Best McLeod County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST) Award recognizes exceptional K-12 educators for their contributions to Earth Science education. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, the award aims to stimulate interest in Earth Sciences among students. Eight national finalists are chosen annually, ensuring broad recognition and encouraging teaching excellence. Nominees can apply themselves or be nominated by colleagues, allowing for two awards in an educator's career to honor both early and late career achievements.

The Excellence in JEDI Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), honors individuals who promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in geoscience education. This prestigious award recognizes significant contributions, including mentorship and advocacy for marginalized groups. Awardees receive a one-year NAGT membership and an opportunity to present their work at a DEI event. Nominations are accepted online, and selections are made by the NAGT DEI Committee.

The James H. Shea Award, presented annually by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), recognizes outstanding contributions in writing and editing Earth science materials aimed at the public and educators. Established in 1991, this prestigious award honors the legacy of James H. Shea, a dedicated advocate for quality geoscience education. Nominations require a detailed letter outlining the nominee's exceptional contributions, reinforcing NAGT's commitment to fostering excellence in Earth science education.

The Duluth Builders Exchange Legacy Fund provides scholarships to support students in pursuing careers in the construction industry. Three scholarships are available: one for four-year degree students in fields like engineering and architecture, another for two-year students in trades like carpentry and plumbing, and a third for apprentices needing tools and safety equipment. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $3,000, promoting education and skill development in the local workforce.

The Aspirus Scholars Program, developed by Aspirus and community partners, addresses healthcare needs in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. This initiative offers scholarships up to $175,000 to medical students at the MCW-CW Campus in exchange for a service commitment with Aspirus. The program aims to alleviate the debt burden of future medical providers while fostering a commitment to primary care and community connection, ensuring quality healthcare for generations to come.

The Advanced Practice Clinician (NP or PA) Fellowship Program at Aspirus Health offers a unique 6-month rotation designed for new graduates to excel in hospital medicine. Aspirus Health, a nonprofit system located in Wisconsin and serving parts of Minnesota and Michigan, operates 18 hospitals and numerous outpatient locations. With a dedicated team of nearly 14,000, including 1,300 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians, this fellowship is also open to experienced APCs transitioning between departments.

The Physician and Advanced Practice Clinician Fellowship Program at Aspirus Wausau Hospital offers a 12-month, full-time opportunity for recent family medicine graduates and practicing physicians. This program aims to enhance skills in hospital medicine, with flexible start dates and two fellowship spots available annually. Aspirus Health, a nonprofit health system in Wisconsin, operates multiple facilities and employs a large team of healthcare professionals, ensuring comprehensive training and support for fellows.

The Cohen Gordon B Great Scholarship Fund honors Judy Gordon's legacy as a dedicated social worker and educator in Duluth. This fund supports students overcoming adversity, encouraging their pursuit of two-year or four-year degrees. Eligible applicants are graduates from any Duluth high school, with a preference for ESL or non-native English speakers. The scholarship awards $2,000 for one academic year, emphasizing the importance of resilience and belief in every student's potential.

The Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2005, supports students from the Duluth-Superior area. Applicants are encouraged to submit essays or creative works that reflect their understanding of race relations and community service. The fund, initiated by local residents to honor the memory of three African American men lynched in 1920, awards $3,000 for one year, with school selections occurring in the spring.

The Bernard B. and Mary L. Brusin Scholarship Fund offers financial support to Jewish and Roman Catholic students from specific Duluth-area high schools. Established in 1987, this scholarship honors the Brusins' commitment to education and community service. Award amounts range from $5,000 to $10,000 annually, with a total potential of $40,000 over four years. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and a dedication to community involvement.

The Amelia and Emanuel Nessell Family Scholarship Fund supports students in financial need, prioritizing Jewish applicants. Established in 1997 in memory of Amelia and Emanuel Nessell, this scholarship reflects the family's commitment to education. Eligible candidates must be Duluth public or private school graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and active in extracurriculars. Award amounts range from $1,250 to $1,500 per year, totaling $2,500 to $3,000 over two years.

The Albert H. Roffers Athletic Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to graduating senior athletes from Ashland High School. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $1,500 for one year and can be used at accredited educational institutions. This scholarship honors Albert H. Roffers, a dedicated community member who supported local sports programs. Eligible applicants must have participated in two varsity sports, maintained a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and demonstrated both character and financial need.

The Allen Butler Minority Law Enforcement Scholarship Temporary Fund offers financial support to young people of color from Duluth pursuing law enforcement training at post-secondary institutions. Established in 1996 by Duluth's African American Men’s Group in honor of Officer Allen Butler, this fund aims to empower eligible candidates with a $1,000 award for one year, promoting diversity and inclusion in law enforcement careers.

The McDaniel Scholarship at Adams State University aims to provide full-tuition scholarships to students in junior standing or above, including post-graduate and graduate students. Established by Dr. John E. McDaniel, this scholarship honors past students while supporting the educational aspirations of future scholars. As part of Colorado's premier Hispanic-Serving Institution, this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to equitable access to education and empowering historically underserved populations.

The DTRF + Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholarship, offered by the Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation, provides annual need-based scholarships of up to $10,000 for Certified Descendants of Jesuit slaveholding. This initiative aims to support educational advancement at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other post-secondary institutions, while promoting racial healing and minimizing the wealth gap within the Descendant community.

The Northwoods Educational Opportunities Fund offers financial aid to high school seniors and graduates from Mercer and Chequamegon (Park Falls) schools, as well as residents of the Town of Sherman. Awards can reach up to $20,000 over four years. Eligible applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate financial need, community service, and leadership engagement. This initiative aims to support students in pursuing vocational or post-secondary educational programs.

The Minnesota Section, Society of Mining Metallurgy and Exploration Scholarship Fund offers scholarships for undergraduate studies in engineering or geology to Minnesota residents or students attending Minnesota colleges. With awards of $1,000 per year for up to four years, this fund prioritizes applicants demonstrating financial need and a strong academic record in STEM fields, fostering the next generation of professionals in the Minnesota mining industry.

The Minnesota Power Positively Powerful Scholarship Fund offers need-based scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 for up to two years to high school graduates in Minnesota Power's service area. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and pursue degrees in fields such as Business, Engineering, or STEM. This initiative aims to reduce financial barriers and foster a vibrant talent community in northeast and central Minnesota.

The NIH is offering access to biospecimens from the ABCD, HBCD, and PATH studies to promote research on health and disease across a lifetime. This initiative encourages projects that utilize these samples to deepen understanding of genetic and environmental influences, particularly substance exposure. Researchers can submit proposals to maximize the scientific utility of these resources, in alignment with the goals outlined under federal health regulations.

The Mary H. Rice Scholarship Fund for Native Students, established in honor of the beloved community leader, supports eligible Native American students pursuing higher education. This scholarship, ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 per year for up to four years, is available to enrolled members of several Chippewa bands who have graduated high school or earned a GED. It reflects Mary H. Rice's commitment to education and community enrichment in the Chequamegon Bay area.

The Lawrence E. and Mabel Jackson Rudberg Scholarship Fund supports graduating seniors from Two Harbors Senior High School and Duluth area high schools. This scholarship, established by educators Lawrence and Mabel Rudberg, aims to promote access to higher education. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Awards can reach up to $20,000 over four years, helping students achieve their college aspirations.

The BioLEAP Classroom Grants, funded by the National Anti Vivisection Society, support U.S. educators in purchasing humane alternatives to animal dissection. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for innovative learning tools like 3D models and synthetic specimens. This initiative promotes ethical education in anatomy labs, ensuring teachers have access to effective resources while fostering a compassionate approach to learning.

NIFA requests applications for grants under the RCDG program for FY 2025 to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping nonprofit organizations who in turn provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas. This notice is being issued to allow applicants sufficient time to leverage financing and prepare and submit their applications. This notice identifies the goals and objectives, eligibility criteria, and application forms and instructions.

The purpose of the RCDG program is to enable nonprofit institutions to establish and operate centers for rural cooperative development (Center). The primary objective of the program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping nonprofit organizations who in turn provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas.

The goals of a Center funded under this subsection shall be to facilitate the creation of jobs in rural areas through the development of new rural cooperatives, value added processing, and rural businesses.

The Iron River Lions Club Marie Larson Scholarship Fund offers $2,000 to graduating high school seniors from public or private schools in the Iron River area. Established by Marie Larson, this fund supports students pursuing higher education, with its origins tracing back to a golf tournament begun in 2008. The scholarship honors Larson's legacy and her commitment to the community, encouraging local youth to achieve their educational goals.

The Jack and Mary Rowe Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Jack and Mary Rowe by supporting high school graduates in Duluth, Hermantown, or Proctor who are pursuing engineering studies. This scholarship, valued at $4,500 for one year, recognizes academic excellence without considering financial need, encouraging students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher, or 3.5 in honors courses, to apply and engage in extracurricular activities.

The Ham Family Scholarship Fund, established by Stephanie and CJ Ham along with Essentia Health and the NFL Foundation, supports diverse students in Duluth and Superior. Created to enhance BIPOC retention and graduation rates, it offers $1,000 annually for up to four years. Eligible applicants must identify as BIPOC, demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and engage in extracurricular activities. This scholarship aims to empower students in their pursuit of higher education.

The Four Directions Scholarship Fund for Native Students, created by Penny Gill, aims to support Ojibwe students through higher education. With a total award of $10,000 distributed over four years, the scholarship is available to enrolled members of specific Chippewa tribes who demonstrate financial need. It reflects Gill's commitment to sharing educational opportunities with her community on Madeline Island, honoring the original caretakers of the land.