Best Itasca County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on Drones as First Responders program aims to fund rigorous evaluations of drone technology in law enforcement. The initiative seeks proposals that assess the effectiveness of drones in combating violent crime and immigration enforcement. By fostering collaboration between police agencies and researchers, the program intends to enhance the operational understanding of drones as first responders, evaluating both existing capabilities and new pilot programs.

The 2027 Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program invites qualified organizations to manage the selection process for this prestigious fellowship. Aimed at identifying top graduate talent for the Foreign Service, the program emphasizes a standardized selection infrastructure including panel formation, training, and finalist assessment. The successful organization will oversee candidate screening, conduct structured interviews, and facilitate the onboarding of selected fellows, ensuring a rigorous approach to advancing U.S. foreign policy and international development goals.

The Charles B. Rangel Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program aims to develop exceptional graduate talent for the U.S. Foreign Service. Managed by the Department of State, this 32-month initiative provides financial oversight, academic support, and internship opportunities for selected fellows. With a focus on rigorous operational management, the program ensures timely tuition and stipend disbursements while guiding fellows through essential onboarding and mentorship experiences. This initiative is crucial for fostering the next generation of foreign policy leaders.

The 2027 Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program, administered by the Bureau of Human Resources, aims to attract talented individuals to the Foreign Service. This initiative offers financial support for two-year master's degree programs, alongside professional development and mentorship opportunities. By fostering a diverse and skilled workforce, the program seeks to address complex global challenges and enhance diplomatic relations, aligning with the Department of State's strategic goals.

The NOAA Climate Program Office is inviting proposals for the FY 2027 grants competition aimed at leveraging Super Intelligence and Machine Learning to enhance Earth system science and hazard resilience. This initiative focuses on improving predictive capabilities, hazard resilience decision-support, and preparedness for extreme heat. Collaborating with various stakeholders, the program seeks innovative solutions to better forecast and respond to climate-related challenges, ultimately fostering safer and more resilient communities.

The U.S. Department of State is seeking a partner for the 2027 Charles B. Rangel Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program to manage the candidate selection process. This 3-to-6 month Cooperative Agreement will ensure a rigorous evaluation cycle for selecting top-tier Rangel Fellows dedicated to Foreign Service careers. Key tasks include application screening, virtual panel management, and data transfer to facilitate a transparent and efficient selection process.

The 2027 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program aims to enhance the skills of aspiring Foreign Service Officers by providing essential financial and administrative support throughout their academic journey. This program, managed by the U.S. Department of State, is designed to ensure timely graduation and successful entry into the Foreign Service. Key objectives include robust financial oversight, comprehensive onboarding support, and professional development opportunities, creating a pathway for future diplomatic leaders.

The National Center for Law and Elder Rights, funded by the US HHS: Administration for Community Living, aims to enhance legal assistance for older individuals as mandated by the Older Americans Act. This initiative will support local providers through training, legal advice, and system design to ensure effective delivery of services. Up to four cooperative agreements will be awarded to organizations that collaborate in this vital legal assistance effort.

The Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program aims to enhance forest health through collaborative, science-based restoration projects on non-federal lands. It supports initiatives that mitigate wildfire risks, improve habitats, and enhance water quality. Grants range from $100,000 to $600,000, depending on project scope, with a 1:1 cost share requirement. Applications must be sponsored by State Foresters, and tribes have specific application limits. This program emphasizes community engagement and sustainable resource management.

The Landscape Scale Restoration Grant Program for Tribes aims to promote collaborative restoration of priority forest landscapes. This competitive grant supports impactful projects that improve wildlife habitats, water quality, and reduce wildfire risks on eligible rural lands. Recipients must match federal funds with non-federal sources at a 1:1 ratio. The program encourages innovative strategies that align with science-based restoration plans, benefiting both tribal and local communities.

The AFRL/AFOSR-Taiwan NSTC program promotes international collaboration in nanoscience research between US and Taiwanese institutions from 2027 to 2030. This initiative invites joint pre-proposals from teams comprising investigators from both regions to explore innovative materials and nanostructure advancements. With a focus on enhancing scientific partnerships, the program aims to leverage expertise and resources, fostering groundbreaking discoveries in energy-efficient technologies and quantum geometry. Open to all applications, it seeks to push the boundaries of nanotechnology.

The BJA FY 2026 Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence program aims to support states and local governments in covering costs related to postconviction case reviews, evidence location, and DNA testing in violent felony cases. This initiative is part of the Office of Justice Programs' commitment to enhancing public safety and addressing wrongful convictions, ensuring that justice is served and the rights of innocent individuals are protected.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.

AGRI Specialty Crop Preparing for Extreme Weather (Prepare) Grant

The AGRI Specialty Crop Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant Program, also referred to as the Prepare Grant, helps Minnesota specialty crop producers buy and install supplies or equipment that will help make their operations more resilient to extreme weather, including:

• Drought
• Flood
• Extreme heat
• Straight-line winds
• Hail
• Early or late frost
• Tornadoes
• Winter storms

A 50% cash match is required.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.

AGRI Protecting Livestock from Avian Influenza (Protect) Grant

The AGRI Protecting Livestock from Avian Influenza Grant, also referred to as the Protect Grant, helps Minnesota farmers and ranchers buy and install supplies or equipment to prevent the transmission of avian influenza on their farms.

A 20% cash match is required. You can use your related time and labor costs to reduce the cash match by up to $2,000.

The FY 2026 - 2028 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from NOAA invites proposals addressing significant natural and cultural resource challenges through collaborative efforts. This initiative supports the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU) program, connecting federal agencies with universities and partners for effective solutions. Applicants should review the organizational structure of NOAA's Line and Staff Offices for guidance and coordination on their applications.

The AFRL/AFOSR FY 2027 grant aims to establish a university-led Center for High-Speed Aerothermoelasticity, focusing on multidisciplinary research in fluid mechanics, thermal transport, and structural sciences. This initiative encourages collaboration among U.S. universities, including partnerships with HBCUs, to address aerothermoelasticity challenges critical to the Air Force mission. Proposals are sought from qualified teams to enhance academic research and workforce development for the Department of the Air Force.

Through the generosity of donors to the Foundation Council, MNRS is able to offer nurse researchers grant opportunities to further their work and contribute to the profession of nursing science. The Foundation and Grants Committee urges you to apply for one of the grant opportunities offered solely to MNRS members. You must remain a member of MNRS for the entire duration of the grant process.About MNRS Post-Dissertation GrantThe Midwest Nursing Research Society is pleased to offer TWO MNRS Post-Dissertation Grant of up to $2,500. The purpose of this grant is to support nurse researchers in the Midwest who have completed their doctoral degree and are in the post-doctoral phase and beyond. These grants are designed to provide funding that helps advance independent programs of research and contribute to the growth of nursing science and practice.

Funds are available to support quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods studies on any topic relevant to nursing science.

Through the generosity of donors to the Foundation Council, MNRS is able to offer nurse researchers grant opportunities to further their work and contribute to the profession of nursing science. The Foundation and Grants Committee urges you to apply for one of the grant opportunities offered solely to MNRS members. You must remain a member of MNRS for the entire duration of the grant process.About MNRS Kevin & Mary Anthony Family Grant for Transforming Long-Term CareThe MNRS/Kevin & Mary Anthony Family Grant for Transforming Long-Term Care supports the initiatives that drive meaningful and transformative improvements in the nursing-home work environment by addressing one of two priorities: 

1. Strengthening leadership, teamwork, and/or communication—both within and across disciplines—as core drivers of improved resident- and family-centered care and outcomes.

2. Advancing meaningful engagement and empowering nursing assistants to share their perspectives and actively shape care practices and workplace decisions.

Funding will support bold ideas using quantitative or mixed-methods research projects that address either of these priorities and contribute to sustainable, evidence-based improvements in long-term care.

Through the generosity of donors to the Foundation Council, MNRS is able to offer nurse researchers grant opportunities to further their work and contribute to the profession of nursing science. The Foundation and Grants Committee urges you to apply for one of the grant opportunities offered solely to MNRS members. You must remain a member of MNRS for the entire duration of the grant process.

About MNRS Joseph & Jean Buckwalter Dissertation Grant

This grant was made possible through a bequest from the estate of Dr. Joseph and Jean Buckwalter to their son and daughter-in-law, Jody and Kitty Buckwalter. The purpose of this grant is to support the research development of budding scholars in the Midwest Region, especially those with interests in chronic illness and mental health. All applicants MUST be current active members of MNRS to be eligible for this grant.

The NIJ FY 2026 Research aims to enhance understanding of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation through scientific research. Proposals are sought in four key areas: the role of technology in fraud detection, forensic research for elder abuse investigation, evaluation of preventive programs, and the development of educational interventions against financial fraud targeting older adults. This initiative targets critical issues to improve safety and support for elderly individuals.

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

• To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
• To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
• To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
• To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
• In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

• the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
• bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
• the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

The Allen Foundation, named in honor of William Webster Allen, operates under the laws of the State of Michigan with offices in Midland. Grants are limited under the terms of the foundation's charter to projects that primarily benefit programs for human nutrition in the areas of health, education, training, and research.

Policies and Priorities

• To make grants to fund relevant nutritional research.
• To support programs for the education and training of mothers during pregnancy and after the birth of their children, so that good nutritional habits can be formed at an early age.
• To assist in the training of persons to work as educators and demonstrators of good nutritional practices. 
• To encourage the dissemination of information regarding healthful nutritional practices and habits. 
• In limited situations to make grants to help solve immediate emergency hunger and malnutrition problems.

The connections between diet and health remain a basic and primary priority, and consideration has always been given to projects that benefit nutritional programs in the areas of education, training, and research.

Low priority has traditionally been given to proposals that help solve immediate or emergency hunger and malnutrition problems. The foundation welcomes proposals that develop and advance:

• the inclusion of mandatory courses in nutrition in medical schools;
• bringing the promise of nutrigenomics or nutritional genomics to realization; and
• the promotion of environmentally sound, economically viable, socially responsive, and sustainable food and agricultural systems.

We also support environmental initiatives that strengthen sustainable food systems and address the root causes of hunger and inequity through sustainable agriculture, academic research, and promoting long-term community health and resilience.

About Patrick "Packy" McGaughan A popular instructor in Area II, Packy operated Banbury Cross Farm in Clarksburg, Maryland. The farm was developed into a premier training, breeding and boarding facility, specializing in eventing, dressage, hunters, and equitation. Packy produced numerous horses and riders to the highest level of the sport. He was a top instructor in Area II for both juniors, amateurs, and professionals alike and could often be found at events up and down the East Coast coaching riders of all ages and levels.

About Patrick “Packy” McGaughan Prize

Following his passing, an award in Packy McGaughan’s honor was established through the USEA Foundation. That award includes a beautiful bronze trophy and award recipients will be recognized at the USEA Annual Meeting and Convention, and a $5,000 award given annually to a USEA member who demonstrates a love of the sport similar to Packy. 

About Henry Luce FoundationThe Henry Luce Foundation was formed in 1936 by Henry R. Luce, the founder of Fortune, Life, and Sports Illustrated magazines co-founder of Time magazine. Our mission then and now is to empower and transform people, communities, and institutions by boosting access to knowledge and forward-thinking ideas. We envision a world in which diverse people and communities thrive— determining their own best futures and working together in pursuit of knowledge and shared understanding.American Art Program : Loan Exhibition GrantsOnce a year, the American Art Program invites institutions to seek funding for special exhibitions. These are scholarly projects that involve significant loans from multiple institutional and private collections and make new contributions to the field through research, interpretation, and publication.We’re Looking For

• Innovation and Rigor: in ideas, approach, research, and content
• Engagement/Collaboration/Partnerships: among colleagues, communities, institutions, and audiences 
• Impact: for the field of American art, for audiences, for communities

About Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)The Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.About MNRS Seed Research GrantThe Midwest Nursing Research Society is pleased to offer one Seed Grant of up to $5,000. The purpose of this grant is to support researchers in the Midwest that advance nursing science and practice. Funds are available for quantitative and qualitative research on any topic relevant to nursing science. This funding is available to all MNRS nursing researchers, regardless of prior funding history or time from dissertation. All applicants MUST be current active members of MNRS to be eligible for this grant.

Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI)

The Department of Labor and Industry ensures Minnesota’s work and living environments are equitable, healthy and safe. The agency oversees the state's programs for apprenticeship, construction codes and licensing, dual-training pipeline, occupational safety and health, wage and hour standards, workers' compensation and youth skills training programs. 

MNOSHA WSC Safety Grant Program

The Safety Grant Program awards matching funds up to $10,000 to qualifying employers for projects designed to reduce the risk of injury and illness to their workers. To qualify, the project must be supported by all public entities involved and comply with federal, state and local regulations where applicable. Costs eligible for program participation are all or part of the cost of:

• purchasing and installing recommended safety or health equipment; training for purchased equipment;
• tuition reimbursement; the cost of operating or maintaining safety or health equipment; and
• purchasing or renting real property, if necessary, to meet criteria established by the on-site safety and health survey.

Minnesota Department of Health

Mission: Protecting, maintaining and improving the health of all Minnesotans. The vision of MDH is for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving and all people have what they need to be healthy.

Groundwater Protection Initiative: Accelerated Implementation Grant

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) received funding from the Clean Water Fund to advance Groundwater Restoration and Protection Strategies (GRAPS). A portion of this funding is being offered as grants to build capacity to accelerate implementation of groundwater projects across the state. Each applicant will have the opportunity to apply for up to $50,000 to conduct pre- project identification, planning and design work that is required before on-theground projects can be implemented. Whether it is conducting inventories of potential pollutant sites, utilizing existing targeting tools and datasets, supplying private well testing kits, providing technical assistance, or increasing citizen interactions, these grants equip local governments with the capacity to increase the installation and/or management of groundwater projects and practices that protect groundwater. This grant cannot be used for project implementation or mitigation purposes.