Best Hennepin County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

PFund Foundation

PFund Foundation builds equity with LGBTQ+ communities across the Upper Midwest by providing grants and scholarships, developing leaders, and inspiring giving.

BIPOC LGBTQ+ Small Business Grants (Equity Fund Program)

PFund Small Business Grants (Equity Fund Program) are for BIPOC LGBTQ+ small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Upper Midwest. The program includes $5,000 in grant funding per year for two years and business membership to Quorum, the LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce, and to the PFund Small Business Cohort which includes monthly learning and networking sessions.

The MRAC: Next Step Fund Grant, supported by the McKnight Foundation, offers project grants of up to $6,000 for artists across all disciplines. This initiative aims to assist artists in overcoming barriers to success, sustaining their artistic careers, and seizing future opportunities. Open to applicants at any career stage, projects should reflect individual goals and career stages, fostering both advancement and maintenance of creative practice.

The Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants program, in partnership with the USA Swimming Foundation, aims to enhance youth access to aquatic safety through Swim Lessons Grants. These grants support free or low-cost swim lessons and transportation to lesson locations, addressing disparities in youth drowning rates. Since its inception in 2009, the program has allocated over $31.2 million to various youth activities, including sports and arts, providing vital opportunities for the county's youth.

Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants aim to enhance youth engagement in recreational activities by offering funding for local initiatives. The program, which has distributed over $31.2 million since 2009, includes specific grants for water safety, sports equipment, and arts education. The Play Area Grants, with up to $300,000 available, focus on improving youth athletic and play facilities. Approximately $1.3 million is designated for the upcoming fall 2025 grant cycle, supporting community-based requests.

The Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants program provides financial support for youth activities, including lifeguard services for individuals aged 21 and younger. With grants up to $50,000, the initiative addresses the youth lifeguard shortage through innovative recruitment, training, and retention strategies. This program has awarded over $31.2 million since its inception in 2009, funded by the Twins ballpark sales tax, ensuring more youth have access to essential water safety training and opportunities.

The Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants - Equipment Grants program aims to enhance youth participation in sports and recreational activities by providing funding for purchasing sports equipment. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for eligible youth aged 18 and under. Since its inception in 2009, the program has awarded over $31.2 million, supported by proceeds from the Twins ballpark sales tax. The contract term for grants is expected to be from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

The Hennepin County Youth Activities Grants program provides funding to enhance youth accessibility to arts, music, sports, and safety initiatives. With grants up to $25,000 available, the program supports local governments in offering free swim lessons, sports equipment, and art education. Since 2009, over $31.2 million has been awarded to foster creativity and physical activity among youth in Hennepin County, benefiting the community and enriching the lives of its young residents.

Cub Foods Charitable Giving is dedicated to supporting local communities through hunger relief, nutrition education, and access to healthy food. They focus on partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations within 25 miles of their stores that align with these missions. Eligible organizations can receive funding, while Cub Foods does not support third-party requests, travel fees, or individual fundraising efforts. Their commitment to enriching lives reinforces their belief in being a good neighbor.

The Dow Promise Grant empowers communities by addressing the unique barriers faced by Black youth and adults in the U.S. This program provides grants up to $10,000 for initiatives that promote social, economic, and environmental advancements. Since its inception in 2000, the Dow Promise Program has been committed to fostering equitable opportunities and positive social change, ultimately contributing to long-term community success and a brighter future for all.

The Polaris Foundation Grant focuses on long-term community investment, emphasizing areas such as environment, community development, youth safety, and education in STEM and trades. The foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific communities where Polaris operates. Organizations are encouraged to promote responsible land use and create vibrant environments for residents, while adhering to eligibility requirements and avoiding politically affiliated or discriminatory programs.

TE Connectivity's Community Ambassador Program supports meaningful community impact by providing grants to registered nonprofits and educational institutions. This initiative evaluates proposals based on alignment with TE's values, community focus areas like education or health services, and opportunities for employee engagement. The program operates both in the US and internationally, with numerous ambassador locations, aiming to foster community development and engagement around the globe.

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

The Delta Project Learning Garden Grant Program, supported by the Captain Planet Foundation, enhances STEAM education through outdoor learning experiences in school gardens. It offers resources such as raised garden beds, a mobile cooking cart, and online lessons to foster student engagement with nature and healthy eating. This initiative not only enriches the educational landscape but also promotes community involvement, as Delta employees volunteer for garden installation and maintenance, ensuring a sustainable and impactful learning environment.

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 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.

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to support organizations enhancing services at farmers markets. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for marketing efforts, technology upgrades, and vendor education. Eligible applicants must be bona fide farmers markets with at least three vendors of locally-produced products and must operate in the designated 144-county area. Priority is given to markets that have not previously received funding.

The Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to bolster rural communities by providing funding for essential emergency response equipment for volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments. With grants up to $4,000, this initiative ensures that first responders have the necessary tools to protect and serve their communities effectively. Eligibility is limited to rural departments in the 144-county territory, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.

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 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.

The RBC Foundation Grants prioritize support for youth-focused programs in the Minneapolis & St. Paul area, targeting ages 15-29. Emphasis is placed on initiatives that enhance work-integrated learning, address skills gaps, and promote access to critical educational opportunities. Additionally, the Foundation invests in arts and culture, supporting emerging artists and programs that foster community engagement. Health grants focus on youth mental well-being, ensuring access to necessary care through innovative navigation and technology-based solutions.

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.

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.