Best Grants for International Development in Minnesota

The Low Income Worker Training Program, offered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, provides essential job-specific training grants of up to $200,000 for entities helping low-income individuals. This initiative aims to enhance workforce development by enabling individuals earning at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines to acquire skills necessary for higher-paying jobs. The program supports training-related materials and certification fees, promoting economic self-sufficiency in Minnesota.

Nonprofit organizations, groups, Tribal Nations, and government entities in Minnesota can receive McKnight Foundation support for arts and culture programs, projects, or general operations that sustain working artists and culture bearers. Funding may benefit international development organizations whose Minnesota-based work centers artistic creation, underrepresented artists, or justice-focused cultural leadership rather than singular events or education-only programs.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Minnesota can apply for funding to advance economic mobility, community wealth-building, fair and just housing, and democratic participation. Grants from McKnight Foundation help Minnesota community development and social justice efforts that support low-income and BIPOC residents, including worker-centered job quality, equitable lending, and housing-related wealth-building initiatives.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) charitable organizations offering direct community services can access funding through Hugh J. Andersen Foundation for asset-based programs that build independence, self-sufficiency, and dignity. Priority is given to work in the St. Croix Valley, especially youth development, social support, health access, education, services for seniors, and programs for people with developmental or physical disabilities.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups seeking technical assistance or capacity-building support can apply for the Management Improvement Fund, with awards up to US $15,000. Minnesota organizations working on international development may be eligible if they need consulting, training, or other management improvement services to strengthen internal operations and BIPOC leadership.

Headwaters Foundation for Justice provides Minnesota grassroots organizations and tribal entities with rapid response funding for time-sensitive organizing around legislative or policy changes, crises, or unexpected opportunities. 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) groups focused on equity, justice, civic engagement, or legal and economic rights may be eligible for unrestricted grants up to US $25,000.

The Walser Foundation

Every car you buy or service at Walser fuels something bigger.

A portion of every sale supports the Walser Foundation, funding post-secondary education, career training, and workforce development initiatives. These programs help shape the next generation of innovators and change-makers in the communities we serve.

The Walser Foundation invests in brighter futures through grants, scholarships, and select sponsorships that empower generations with the stability and mobility to shape their own futures and the community around them.

Community Partners Grant

The Walser Foundation accepts grant applications from designated 501(c)3 organizations based in Minnesota and Kansas that focus on post-secondary education and workforce development.

Funding Priorities

The Walser Foundation is focused on existing grant partners in 2026. We are unable to accept new applicant inquiries until 2027. As we shift our giving focus to post-secondary education and workforce development, 2026 is a transition year dedicated to exiting and returning partners. Our giving will be directly aligned with the following areas:

• Career and technical education
• Career-connected learning opportunities
• College and career readiness
• Internships
• Job placement programs
• Scholarships
• Secondary and post-secondary education
• Technical apprenticeships

Organizations, regional coalitions, and statewide entrepreneurial support providers offering small business development and technical assistance in Minnesota can apply for DEED’s Small Business Assistance Partnerships Program, with awards of US $100,000 - US $400,000. Grants from Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development help Minnesota economic and entrepreneurship programs, including those serving underserved and rural communities, that may support international development-related enterprises.

Nonprofit arts organizations, cultural groups, local governments, and educational institutions in west central Minnesota can receive funding from Lake Region Arts Council to expand arts access, arts learning, and cultural heritage programming. Grants support public art, artist residencies, performances, festivals, workshops, and other arts education or community arts activities within the council’s nine-county region.

Minnesota workforce development and job readiness organizations can access funding for adult career pathways, work-based learning, and job placement services in Minnesota. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Drive for 5 grants offer US $375,000 - US $750,000 to support adults facing employment barriers, improve literacy, and connect participants to high-growth, high-wage jobs, which may benefit international development-focused programs.

The Inga M. Johnson Endowment Fund Grant, supported by West Central Initiative, aims to enhance the quality of life in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. This grant is intended for nonprofit organizations, schools, or government units that promote educational, charitable, scientific, literary, and religious projects. The fund reflects Inga Johnson's community spirit and philanthropic legacy, emphasizing neighborliness, generosity, and empowerment to foster collective action and sustainable growth in the region.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving the Fergus Falls area can apply for grants of US $500 - US $2,500 to support community services projects in Minnesota. With a mission to improve west central Minnesota, West Central Initiative provides local organizations with flexible funding that may benefit programs connected to international development or global engagement at the community level.

Nonprofit charitable organizations planning international development projects that address health, education, economic and community development, or clean water and environment can apply for support in Minnesota. Rotary Club of Lake Minnetonka Excelsior prefers Minnesota- or U.S.-based groups and funds specific international programs or projects, not operating costs, ideally completed by June 30, 2026.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) arts organizations with budgets under $174,000 can obtain general operating support, capacity-building, and small capital funding through the Essentials Support Grant, with awards of US $3,000 - US $10,000. With a mission to strengthen regional arts, East Central Regional Arts Council supports art and art education groups in Region 7E counties, which may include organizations with international development connections.

Nonprofits, government entities, tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups in Minnesota and nearby Wisconsin communities can seek flexible funding to advance transformational resilience work. Boreal Waters Community Foundation supports projects that address root causes, build cross-sector partnerships, and strengthen long-term community capacity, including housing, food security, workforce readiness, climate adaptation, and other equity-focused systems-change initiatives; awards up to US $300,000.

Nonprofit and community organizations in northwest Minnesota counties can apply for the Northwest Minnesota Foundation’s Building Better Lives Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $15,000 for family support, health and wellness, welcoming communities, workforce development, and nonprofit capacity building. Programs in these areas that also advance international development goals may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Beltrami County, Minnesota can apply for United Way of Bemidji Area grants of US $5,000 - US $40,000 to support youth education, financial stability, and health programs. Minnesota groups working on international development may be eligible if their local services address education, basic needs, or community health within Beltrami County.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations working on juvenile delinquency or development of boys from broken homes can seek program support, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $15,000. With a mission to aid constructive youth-focused work, Willis C. Helm Charitable Trust provides grants that may benefit groups whose international development efforts intersect with these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible public entities addressing hunger, shelter, K-12 education access, or workforce development in Minnesota’s Twin Cities metro can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for general operating or program support. C H Robinson Worldwide Foundation focuses on strengthening local communities, which may benefit groups with international development connections based in this region.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal governments, public agencies, and units of government can seek $25,000 - $150,000 to plan, implement, or build capacity for small rural community projects. Blandin Foundation supports initiatives in select northern Minnesota counties that enhance public spaces, civic engagement, arts and culture, and long-term community development, including work that may complement international development-focused missions.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal governments, public agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects in rural Minnesota can apply for Blandin Foundation’s Community Wealth Building Grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $150,000 for multi-year community development efforts. Funding supports affordable housing, community-based economic development, workforce and talent systems, and equitable access to capital in small, low-income, and diverse communities, especially in and around Itasca County.

The Clean Water Legacy Partners Grant Program, administered by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, aims to enhance partnerships for protecting and restoring Minnesota's water resources. With funding of $500,000 for the first year and $2,000,000 for the second year, the program supports initiatives like clean water workshops, rain gardens, and shoreline protection. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and tribal governments dedicated to improving water quality.

Nonprofits, tribal governments, public entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in northeastern Minnesota working on resilience, basic needs, and family stability can apply for Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Community Opportunity Fund, with awards of US $25,000 - US $50,000. Funding supports community-driven projects, general operations, and capacity building that strengthen long-term economic, social, or environmental resilience.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on entrepreneurship, workforce development, housing, or asset building for underserved communities can apply for Target Foundation’s Hometown Program grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $200,000. Grants from Target Foundation help Minnesota organizations expand equitable economic opportunity, which may benefit groups engaged in international development-related economic justice work locally.

With a mission to advance whole-person health, the George Family Foundation provides Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for integrative and alternative health initiatives. Community-based and medical-system programs, professional training, and national leadership efforts that expand access and empower individuals may be eligible, including organizations whose international development work incorporates whole-person wellbeing.

Native-led nonprofits and tribal programs in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and nearby Native Nations can receive US $50,000 - US $100,000 in unrestricted support for community-powered solutions, healing, leadership, and cultural revitalization. Good Relatives Collaborative provides responsive grants that may benefit Minnesota organizations doing international development alongside local Indigenous community work.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits, governments, public schools, tribal governments, religious organizations, and fiscally sponsored projects can seek support for global awareness and international understanding initiatives serving eligible northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin communities. Boreal Waters Community Foundation funds projects on peace, security, economic well-being, human rights, environmental sustainability, and citizen understanding of global cultures and political systems.