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 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 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.

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.

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.

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 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering early childhood education, community development, or services for low- and moderate-income residents can access funding through PNC Foundation. Programs may include early learning, affordable housing, small business support, arts, or human services, and youth mentoring components may fit if they align with these priorities in PNC service communities.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations can receive more than US $50,000 to tell impactful stories about their preservation, education, or wellness work. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports projects such as mentorship, mental health, outdoor access, and youth development, and this storytelling grant may help mentoring programs highlight their community impact.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.