Best Lac qui Parle County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Bergel Institute

The Bergel Institute is dedicated to the advancement of human knowledge and the human condition.

The Institute focuses on six major areas:

• Economics
• Science
• Technology
• Consciousness
• Health
• Culture

The common theme in all of the Institute’s work is the pursuit of what is possible. It brings a commitment to critical thinking and the questioning of accepted norms and approaches to issues that lie at the foundation of what we think and how we live. In every discipline, assumptions are tested against evidence.

In addition to its research and programmatic endeavors, the Institute offers fellowships. Fellowships come with high expectations and are supported with structure and active mentorship.

Bergel Institute Fellowships

The Bergel Institute offers Fellowships to individuals of all ages who wish to spend a year in intensive study and project development in a subject area that aligns with the advancement of human knowledge and the human condition. Each year, the Institute will list specific fellowship topics within these areas. Applicants may pick one or propose a different topic, as long as it aligns with the Institute’s goals.

Fellowships run from June to May and are primarily virtual, with two paid Institute visits (to the home office in Florida) as the only in-person expectations during the Fellowship year. Fellows are expected to work approximately 20 hours per week and to bring a strong intrinsic motivation for the project. They will spend the year conducting intensive research and/or project development, supported by Institute staff, with monthly meetings and quarterly progress reports to help maintain momentum.

The Fellowship is also intended to function as an incubator, providing time, guidance, and structure for work that continues beyond the Fellowship year.

As noted above, Fellows travel to the Institute twice during the Fellowship year to present to leadership: once in August, at the end of Q1, and again in May, at the end of the Fellowship year. The May presentation focuses on what was accomplished during the year and the Fellow’s plans for next steps. Final work may take many forms, including detailed manuscripts, the launch of a business or organization; or a video series, documentary films, etc. Travel and lodging for both presentations are covered by the Institute.

Upon completion of the Fellowship year, all Fellows are required to serve as mentors for future Fellows, ensuring that accumulated knowledge and experiences are passed to their successors.

FT1: Using AI to Expand Economic Opportunity

During the past ten years, many in the U.S. and around the world have worried that AI and AI-related technologies will reduce the need for human labor, shrink the number of jobs, and push more people into economic instability. The Bergel Institute has a different perspective: rapid improvements in communications and access to information can expand economic opportunity and open new entryways into the mainstream economy.

This Fellowship will explore where AI can remove long-standing obstacles to stability, including translation issues on forms, limited English proficiency when searching and applying for jobs online, navigating cost-of-living differences across regions, and making informed relocation decisions by comparing pay to real-world expenses.

The Fellowship will also examine applications that expand opportunity by reducing shocks and removing barriers to stability. AI and satellite imagery may improve mapping relative to who is living in poverty so providers of aid and assistance can reach towns, villages, or households missed by traditional survey methods, helping families access support sooner and re-enter the mainstream economy faster. AI tools can also strengthen disaster relief and recovery so households are not impacted as intensely or for as long, protecting livelihoods, savings, and continuity of work and school. Given that many people in poverty around the world live and work on small farms, AI can help identify crop issues and disease and optimize production, strengthening household income. In education and skill development, new platforms can deliver quality, affordable education to remote areas, reducing geographical and transportation obstacles and expanding pathways into better-paying work.

By the end of the Fellowship, the Fellow will produce a credible roadmap for what can be built, who must be involved, what barriers to adoption exist, and what can be implemented in the near term.

The Bergel Institute Fellowship - FS1: Cutting Edge or Pseudoscience? invites individuals to explore the intersection of science and human potential. This immersive program seeks to rigorously analyze over a century of scientific advancement, examining theories from quantum mechanics to consciousness. Through intensive research and mentorship, fellows will develop a comprehensive study that aims to redefine the applications of validated scientific theories, fostering public understanding and contributing to the evolution of human knowledge.

The Bergel Institute Fellowship - FH1 focuses on expanding our understanding of health and healing through ancient practices like acupuncture, tai chi, and yoga. This fellowship invites applicants to explore the connections between consciousness and healing, challenging conventional health paradigms in the U.S. The program emphasizes research and mentorship, encouraging fellows to investigate the efficacy of various modalities, their historical contexts, and their potential applications in modern health care systems.

The Charlotte T. Reid Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund offers financial support to students pursuing music studies. Established in 2008 by Charlotte Reid's family, the fund honors her legacy as a notable musician and politician. The scholarship amount typically averages around $1,000 annually, assisting deserving candidates from the Fox River Valley area. Managed by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, this initiative promotes educational opportunities and community engagement in the arts.

The Cameron Pepera Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Pepera family in memory of their son, aims to support local high school seniors from St. Charles North and East High Schools. This scholarship, typically valued at $1,000, is designed for students demonstrating financial need and active participation in extracurricular activities. Funded by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, it reflects a commitment to enhancing the community's future by empowering its youth.

The David B. Perry Endowment Fund, established by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, honors a dedicated community member by providing scholarships to local students. With awards typically around $1,000, this fund supports educational aspirations for residents of Kaneville and surrounding areas. It reflects the legacy of David B. Perry, who was committed to preserving his community's heritage and fostering youth engagement in philanthropy.

The Daniel W. Schindlbeck Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund, established in 2004, provides scholarships for students pursuing careers in criminal justice or law enforcement. Funded by the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, it honors Daniel Schindlbeck, a dedicated police officer in Aurora. The typical award is $1,000, supporting students from the foundation's service area, including Kane and Kendall counties. This initiative promotes education and community service, ensuring a lasting legacy of civic engagement.

Federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to increase charter school quality and authorizer accountability. The three objectives identified in MDE’s application to ED are designed to support a landscape of high-quality/high-performing charter schools that all parents from all communities can access by making informed decisions about the best education choices for their children through empowered access to information.

Native Language Revitalization Grant

Grant purpose

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) makes funding available to school districts, charter schools, and Tribal contract schools in Minnesota to provide language instruction in Dakota and Anishinaabe languages or another language indigenous to the United States or Canada, pursuant to Laws of Minnesota 2025, 1st Special Sess. chapter 10, article 6, section 6, subdivision 5.

Funding

Funding is made available through Laws of Minnesota 2025, 1st Special Sess. chapter 10, article 6, section 6, subdivision 5. MDE estimates that up to $13,500,000 is available for the initial grant round. Any funds remaining after the initial round will be available for subsequent grant rounds. Applicants are encouraged to apply during the initial round as the timing and funding available for subsequent rounds will be determined after the first round is complete.

Applicants are encouraged to request no more than $500,000 for the two-year grant period. However, applicants may request more than $500,000 if they can clearly demonstrate the need for such funding.

Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri Inc. was established in 2009 as a 501(c)3 public charity to help donors support their favorite charities while receiving maximum tax advantage.

We serve as a vehicle for charitable giving, helping donors give to the causes they care about. Donor gifts will strengthen nonprofits increasing programs and services. 

McLaughlin, Delbert & Mary Teaching Scholarship

This fund was established in memory of Delbert and Mary McLaughlin by their son, Bill McLaughlin to provide academic scholarships to graduating seniors of the St. Joseph School District pursing a degree in Education.

The Limited Competition for High Impact Specialized Innovation Programs aims to enhance clinical and translational science by funding unique capabilities and addressing critical gaps through the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Program. This initiative fosters collaboration across a national network of academic medical centers, facilitating the transition of scientific discoveries into impactful health interventions. Applications are peer-reviewed, ensuring funding is directed towards the most promising proposals.

R. Kubly Family Foundation

The goal of the R. Kubly Family Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in Monroe, Wisconsin by empowering educated and leadership-focused individuals who live and work in the Monroe area.

Scholarship Loan Program

The R. Kubly Family Foundation makes low interest loans to qualified individuals for use in paying their school tuition for graduate, professional, or certain undergraduate degrees through the Scholarship Loan Program. The Foundation will forgive those loans if the individual lives and works in the Monroe, Wisconsin area for five years after graduation. See the Program Detail & Policies PDF for more information. 

Scholarship Loan Program applications are accepted throughout the year.

The BJA FY 2026 Enhancing Security Measures for Houses of Worship Program aims to support faith-based institutions in preventing bias-motivated crimes. This funding opportunity encourages partnerships between religious communities and law enforcement, promoting the implementation of evidence-based security measures. Grants will enhance institutional capacity for reporting incidents and assisting in criminal investigations, ensuring safer environments for worshippers. Applications are due by September 9, 2026, at 8:59 PM ET in JustGrants.

The Wetland Mitigation Banking Program for FY 2026 offers $3 million in grants to support the development of mitigation banks for agricultural producers with wetlands. Proposals are prioritized based on the number of wetlands and conservation compliance requests in states such as Georgia, Illinois, and Minnesota. This competitive program is designed to enhance conservation efforts while providing financial opportunities for eligible entities.

The Telehealth Nutrition Services Network Grant Program, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, aims to enhance access to quality health care through innovative telehealth nutrition services. This program focuses on preventing and managing chronic diseases by leveraging telehealth technology, ensuring that individuals receive essential nutrition guidance remotely. With a commitment to improving health outcomes, this initiative will significantly benefit communities seeking better access to healthcare resources.

The Centers of Excellence Program, funded by the US HHS: HRSA, aims to improve health professions education for under-represented minority individuals. It provides grants to health schools and organizations to enhance academic performance, expand clinical education, and strengthen faculty recruitment. This initiative promotes strategic partnerships to develop a competitive applicant pool and supports research on health issues affecting minority groups, ensuring better health outcomes and career opportunities in the health professions.

The HIV Care Grant Program aims to enhance access to comprehensive, high-quality HIV care and treatment for low-income individuals in Pacific Island territories. Funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), this initiative supports states and territories in developing effective systems of care, ensuring that those affected by HIV receive the necessary treatment and support to improve health outcomes.

The National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank (NMVB) aims to enhance biomedical research on malignant mesothelioma by expanding its collection of biospecimens, including tumor tissues and blood samples, alongside demographic and clinical data. Established in 2006, the NMVB serves as a crucial resource for researchers, providing access to a diverse library of samples and data, which can help identify disease markers and develop improved treatment options. This initiative is essential for advancing the understanding and treatment of mesothelioma.

This grant aims to enhance safety and health in U.S. mining operations through research in automation, robotics, and intelligent systems. It addresses critical issues like emergency communication and self-escape reliability while supporting the development of field-ready solutions. By leveraging advanced technologies, the initiative seeks to improve miner safety and health, reduce hazardous exposures, and foster community engagement. Applicants must be U.S. academic institutions with accredited mining programs, linking project goals to documented health burdens.

The Occupational Safety and Health Research (R01) grant aims to enhance understanding of workplace hazards, develop strategies to mitigate risks, and translate research into effective prevention measures. This initiative encourages applicants to address specific occupational health challenges and articulate the anticipated outcomes of their research, contributing to the reduction of work-related illnesses and injuries. By fostering innovative solutions, this grant supports the mission of NIOSH and promotes safer working environments.

The NIOSH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (U13) program aims to fund high-quality scientific gatherings that advance research in occupational safety and health. By promoting collaboration among experts, this program supports workshops and conferences aligned with NIOSH mission priorities. Federal involvement is significant, ensuring guidance and coordination throughout the award process. Applications for training-only events are not eligible, emphasizing the focus on comprehensive scientific discourse.

The NIOSH Support for Conferences and Scientific Meetings (R13) program aims to fund high-quality scientific gatherings that enhance occupational safety and health research. It supports meetings that align with NIOSH's mission and priorities, encouraging the exchange of information on relevant topics. Applications should focus on advancing research in these areas, fostering collaboration among professionals. Note that training-only events are not eligible for funding under this program.

The Chronic Care Telehealth Centers of Excellence Program, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, aims to enhance chronic care management through innovative telehealth technologies. This initiative will support academic medical centers in integrating comprehensive telehealth services for chronic disease prevention, management, and acute episode treatment. The centers will also contribute to research publications, establishing national benchmarks for effective telehealth integration in chronic care.

Cohen Cares Scholarship

We offer a scholarship for current Cohen employees participating in the Cohen Cares employee giving program and/or their dependents. Must be pursuing a college degree and/or a trade school certification.

Scholarships are non-renewable, but students may apply each year. Scholarship amounts are $2,500 for college and $500 for technical school. 

Applications are open year-round. After we receive all application requirements, we internally review applications and make decisions within two weeks of receipt. An email will be sent to the applicant to complete follow up requirements.

Scholarship payments are sent directly to the school.

Marshall High School Scholarship

The Alison Shuemake Scholarship is for a Marshall High School senior and graduates pursing an academic or technical degree or certification.

Applications are open year-round. After we receive all application requirements, we internally review applications and make decisions within two weeks of receipt. An email will be sent to the applicant to complete follow up requirements.

Scholarship payments are sent directly to the school.

We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $182,000 committed to students in over 70 new and renewed scholarships awarded each year.

For graduating seniors or current college students.

Mason-Oceana-Manistee Board of Realtors Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of the Mason-Oceana-Manistee Board of Realtors members, who established the Mason-Oceana-Manistee Board of Realtors Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

The Mason-Oceana-Manistee Board of Realtors created this Scholarship Fund to benefit graduating seniors from any Mason, Oceana, or Manistee County High. This fund supports a student from each county every year.

About

Community Foundation of Henderson County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public charity, governed by a volunteer board of directors, that has been assisting donors fulfill their philanthropic dreams since 1982.

Community Foundation of Henderson County was incorporated in 1982 by a group of fourteen dedicated and compassionate local leaders with the immediate need to manage two funds - the William C. Armstrong Scholarship Fund and the Charlie Renfrow Scholarship Fund, in addition to providing a permanent vehicle for citizens to give back to their community.

Dan and Amy Pace Scholarship

This scholarship provides financial support to students who are graduates of a public high school in Henderson County and who plan to pursue a certification to teach high school English.

The Friends of Carl Sandburg Donald E. Hubbs Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of Henderson County, aims to support Henderson County residents pursuing college degrees in Conservation, Animal Science, or Parks and Recreation. This fund prioritizes students specializing in American Literature but is open to those not necessarily at the top academically or financially. Established in 1982, the foundation has a strong history of facilitating community philanthropy.