Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Minnesota

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Minnesota with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs may be eligible for support to launch or expand their work. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations nationwide that propose new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social issues; funding is by invitation, with letters of inquiry welcome.

Community-based nonprofits, tribal governments, local governments, and eligible institutions in Minnesota can seek up to US $150,000 for Tier 1 environmental and public health assessment and engagement projects in disadvantaged communities. The Minneapolis Foundation supports grassroots environmental justice efforts such as air, water, and soil monitoring, healthy homes, green infrastructure, and disaster resilience across EPA Region 5’s Great Lakes area.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

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.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other eligible organizations in Minnesota working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can seek project or scaling support from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards are more than US $50,000. This global funder supports work in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

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.

Minnesota grassroots and community-based organizations focused on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through the Semnani Family Foundation for programs serving marginalized and vulnerable populations. This global funder supports work such as healthcare access, disaster relief, child welfare, and social services in Minnesota and other countries where it operates.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, workforce development, community development, arts, environment, or inclusion can seek sponsorship support to advance economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America supports regional U.S. sponsorships that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and shelter, and strengthen the social and cultural life of local communities.

Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, and Tribal Nations doing grassroots organizing can receive up to US $25,000 in rapid response funding for urgent policy, civic engagement, legal, or healing justice needs. Headwaters Foundation for Justice prioritizes BIPOC-led efforts addressing systemic oppression, with unrestricted operating grants decided eight times per year.

Grassroots and other organizations working on gun violence prevention, justice reform, or violence intervention that impact Minnesota can apply for the Joyce Foundation’s Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant. Funding supports research, policy development, advocacy, pilot initiatives, and public education to build safe, racially equitable communities in the Great Lakes region, including Minnesota.

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.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Minnesota

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

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.

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 grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, social services, health care, civic or cultural projects, or environmental programs can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation. U.S.-based nonprofits may request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project support, with only one application accepted per organization each grant cycle.

Black-led 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organizations, or fiscally sponsored groups, in Minnesota can access general operating support for grassroots racial and social justice organizing. Headwaters Foundation for Justice provides US $50,000 over two years to strengthen Black movement ecosystems and collective power, centering Black Minnesotans’ self-determination and long-term systemic change.

Grassroots groups, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal governments, and public entities in northeastern Minnesota can apply for Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Community Opportunity Fund Resilience grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $50,000 for resilience-focused projects. Funding supports community-led efforts that strengthen housing stability, food security, workforce resilience, climate adaptation, and long-term community capacity.

Grassroots and established 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal governments, and public entities in northeastern Minnesota can seek $25,000 - $50,000 to advance belonging, equity, and inclusive community culture. Focused on community-driven, equity-centered work, Boreal Waters Community Foundation supports programs, general operations, capacity building, and systems-change efforts that elevate marginalized voices and strengthen community bonds.

Minnesota grassroots and established 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, Tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups can access funding through Boreal Waters Community Foundation to advance economic stability and independence. Grants of US $25,000 - US $50,000 support community-driven work in housing, living-wage jobs, wealth-building, educational access, and essential economic support services in northeastern Minnesota and nearby Wisconsin counties.

Native-led grassroots nonprofits and tribal programs in Minnesota can receive US $50,000 - US $100,000 in unrestricted support for community-powered solutions, including leadership, healing, cultural revitalization, and capacity building. Good Relatives Collaborative prioritizes organizations under $2.5 million in budget that are deeply rooted in and serving Native communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local governments in Minnesota can seek funding for new intercultural exchange projects that build understanding and cooperation across cultural lines. The Laura Jane Musser Fund provides up to US $25,000 for planning or implementing grassroots community, youth, or arts initiatives that foster intercultural harmony and tangible community benefits.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Environmental nonprofits, grassroots groups, and fiscally sponsored efforts in northeastern Minnesota counties can seek funding for operating costs, capital needs, start-up expenses, technical assistance, or environmental projects. Focused on conservation, education, and natural resources, Boreal Waters Community Foundation prioritizes organizations protecting the western Lake Superior watershed and serving historically marginalized communities with strong local trust.

Nonprofits, public entities, Tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored grassroots groups in Minnesota’s Boreal Waters Community Foundation service area can receive up to US $4,000 for social justice and community awareness projects. Boreal Waters Community Foundation funds efforts fighting discrimination, advancing human rights, promoting democratic participation, and addressing local issues like hunger, homelessness, and emergency aid.