Best Hennepin County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Owen Family Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations primarily in East Texas and the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, focusing on health, education, human services, and religious initiatives. Organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and past funding is required for Twin Cities applicants. The foundation is committed to promoting philanthropy and ensuring access to funding for eligible charities, while maintaining a non-discriminatory policy.

The Ray Rowe Trusts for Animals Grant provides funding for programs aimed at the welfare of animals, particularly dogs, and the protection of wildlife habitats, especially for canid species. There are no application deadlines; grants are distributed from early March until the year's funding is exhausted, typically by the end of November. To apply, organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status, while general administrative costs are generally not supported.

The Elizabeth Nash Foundation Scholarship supports individuals affected by cystic fibrosis (CF) in their pursuit of higher education. Since its inception in 2005, over 200 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 have been awarded to undergraduates and graduates at accredited U.S. institutions. The selection process considers academic performance, character, leadership, community service, and financial need. To qualify, applicants must have a CF diagnosis and be U.S. citizens.

The AGRI Crop Research Grant Program offers funding for applied crop research that benefits Minnesota's farmers and economy within three to seven years. This program aims to translate scientific knowledge into practical applications, ensuring that research findings are publicly accessible. Proposals must include a plan for outreach to disseminate results, focusing on enhancing the quality, quantity, or value of agricultural products.

The AGRI Livestock Investment Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, provides funding for livestock operations to enhance infrastructure and equipment. Eligible projects can receive up to 10% of total costs, with grants ranging from $400 to $25,000 for improvements in livestock housing and facilities. Applications are accepted for efforts that modernize operations, with a project completion deadline of three years. This initiative aims to support sustainable growth in Minnesota's agricultural sector.

The AGRI Minnesota Value Added Grant Program supports value-added businesses by providing grants for equipment investments. Aimed at enhancing the production capacity and market access for Minnesota agricultural products, it prioritizes projects that improve food safety and increase hemp fiber production. Applicants must provide a cash match, covering 50% of the first $50,000 and 75% of any additional costs, with a maximum award of $150,000. This initiative fosters economic growth in the agricultural sector.

The AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program supports innovative research and demonstrations in sustainable agriculture. It prioritizes projects that enhance profitability, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Eligible projects include practices such as conservation tillage, integrated pest management, and energy-efficient farming. The program encourages participation from farmers and historically underserved communities, aiming to foster diverse agricultural practices and improve marketing opportunities while addressing conservation and profitability.

The Dairy Business Planning Grant supports Minnesota dairy farms and processors by funding 50% of the cost, up to $5,000, for hiring experts to provide technical assistance. This includes evaluations of operations, legal advice for transitions, and expansion plans. Approximately $83,000 is available each fiscal year, enabling applicants to request grants between $500 and $5,000. The grant also requires a comprehensive business plan report to be submitted with reimbursement requests, outlining goals and financial projections.

The Food Retail Improvement and Development Grant (FRIDG) Program by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture aims to enhance access to affordable, nutritious food in underserved communities. This program provides up to $50,000 in competitive grants for equipment purchases and facility improvements. Eligible projects include grocery stores and small food retailers, focusing on increasing the availability of culturally appropriate food. The initiative supports sustainable public-private partnerships to improve food access and consumption in low-income areas.

The MN Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, offers funding to enhance the competitiveness of Minnesota-grown specialty crops in both domestic and international markets. This initiative supports various crops, including fruits, vegetables, and horticulture products, as defined by the USDA. Projects funded can significantly contribute to the agricultural economy and promote sustainable practices in specialty crop production.

The AGRI Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification Cost Share Grant Program assists Minnesota growers and handlers in implementing essential food safety measures. Funded by the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation Fund, this program offers reimbursement of up to 75% of GAP/GHP certification costs, with a maximum of $2,500. Eligible applicants must be certified by an accredited body between May 16, 2023, and May 15, 2024, and located in Minnesota.

The AGRI Beginning Farmer Farm Business Management Scholarship offers financial assistance to eligible Minnesota farmers seeking to enhance their business management skills. This program supports farmers with fewer than 40 credits of instruction, aiming to create profitable farming operations. Each scholarship covers up to 50% of tuition for up to 40 credits. The initiative is managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, ensuring a tailored approach to meet the unique needs of beginning farmers.

The Agricultural Chemical Response and Reimbursement Account Grant, managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, offers financial assistance for cleaning up pesticide and fertilizer incidents. Eligible parties can receive reimbursement for up to 80% of corrective action costs exceeding $1,000, with a maximum limit of $439,200. The application must be submitted at least 30 days before a board meeting for consideration, with 60 days recommended. Compliance with state regulations is essential for eligibility.

PetSmart Charities' Adoption Partnerships and Event Grants support organizations in finding loving homes for pets. With over 10 million pets placed, the program offers resources like cash rewards for adoptions and grants for event support. Eligible partners include registered charities and educational institutions. The maximum grant available is $5,000, aimed at maximizing the impact of adoption events. Join us in enhancing the lives of pets and their new families through collaboration and community engagement.

The Ted & Shannon Skokos Foundation Grant, established in 2008, supports nonprofit organizations in arts, education, humanity, and faith. It prioritizes visionary leadership, community impact, sustainability, organizational strength, and collaboration. The foundation seeks to fund eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits that align with its mission and positively influence communities, particularly in Dallas, Texas, and Arkansas, where the founders have personal connections.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Greenwall Foundation's Making a Difference in Real-World Bioethics Dilemmas Grant seeks proposals for innovative research addressing pressing bioethics issues in healthcare, policy, and practice. Projects should focus on topics such as trust in science, healthcare bias, public health crises, and healthcare access. The Foundation aims to support inclusive bioethics that incorporates diverse perspectives, promoting impactful solutions to real-world dilemmas while ensuring that bioethics remains central to decision-making in health-related fields.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Longview Foundation's Internationalizing Teacher Preparation Grants aim to enhance teachers' global competencies through collaborative projects and online education. Established in 1966, the foundation prioritizes partnerships among institutions and the integration of global perspectives into teacher training. Successful proposals will demonstrate significant outreach, sustainable practices beyond the funding period, and collaboration with state education agencies. Grants range from $10,000 for single institutions to $30,000 for multi-institution initiatives, fostering a broader impact on K-12 education.

The W. M. Keck Foundation's Research Grant Program funds innovative medical research and engineering projects that challenge existing paradigms and explore new territories. Eligible applicants include research universities and independent institutes. Grants support groundbreaking technologies and methodologies, with emphasis on high-risk projects that could lead to transformative impacts. However, funding excludes general operating expenses and grants to individuals. The Foundation awards grants biannually, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches.

The Bauer Trust Fund Grant supports charitable organizations benefiting blind or handicapped persons. Established by Anthony F. Bauer, it aims to provide lasting support for those in need. To be eligible, organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and primarily operate in Connecticut. The fund does not support general operating costs, endowments, individuals, or political activities. This initiative reflects Mr. Bauer's legacy of generosity and commitment to aiding vulnerable communities.

The Brookreson Trust Grant aims to support financing homes for the blind and organizations that assist them. This grant is targeted towards 501(c)(3) exempt organizations across all states. The program focuses on key areas such as education, health, and human services, ensuring that vital resources are directed towards enhancing the quality of life for the visually impaired community. Grants are specifically intended for initiatives that facilitate housing and support services.

The Ella B. Cleveland Trust Grant supports charitable medical research organizations focusing on leukemia, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy. Established in memory of Ella B. Cleveland, the trust prioritizes 501(c)(3) entities and has no geographic limitations, though it often funds organizations in Georgia. Applications are accepted year-round, with an average grant size of $5,000, and total annual giving ranging from $10,000 to $15,000.

The Gilbert Memorial Fund Grant supports organizations conducting innovative medical research. Established in memory of the Gilbert family, this fund aims to promote advancements in various areas of medicine. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review meeting held annually on March 1. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, and eligible organizations must be recognized as 501(c)(3) entities. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing healthcare through research and development.

The Marsh Foundation Grant provides funding for charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes, focusing primarily on medical research in El Paso, Texas. Established under the will of Edward N. Marsh, the foundation offers grants ranging from $52,000 to $150,000, with an average total giving of $200,000 annually. Organizations must qualify as 501(c)(3) entities to be eligible, although there are no geographic limitations. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of June 30 for review.

The Community Organizing Grants Program by the Peace Development Fund empowers local organizations to drive social justice initiatives. It supports groups that foster grassroots leadership and systemic change while dismantling oppression. Grants are primarily for general support, focusing on projects that align with their mission. Eligible organizations include those in the U.S., Haiti, and Mexico, while excluding completed projects or lobbying activities. This initiative encourages sustainable, community-based solutions and diverse alliances for a just society.