Best Itasca County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Michigan Botanical Foundation Grant supports research and educational initiatives that enhance the understanding and preservation of Michigan's flora. Grants are available for projects involving rare species, environmental awareness, and educational programs. The foundation welcomes applications from individuals and organizations that align with its goals. Grant amounts typically range from $100 to $1,500, with preference given to projects based in Michigan or the Great Lakes region. Funding decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

The Global Awareness Fund, managed by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, supports initiatives that foster understanding and cooperation among diverse cultures. Focused on issues like peace, justice, and environmental sustainability, the Fund backs projects such as educational programs, media productions, and community dialogues. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, governmental entities, and tribal governments serving specific regions in Wisconsin and Minnesota. This initiative aims to enhance civil society and promote global citizenship.

Arts & Culture Grant Program

Our Arts & Culture Grant Program will consider proposals that strengthen the arts and culture sector to serve all individuals and communities across the East Metro and Greater Minnesota.

The Foundation believes that all peoples, their cultures, and their art contribute to the meaning and understanding of our humanity and should be honored and celebrated.

Priority will be given to arts and culture organizations that seek to amplify narratives that address challenges facing communities experiencing marginalization (e.g., BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, low-income communities, LGBTQIA+ communities, formerly incarcerated communities and more) through the arts. Additional focus will be on organizations that play integral roles in the health, wellness and vitality of their communities.

Grant Details

Grant amounts will be $100,000 per year for a five-year grant period, for total grant amounts of $500,000 per grantee

In 2026, up to $1,000,000 is available for this grant program, and we anticipate awarding approximately 10 grants

Maada’ookiing Grants provide up to $5,000 to support Native American-led community building initiatives. The program aims to strengthen culture and community among Native American peoples by fostering resilience and creative solutions. Guided by a Native American design team and an Advisory Board, Maada’ookiing emphasizes collaboration and relationship-building with Native nations. The grants focus on areas such as youth support, language preservation, and civic engagement, helping to bring community-identified issues to the forefront.

The F26AS00083 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants are part of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for Fiscal Year 2026. These grants, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to support state-level management plans to combat aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes region. Eligible applicants include Great Lakes states and their designees, with funding awarded through a competitive selection process.

Democracy Grant Program 

Our Democracy Grant Program will consider proposals that address one or more of the following:

• Organizing across issues (e.g., economic justice, climate justice) that builds power and strengthens democratic participation and/or works to improve the material conditions of Minnesota communities
• Narrative infrastructure and storytelling that expands civic voice and dialogue toward an equitable democracy and a just Minnesota
• Infrastructure and institution building that expands our movement landscape, strengthens leaders and equips our changemaking ecosystem for lasting power-building

We understand this work of realizing and strengthening our democracy manifests across issues. We also understand that organizing leverages various strategies required to shape political agendas and social conditions for long-term change include strengthening narrative infrastructure, organizing resources, increasing democratic participation, and building new institutions.

Organizing that works to change the material conditions of communities will both fortify our civic infrastructure and strengthen the democratic participation of communities across the state. Efforts grounded in strong issue-based campaigns, the defense of democratic institutions, leadership development that brings new leaders into the fold, and an orientation of institution building all lay the groundwork for long-term change.

Funded work could include any of the following and more:

• Cross-issue organizing around topics of economic justice, public safety, environment/climate, LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, immigration, Indigenous governance and sovereignty, civic engagement working to improve the material conditions of Minnesota communities
• Organizing strategies that expand base-building and grow new constituencies to build a bigger “we”
• Organizing that builds narrative infrastructure and power to shape storytelling and expand civic discourse for a just Minnesota

Grant Details

Grant amounts will be $100,000 per year for a five-year grant period, for total grant amounts of $500,000 per grantee

In 2026, up to $2,000,000 is available for this grant program, and we anticipate awarding approximately 20 grants

Nonprofits, schools, local governments, and tribal governments in Itasca County, Minnesota can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 for community, cultural, educational, environmental, health, and youth programs. Focused on community quality of life, BNSF Foundation invites organizations near its rail lines to apply for projects with strong local involvement and impact.

Unity Fund

Mission

This fund serves as a catalyst for advancing equity and justice for people of African Heritage in our community. It invests in initiatives that expand access to opportunity, strengthen systems, and ensure African Heritage individuals can fully participate in and benefit from community life.

Priorities include:

• Advance racial equity and dismantle systemic racism
• Increase health, wealth, resiliency, and long-term sustainability
• Engage community members in efforts to end racism
• Address inequities within systems (e.g., housing, education, health, policing, transportation, wealth-building)
• Create physically, emotionally, and culturally safe spaces for people of African Heritage
• Raise awareness of systemic racial inequities through education, outreach, and cultural sharing
• Support leadership development for African American and African Heritage individuals of all ages
• Build relationships across diverse backgrounds to foster understanding and connectedness

Other Considerations

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Alignment with the fund’s mission
• Demonstrated community engagement and need
• Potential for measurable impact
• Contribution to long-term or systems-level change
• Collaboration where appropriate

Award Range

• Individual organizations: $5,000 – $10,000
• Collaborations of multiple organizations (lead organization as applicant): $5,000 – $25,000

The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, established in 1994, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Greater Itasca Area through philanthropic efforts. Governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, the foundation awards grants to nonprofits addressing local needs across various sectors, including education and the arts. With over 30 years of experience, it connects generous donors with community needs, fostering collaboration and compassion to create lasting, positive change.

Mission Catholic dioceses in Itasca County, Minnesota can apply for Catholic Extension’s Francis Grants to fund major diocesan events and leadership development, such as bishop ordinations, anniversaries, papal visits, or a bishop’s continuing education. Only pre-approved poor dioceses are eligible; funding is not provided directly to individuals or independent organizations.

Itasca County, Minnesota Catholic school educators and diocesan leaders can access funding through Catholic Extension to join Loyola Marymount University’s virtual Catholic School Leadership Academy. This one-year graduate certificate in Catholic school administration builds mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, with participants committing to two years of service and implementing a strategic improvement project at their local school.

With a mission to strengthen pastoral and social outreach, Catholic Extension provides designated mission dioceses in Itasca County, Minnesota with support to establish, expand, or enhance Catholic ministries. Funding may cover catechetical resources, marriage and family programs, liturgical life, media evangelization, social outreach to vulnerable groups, and minor post-disaster support.

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

Itasca County, Minnesota health and rural care nonprofits can access funding through Medica Foundation to advance community-led health equity initiatives. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) charities, public/governmental agencies, and Tribal Nations headquartered outside the Twin Cities metro, with priority for free and community clinics addressing areas like mental health, maternal health, primary care, seniors’ health, and related services; awards up to US $20,000.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

RBC Foundation USA provides Itasca County, Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for workforce preparation, youth development, arts access, and related community programs. Eligible organizations have operated at least three years, hold public charity status, maintain a $100,000+ annual budget, and are located where RBC Wealth Management has an active business presence.

Compeer Financial's Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program aims to enhance collaboration among rural fire, rescue, and ambulance departments by providing funding for specialized equipment. Grants of up to $10,000 support projects that improve emergency response capabilities, encouraging teamwork among departments serving adjacent jurisdictions. Eligible applicants must operate within Compeer's 144-county territory and demonstrate a clear plan for equipment use. This initiative underscores the importance of community cooperation in ensuring effective emergency services in rural areas.

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial supports farmers by enhancing their marketing and technology capabilities. Grants can be utilized for branding, website creation, and payment technologies, as well as essential equipment like scales and tents. This initiative aims to promote direct consumer engagement and strengthen local food systems, ensuring fresh produce accessibility while fostering economic growth in rural communities. Eligible applicants must be Compeer clients actively participating in verified farmers markets.

The Minnesota Department of Health is offering funding for innovative HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) programs aimed at reducing HIV transmission in rural communities. With a total of up to $600,000 available, the initiative seeks to increase HIV screenings, referrals, and prescriptions, ultimately promoting health equity and supporting the local END HIV MN plan. Organizations that can effectively implement and evaluate these programs are encouraged to apply.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

Union-registered individuals starting first- or second-year construction apprenticeships in Aitkin, Itasca, and nearby counties can apply for Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Duluth Builders Exchange Apprenticeship Scholarship; awards US $500 for tools and gear. Itasca County, Minnesota apprentices in eligible programs may benefit from this support for entering the construction trades.

Who We Are

Founded in 1996, the Community Foundation of South Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to making South Georgia a better place to live through effective philanthropy. We help individuals, families, nonprofit organizations and businesses establish and manage charitable funds that carry out their philanthropic interests. Serving a geographic area of 35 counties in South Georgia, we facilitate our donors’ charitable plans and goals by creating custom designed funds that meet their specific interests and ensure solid financial management and administration for each fund. 

Mitchell EMC – Operation Round Up Scholarship

For graduating high school seniors or students currently enrolled in or attending a post-secondary college or university in the United States, that has attained at least a 2.5 GPA in high school or college. The student, parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the student must have their primary residence or a place of business in the Mitchell EMC service area. Awards are based on financial need, academic achievement, extracurricular school activities or employment, community service, and leadership qualities. Preference will be given to Mitchell EMC consumers.

A maximum of ten (10) renewable scholarships will be awarded on an annual basis. Scholarships will be $2,500 per semester, twice a year, for up to four years to assist in attaining an undergraduate degree from a post-secondary institution in the United States. After the first Semester, the monies for subsequent semesters will be issued provided that students have submitted prior semester grades to verify they have maintained a minimum GPA of 2.5 and continue to be enrolled as a full-time student.