Best Evolutionary Biology Grants in Minnesota

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for funding that supports work, home, and play initiatives. Focused on equitable, high-impact community development, US Bancorp Foundation prioritizes organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary program needs. Grants may benefit organizations whose evolutionary biology work intersects with child health, education, or human services in communities where Costco operates, with applications reviewed in about 4–6 weeks based on documented community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human and social services programs, including those in Minnesota, can seek support for new approaches to social problems. Creag Foundation considers invited proposals from smaller or evolving organizations addressing societal issues in creative ways; interested groups may first submit a letter of inquiry for potential funding opportunities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth with education, health, development, or welfare programs can access funding from the Dan Paul Foundation, including projects in Minnesota. Grants up to US $15,000 may support child advocacy, early childhood development, environmental education, poverty and homelessness services, refugee enrichment, or related scientific endeavors involving evolutionary biology topics.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Minnesota tackling major social or environmental challenges can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation support, with awards up to US $300,000 over three years. Focused on scalable, systems-oriented solutions for underserved communities, organizations working in areas like health, education, environment, or poverty may benefit.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Minnesota and worldwide can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000 for innovative programs. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help tech-enabled initiatives serving predominantly economically underserved communities, which may include education or skills programs connected to evolutionary biology fields.

Educational institutions, government programs, and eligible nonprofits in Minnesota can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives, including disaster preparedness, fire prevention, and STEM education. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help organizations that may include evolutionary biology components within broader community safety, housing, job training, or academic success programs in the U.S.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on early childhood education or community economic development can access funding through PNC Foundation to expand programs for low- and moderate-income children, families, and neighborhoods. Support may include classroom initiatives, educator development, housing and community services, small business assistance, arts and cultural enrichment, and revitalization efforts in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, science and education, community, environment, or arts projects can access funding through La Roche in Minnesota and worldwide. Grants from La Roche help organizations deliver sustainable development initiatives, youth STEM and science education, primary health care, disaster relief, and culturally focused programs that can actively involve Roche expertise, logistics, and employees.

Minnesota nonprofits and community organizations focused on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through the Semnani Family Foundation to support marginalized and vulnerable populations. Although the foundation works globally, Minnesota-based programs in areas like healthcare access, child welfare, or disaster relief may be eligible if they serve disaffected communities effectively.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting evolutionary biology or related scientific, medical, or educational work in Minnesota may be eligible for national funding that must be used in the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help support well-managed projects with broad impact that materially contribute to the general welfare and serve substantial target populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota working on community development, basic needs, workforce readiness, arts, environment, or diversity programs can seek sponsorship support for community-focused initiatives. Bank of America Foundation’s regional U.S. sponsorships may benefit Minnesota groups whose events or programs advance economic mobility, social progress, and the cultural life of local communities.

U.S.-based IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations seeking support for community programs, education, arts, health, or environmental initiatives, including those in Minnesota, can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $20,000. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds projects where modest awards can significantly advance museums, schools, clinics, youth and senior services, disability programs, and related efforts.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven programs can seek funding to support hunger relief, housing, economic stability, arts, or community development efforts. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. organizations with grants that prioritize strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Minnesota nonprofits working in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural programs, or environmental projects can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation for one year of project support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with at least three years of financial activity may receive US $5,000 - US $25,000, and relevant evolutionary biology initiatives may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations can receive more than US $50,000 to tell impactful stories about their work in preservation, education, or wellness, including wildlife conservation efforts in Minnesota. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports creating media that highlights real-world community impact, which may benefit evolutionary biology and conservation-focused programs.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Minnesota nonprofits and 501(c)(3) emergency response or community organizations can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects; awards US $5,000 - US $30,000. Programs in Union Pacific–served communities, including those with STEM, environmental, or youth components that may intersect with evolutionary biology, may be competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Minnesota conducting environmental, human services, or related programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support general operations or projects. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help organizations, including those with evolutionary biology components, fund work in the environment, human services, disaster relief, and other eligible areas.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant may be eligible for Gupta Family Foundation support, including those in Minnesota. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help fund humanitarian, poverty alleviation, disability, and disaster relief programs worldwide, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000 for smaller, founder-led, non-sectarian organizations.

Doctoral candidates at Big Ten Academic Alliance universities conducting Smithsonian-based research in evolutionary biology and related fields can receive up to US $50,000, including a stipend and research allowance. Focused on advanced academic research, the Smithsonian Institution supports 3–12 month fellowships for eligible students from member campuses, including those located in Minnesota.

Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits with support for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding projects. Organizations conducting evolutionary biology or related environmental work may be eligible if they hold federal charitable status and align their projects with the foundation’s broad respect for life, people, and the environment.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence survivors can seek program funding if located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. The TJX Foundation supports food, clothing, shelter, out-of-school enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety services that help vulnerable children and families build better futures.