Best Grants for Mentoring Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota nonprofits and community groups running mentoring, educational development, healthy living, or basic needs programs can receive up to US $2,000 to support their work. Benton Telecommunications Foundation provides small grants for youth leadership, personal growth, and community development projects, with a particular emphasis on initiatives benefiting Benton County communities.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek funding that may support mentoring-related programs. 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 addressing multiple “work, home, and play” pillars.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits running youth, education, or health and human services programs can access funding via Costco Foundation for monetary support of their community work. Programs that support children, including mentoring or tutoring components, may be considered if they demonstrate clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to address education, crisis response, or economic empowerment can seek Global Impact Cash Grants supporting innovative programs, including those serving Minnesota communities. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations worldwide that primarily serve economically underserved populations, emphasize tech-enabled solutions, and focus on areas like mentoring, tutoring, workforce readiness, and digital skills development; awards are up to US $100,000.

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.

Grotto Foundation provides Minnesota mentoring and youth-serving nonprofits with funding for programs that strengthen educational, financial, physical, and social well-being. Eligible organizations must run community-led initiatives working in at least three areas: youth development, postsecondary success, community safety and neighborhood development, and mentoring, and may be invited to submit a full proposal after sharing their program idea.

Minnesota organizations running youth education or mentoring-related programs for urban low-income children can seek project or scale-up support of more than US $50,000. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds education, children’s health, and family economic stability initiatives in the U.S., prioritizing entities such as nonprofits, schools, social enterprises, and public agencies that align with its mission and values.

Minnesota tutoring and mentoring nonprofits serving marginalized youth and families can access funding through the Semnani Family Foundation to support health, education, and humanitarian services. Organizations working on healthcare access, child welfare, literacy, or related social services may be eligible, including those whose mentoring programs connect vulnerable communities with needed resources.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations running tutoring, mentoring, educational, scientific, or health programs can seek support for charitable activities serving U.S. communities. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help soundly managed nonprofits expand services that significantly benefit their target populations and advance general welfare, offering flexible funding for program growth and impact within the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota working on community development, basic needs, workforce preparation, arts, environment, or inclusion programs can seek sponsorship support to advance economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s regional U.S. sponsorships may benefit mentoring and tutoring initiatives that help educate the workforce and strengthen low- and moderate-income communities.

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.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups can seek up to US $15,000 for technical assistance and consulting to strengthen internal operations and leadership. Minnesota mentoring and tutoring programs may be eligible for support such as strategic planning, board development, evaluation, technology or HR assessments, and BIPOC leadership development through the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation’s Management Improvement Fund.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in central Minnesota offering mentoring, youth development, healthy living, basic needs, or community development programs can apply for Benton Telecommunications Foundation grants, with awards of US $2,000 - US $25,000. Funding supports direct program costs, not administrative overhead, with emphasis on communities in Benton, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, and Stearns counties.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities can seek funding to launch or expand programs for children, youth, and families in Kandiyohi County. CommunityGiving’s WACF Opportunity Gap Grant offers US $5,000 - US $20,000 for mentoring, enrichment, early childhood education, K–12 engagement, career on-ramps, and projects that build safe, stable, caring communities and families.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children ages 0–12 through direct-service or advocacy programs can use this grant for early childhood, youth development, and out-of-school time initiatives, including mentoring. Grants from Sheltering Arms Foundation help Minnesota tutoring and mentoring programs that are high quality, culturally appropriate, and family-engaged, with awards up to US $15,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro can seek general operating or program support for hunger, shelter, education, and workforce development initiatives from C H Robinson Worldwide Foundation, with awards from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Minnesota mentoring and youth development programs that improve K–12 educational opportunities or career pathways may be eligible.

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 tutoring and mentoring nonprofits can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants to support youth development, workforce readiness, safety, and community vitality programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Union Pacific–served communities may receive US $5,000 - US $30,000 for direct services or capacity-building that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Minnesota mentoring and youth-serving organizations offering violence prevention and healing-focused programs for ages 12–24 in Ramsey County may be eligible for US $15,000 - US $25,000 to support program delivery. Ramsey County’s partnership with Youthprise funds culturally responsive, community-based services such as mentoring, school-based supports, counseling, holistic healing, and related program and administrative costs.

Economic development nonprofits, school districts, Tribal and local governments in Central Minnesota can access funding for early-stage workforce and economic development projects through grants from Initiative Foundation; awards up to US $10,000. Programs creating mentoring, apprenticeships, internships, or partnerships to attract and retain workers in eligible counties may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000 for focused intervention and humanitarian relief. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help smaller organizations, including those mentoring or tutoring in Minnesota, that are non-sectarian and operate in countries such as the U.S., India, Kenya, and others.

Minnesota tutoring and mentoring nonprofits that support supply chain and logistics education or workforce development may be eligible for this Strategic Industry Grant Program. Minnesota organizations can access funding through C H Robinson Foundation for programs that educate in transportation and logistics, diversify the logistics workforce, support carriers and drivers, or advance environmental sustainability in transportation and logistics.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering mentoring, education, or youth support programs can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 to advance their work. With a mission to help people live their best life, Altra Foundation provides awards to organizations in eligible Minnesota counties through member nominations recognizing impactful community service.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government entities in Minnesota can receive US $3,000 - US $15,000 to support capital projects or new and expanded programs for women and girls within 30 miles of St. Cloud. CommunityGiving’s Central Minnesota Women’s Fund prioritizes mentoring, leadership, education, and transition support, which may benefit tutoring and mentoring initiatives for girls and women.