residents. This program provides funding for initiatives that engage both youth and adults in sustainable practices. Key focus areas include waste reduction, composting, and enhancing biodiversity through habitat creation. Three grant types are available: Environmental Action, Youth Environmental Leadership, and Youth Environmental Education. Eligible applicants include schools, nonprofits, and park districts, with funding amounts varying based on previous awards.

The Agriculture Education Grant, funded by Compeer Financial, aims to enhance high school agriculture programs by providing up to $4,000 for classroom equipment and educational initiatives. This grant promotes hands-on learning and modern technologies, ensuring students are well-equipped to explore the evolving agricultural landscape. Eligible applicants include high school agriculture departments within a specified 144-county territory, with a focus on schools that have not received funding in the past two years.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

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 Best Buy Teen Tech Center is offering a Mini Tech Skills Workshop Grant to support local and national non-profits in providing STEAM skills workshops for youth aged 13-19. These workshops, which include topics such as coding, filmmaking, and robotics, aim to enhance technical skills and career exploration. Funding can reach up to $24,999, with a focus on hands-on, facilitator-led experiences, and additional programming opportunities may be considered.

The MN AWWA Water Utility Management Institute Scholarship offers up to six tuition-paid scholarships for individuals attending the Midwest Regional Water Utility Management Institute at Hamline University. Sponsored by MN AWWA and other organizations, this three-day workshop takes place each February. Scholarship recipients are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses. Preference is given to active MN AWWA members and those from smaller communities. More details can be found at the provided link.

Hennepin County's Well Sealing Cost Share Grant Program provides funding for property owners to seal unused wells that threaten groundwater. Grants cover up to 75% of sealing costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $2,000 per well. Eligibility requires wells to be in designated protection areas, while properties listed for sale are excluded. A 25% cash match is required from applicants. This initiative aims to safeguard drinking water resources and promote environmental stewardship.

The Environmental Response Fund (ERF) Grant Program in Hennepin County provides essential funding for the assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites. It prioritizes projects that address significant contamination, demonstrate readiness, and support public development and affordable housing initiatives. Eligible applicants include municipalities and nonprofit organizations. This initiative promotes economic development and sustainable practices, ensuring healthier communities while tackling environmental challenges.

The Healthy Tree Canopy Grants program by Hennepin County provides funding to enhance the tree canopy through various projects. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 are available for public, private, and charter schools, as well as nonprofit organizations. The program aims to educate the public on tree care, combat invasive species threats, and promote a diverse and resilient tree ecosystem. Note that applications are not currently accepted; check back in early 2025.

The Healthy Tree Canopy Grants, offered by Hennepin County, aim to enhance the tree canopy through funding for cities, affordable housing properties, schools, and nonprofits. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000, requiring a 25% match of project costs. Eligible projects include ash tree removal and plantings on affordable housing sites. Note that applications are currently closed, with the next round expected in early 2025.

The Healthy Tree Canopy Grants for Cities program aims to enhance tree canopies and foster community engagement in tree protection. This initiative offers funding between $10,000 and $50,000 for eligible cities that have completed a tree inventory. It addresses threats to trees from invasive species and promotes public education on tree care while encouraging diversity in the urban forest. A 25% match of total project costs is required, ensuring community investment in local environmental health.

The Healthy Tree Canopy Grants for Cities aim to enhance the tree canopy in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Designed for city governments, these grants support projects that complete tree inventories and strengthen urban forestry efforts. Applicants can receive funding between $1,000 and $5,000, with a required match of 25% of project costs. The program seeks to engage communities in tree protection and management, addressing environmental challenges while improving public health and equity.

Hennepin County offers up to $106,000 in Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Grants to support local governments and organizations in projects aimed at preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. Typical awards range from $5,000 to $25,000, with a maximum of $50,000 available. Eligible recipients include local government agencies, nonprofits, and for-profit companies engaged in activities such as early detection, education, and research to combat invasive species.

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 Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

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 Edina Realty Foundation, established in 1996, is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless individuals and families in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. With over $12 million raised, the Foundation supports non-profits that provide housing, food, and emergency services, ensuring that more than 95% of funds directly aid those in need. Their mission highlights the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home, reinforcing community investment for a better tomorrow.

The Pentair Foundation, a corporate philanthropy initiative, focuses on creating sustainable communities through water solutions and STEM education. With over $80 million in contributions since 1998, the foundation emphasizes ecological resilience, water quality improvement, and youth engagement in science and technology. They prioritize grantmaking in specific U.S. states and international regions, fostering vibrant communities and encouraging employee volunteerism. Initiatives are invitation-only, ensuring a targeted approach to impactful philanthropy.

The Many Voices Travel Grant, offered by the Society for Music Theory, supports diverse participation in music theory scholarship. Designed for scholars, especially students, the grant aims to reduce barriers to attending the Annual Meeting, ensuring a wider range of voices and perspectives are represented. Up to 10 grants of $400 each, along with complimentary conference registration, are available to facilitate engagement with the discipline and promote inclusivity.

The Society for Music Theory offers International Travel Grants to support theorists outside the US and Canada in attending the SMT Annual Meeting. Grants, typically ranging from $650, aim to alleviate travel costs and include complimentary registration. Open to all stages of scholars, including graduate students, the program prioritizes new applicants and junior scholars, emphasizing diversity and inclusivity in the field of music theory.

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 Peoples Bank Foundation Grant aims to create a significant impact in local communities by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With over 20 years of service, the foundation has awarded more than $7.5 million in grants and scholarships across several states. It prioritizes initiatives that assist low to moderate-income individuals and families, encouraging organizations within its footprint to apply for funding to enhance their community-focused programs.

The Visual Arts Fund (VAF), established by Midway Contemporary Art with support from The Andy Warhol Foundation, offers $60,000 in grants for artist-organized projects in the Twin Cities metro area. This initiative encourages diverse visual arts projects with public engagement components, including exhibitions, performances, and digital initiatives. The program emphasizes innovative projects that might not otherwise occur, fostering a vibrant artistic community while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

The Dawn Foods Foundation Corporate Grants program is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through strategic investments in key areas like hunger prevention, education, community vibrancy, and volunteerism. With a strong commitment to improving lives, the foundation supports initiatives that promote health, literacy, and creative arts, while also encouraging team members to engage in volunteer efforts. Though applications for 2025 are closed, opportunities will reopen in 2026.

The Allianz Life Insurance Company's Financial Stability Grant aims to reduce barriers to economic inclusion by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance financial stability for low- to moderate-income families. With grants ranging from $50,000 to $75,000, this program prioritizes groups that serve diverse communities, promote equity, and collaborate with local organizations. By focusing on basic needs such as food, shelter, and affordable housing, Allianz is committed to fostering sustainable economic independence within the Twin Cities metro area.

The Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America offers the Financial Sustainability Grant to support nonprofit organizations that promote economic inclusion and financial stability. Grants range from $50,000 to $75,000 for one-year commitments, focusing on workforce success through education, job training, and entrepreneurial support. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3) and primarily serve low- to moderate-income families in the Twin Cities metro area.

The NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.