Best Hennepin County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The C.H. Robinson Foundation's Twin Cities Grants Program, established in 2005, focuses on enhancing local communities through grants that support basic needs such as hunger, shelter, education, and workforce development. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The program prioritizes initiatives that address food insecurity, provide housing solutions, and improve educational opportunities, ultimately aiming to foster a stronger, more resilient community.

The Donaldson Foundation offers organizational grants focused on enhancing educational opportunities and community involvement. With an annual budget of $1.2 million, the foundation supports various initiatives, including scholarships and matching grants to educational institutions. It prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a clear need and impact, especially in areas where Donaldson operates. Eligible recipients must be IRS tax-exempt and located in specific U.S. regions, ensuring the foundation's commitment to local communities.

The Wisdom Family Foundation Grant Program supports organizations that empower children and strengthen communities. Founded in 2007, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit focuses on providing essential resources such as food security and educational assistance. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with larger capital grants considered on a case-by-case basis. The Foundation operates primarily in Greater Chicago, Northern Wisconsin, and the Twin Cities, promoting a spirit of generosity and collaboration within communities.

The JetBlue Foundation is dedicated to enhancing aviation-related education and STEM initiatives, aiming to inspire future aviation leaders. Offering grants up to $50,000, it supports educational organizations that focus on aviation technology, engineering, operations, and maintenance. The foundation prioritizes programs benefiting under-represented communities in aviation, including veterans, women, and diverse groups, ensuring a broader range of voices in the industry.

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.

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.

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 Stevens Square Foundation Grant focuses on supporting programs for financially vulnerable seniors in the Twin Cities metro area. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $30,000 and are available for existing programs that help seniors remain in their homes, as well as new initiatives aimed at improving the lives of older adults. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and prioritize underserved groups, demonstrating collaboration and community resource utilization.

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 Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) program supports federally-recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and organizations in advancing health-related research. It aims to enhance research careers and infrastructure through a competitive application process. Funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services, this initiative invites eligible entities to apply, ensuring that only high-quality proposals undergo peer review for potential funding.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is seeking applications to establish Regional Medical Libraries within the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM). Since 1965, the NNLM has enhanced public health information access through partnerships with libraries and health organizations. The initiative aims to improve community engagement, disseminate NIH research findings, and foster collaborations to promote health literacy and access to biomedical data, thereby supporting local clinical research efforts.

The Limited Competition Small Grant Program for the NCATS CTSA Program aims to empower KL2 scholars by funding diverse clinical and translational research projects. These grants support short-term studies, methodology development, and preliminary data collection, facilitating the transition to independent research careers. Applications will undergo NIH peer review, ensuring only high-quality proposals receive funding. This initiative fosters innovation in research methodologies and technology, ultimately enhancing the capabilities of emerging translational scientists.

The HEAL Initiative Whole Joint Health Program aims to advance research on the biological mechanisms of joint pain by exploring the interactions of various tissues within the joint. This innovative program will support clinical studies that focus on non-pharmacological interventions to enhance healing and improve quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic joint pain. By fostering a comprehensive understanding of joint health, the initiative aligns with the NIH's broader goals to reduce chronic pain and opioid dependency.

The Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE) support the development of assays and screening processes to identify potential therapeutic agents for neurological disorders and non-opioid analgesics. Sponsored by the NIH, this initiative seeks to foster collaborations and projects that utilize innovative methodologies. Although applications are not currently being solicited, interested parties are encouraged to prepare meaningful proposals that align with the goals of the NIH Helping to End Addiction Long Term initiative.

The NLM Institutional Grants aim to enhance training in biomedical informatics, data science, and AI for predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers. By fostering innovative programs, NLM addresses the urgent need for experts in these fields to tackle complex health challenges. These grants support both new and renewed training initiatives, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches that combine diverse methods to advance biomedical science and improve health outcomes through advanced computational strategies.

The Collaborative Program Grant for Multidisciplinary Teams, funded by the US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports integrated teams of researchers tackling ambitious projects that individual efforts cannot achieve. This program promotes collaboration among experts with complementary skills, aiming for significant advancements in their fields. Teams are encouraged to pursue innovative objectives that have the potential to transform research landscapes.

The ORACLE 3C initiative focuses on advancing research into chronic conditions, coinfections, and comorbidities related to HIV. It aims to support early-career investigators through innovative approaches that diverge from existing methodologies. Emphasizing pediatric and maternal health, this funding opportunity encourages interdisciplinary research to better understand HIV-specific pathways and develop effective preventive and therapeutic strategies, addressing a significant public health concern.

The RAK Education Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance to residents of Camden, Chowan, Gates, Pasquotank, or Perquimans Counties who have earned a high school diploma or GED. This scholarship supports students pursuing degrees or certificates in Career and Technical Education fields such as trade education, computer science, business, health science, and more. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, encouraging eligible students to apply.

The Ruby A. Trivette Ruritan Scholarship, administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashe and Watauga counties in North Carolina. Eligible applicants must reside in Todd or be active members or children of active members of the Todd Ruritan Club. This scholarship opens for applications on December 16, 2025, and closes on March 3, 2026, providing crucial financial assistance for students pursuing higher education.

The HEAL Initiative's new program aims to generate comprehensive datasets on human pain networks through advanced 'omics and physiology research. Utilizing primary human tissues, the initiative promotes collaboration among diverse experts to enhance the understanding of pain mechanisms. This cooperative agreement will foster best practices and data sharing, ensuring integrated approaches across various pain conditions. While applications are not currently being accepted, the initiative encourages multidisciplinary teams to prepare for future opportunities in pain research.

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) aims to cultivate skilled clinician-scientist leaders to meet the nation's biomedical research demands. It supports domestic organizations in developing dual-degree training that integrates clinical and research education, leading to both a clinical degree (e.g., M.D., D.O.) and a Ph.D. Through comprehensive mentoring and career development, MSTP prepares trainees for impactful careers in health-related research, ensuring a robust pipeline of qualified scientists.

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is launching a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aimed at enhancing genomic research through the development and distribution of high-value resources. This initiative encourages collaborative efforts in genomic resource development and the integration of data science in clinical applications. While applications are not currently being accepted, prospective applicants are urged to prepare meaningful collaborations and projects ahead of the formal solicitation.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is launching a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to establish a national consortium focused on improving care for older adults with multiple chronic conditions. This initiative aims to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated primary care interventions through innovative electronic health record (EHR) platforms. By fostering collaborations among researchers and clinicians, the consortium will work to enhance patient outcomes and streamline population health management, paving the way for future advancements in aging care.

The Innovation Grants to Nurture Initial Translational Efforts (IGNITE) program, supported by the National Institutes of Health, aims to fund pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies. These studies will assess the biological activity of therapeutic agents, including small molecules and biologics, for diseases prioritized by participating institutes. The initiative emphasizes the development of non-opioid analgesics with minimal addiction risks. Although applications are not currently solicited, this notice encourages potential applicants to prepare collaborative projects.