Best Grants for First Responders in Minnesota

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.

Solar for Schools Grant Program

Schools are increasingly going solar nationally and across Minnesota.

In 2022, Brighter Future: A Study on Solar in U.S. Schools was published detailing cumulative national solar schools by state while highlighting trends from January 2020 through December 2021. It reported 8,400 schools with a collective solar capacity exceeding 1,600 MW, representing 9% of U.S. K-12 schools and 19% of U.S. K-12 school districts. With more than 23 MW of solar installed across nearly 190 schools, Minnesota is among the top states for solar schools, ranking 13 for installed solar capacity and 11 in total number of solar schools.

Since its launch in January 2022, more than 150 Minnesota schools have been awarded solar grants. The program has nearly doubled the number of solar schools in the state in its first three years. For more information, explore the most recent Solar for Schools Annual Report.

The cumulative value of grant(s) received by each district or college must not exceed $675,000 if within Xcel electric service territory, or $500,000 for all other electric utilities. This application is comprised of two steps. The Readiness Assessment demonstrates a school’s readiness to proceed to procurement. The total maximum grant is reserved at this stage for selected respondents and is calculated by multiplying the applicable grant rate by the nameplate capacity of the system specified in the Assessment. Grant rates are determined by school type, financial need, and system size and range from $1.26 to $2.70 per watt.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

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 Greater St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support high school seniors, college students, and non-traditional students from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne County in Minnesota. Eligible applicants should have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and pursue a degree in Criminal Justice or First Responder programs. This scholarship fosters leadership and community involvement, ensuring a lasting impact on public safety and local services.

Training registrations and stipend distribution for direct support workers

DHS, through its Disability Services Division, is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to administer training registrations, enhanced rate and budget training verification and stipend distribution for direct support workers.

The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be one year, from July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2027. STATE may extend the contract up to a total of five (5) years.

Background

Direct Support Workers (DSWs) who provide services through the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) programs Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) budget model, Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Choice, Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS), and the Consumer Support Grant (CSG) are eligible to receive stipends when they have meet certain requirements. Additionally, when DSWs complete qualifying trainings, the services they provide become eligible for an enhanced reimbursement rate or trigger an enhanced budget when they are provided to people using CFSS, PCA services, CDCS, or CSG who are eligible for a certain number of hours of PCA services.  

DSWs comprise many types of diversity, including but not limited to people with a wide variety of:

• Racial, cultural, spiritual and or religious backgrounds
• Linguistic backgrounds, including both languages and dialects and accents; 
• Geographic locations; 
• Levels of education; 
• Disabilities, including invisible disabilities; 
• Marital statuses; 
• Types of families; 
• Sexual orientations; 
• Ages; 
• Nationalities and all immigration statuses; 
• Members of tribal nations; 
• Different sexes, including transsexual and intersex individuals; and or 
• Different genders, including people who identify themselves as gender-fluid or gender-neutral. 

Funding Availability

Voluntary training registration funding: $ 30,000, cost of training ranges from $75 to $200 dollars each. Additional funding may be added if funding runs out prior to the end of FY27. 

Voluntary Training Stipend: $ 1,125,000, stipends in the amount of $750 for issuing 1,500 stipends. Additional stipend funding may be available depending on the remaining balance in FY26. 

Retention Stipend: $ 10,000,800, stipends in the amount of $1,200 for issuing 8,334 stipends. Additional stipend funding may be available depending on the remaining balance in FY26.  

• Total Administration Funding: $ 621,342 
• Total: $11,777,142

The McKnight Visual Artist Fellowships, administered by the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, support mid-career Minnesota artists through six annual $25,000 unrestricted grants. This initiative, backed by the McKnight Foundation, fosters artistic growth by connecting fellows with national critics and providing professional development opportunities. Since 1982, the program has aimed to enhance the artistic merit and career trajectories of visual artists, contributing significantly to Minnesota's vibrant arts community.

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.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

RFP: Provide Consultation Services for the Community First Services and Supports Program

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Disability Services Division (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to provide Consultation Services for the Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) program. The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be for up to five (5) years. 

The STATE is responsible for administering long-term services and support for people with disabilities and older adults under publicly funded programs. The STATE’s mission is to help people meet their basic needs so they can live in dignity and achieve their highest potential. Currently, such services and support are being administered through Personal Care Assistance (PCA) and Consumer Support Grant programs.  

The PCA program supports people who need help with day-to-day activities by providing personal care assistants to help with activities of daily living, behavior issues or other health related tasks. Such services are available to people with physical disabilities, chronic health conditions, behavioral diagnoses, and mental health illnesses, and allows these individuals to be more independent in their home, place of employment and community. PCA services under Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) are delivered through approximately 600 MHCP enrolled providers. 

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.

Behavioral Health Division

The Behavioral Health Division (BHD) oversees Minnesota's mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services that are paid for with state and federal funds. To support these services, BHD awards grants to counties, tribes, and nongovernmental providers. Behavioral health services include prevention, treatment, short-term and long-term care, as well as home and community-based services. BHD manages about 700 grants annually.

Request for Proposals for a Grantee to Provide Opioid Epidemic Response Services

Objective of RFP

The Opiate Epidemic Response Advisory Council (OERAC), in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Behavioral Health Administration (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to provide services aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic in Minnesota. These services include prevention and harm reduction for opioid use disorder (OUD), expansion and enhancement of the continuum of care for opioid related substance use disorders (SUD), and chronic pain management and alternative treatments.

The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be for three and a half (3.5) years. STATE may extend the contract up to a total of five (5) years.

OERAC and STATE have identified four categories to meet the purpose of this RFP, each containing multiple focus areas. The four categories available for funding under this RFP are:

• Category A– Primary Prevention and Education for Opioid Related Substance Use Disorders
• Category B – Harm Reduction Services
• Category C – Expansion and Enhancement of Continuum of Care for Opioid Related Substance Use
• Category D – Chronic pain and Alternative Treatments

The Medical Education and Research Cost (MERC) Grant Program, initiated by the Minnesota Department of Health, supports clinical medical education across Minnesota. Established in 1996, this program addresses funding gaps for teaching facilities that face challenges in covering overhead costs not reimbursed by standard mechanisms. By providing essential funding, MERC helps sustain high-quality medical training and education, ensuring that Minnesota continues to cultivate skilled healthcare professionals.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.