Best Transportation Grants in Minnesota

The Benton Telecommunications Foundation offers small grants under $2,000 to support initiatives in healthy living, basic human needs, educational development, and community improvement. The foundation emphasizes values, ethics, and character formation, aiming to make a positive impact on communities, particularly in Benton County, Minnesota. Applications are reviewed monthly, focusing on the potential benefits of proposed activities and the financial need of individuals affected by disasters.

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.

The McKnight Foundation's Midwest Climate and Energy Grant focuses on funding initiatives that address the climate crisis while promoting equity in the Midwest. The foundation supports projects that transform energy systems, decarbonize transportation and buildings, and enhance community resilience. It aims to engage diverse populations and foster innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance sustainable practices. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, governmental entities, and those in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, with an emphasis on collaborative, impactful projects.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Joyce Foundation's Environment Grants focus on addressing critical environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region, such as climate change and water safety. The foundation prioritizes equitable, carbon-free energy solutions and clean water access for all communities. Grants are awarded to organizations committed to environmental justice and innovation in climate policy, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, ensuring that the voices of affected communities guide project development.

The C.H. Robinson Foundation Strategic Industry Grant Program supports nonprofits that enhance the supply chain and logistics workforce, promote environmental sustainability, and provide education in transportation. Since its establishment in 2005, the foundation has focused on impactful partnerships aligned with its mission. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or similar entities, and located within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, ensuring community-driven support and development.

The Benton Telecommunications Foundation Grant aims to enhance human development across spiritual, intellectual, physical, and psychological domains. The foundation prioritizes projects that promote healthy living, address basic human needs, and foster educational and personal development. It supports community improvement initiatives, particularly in Benton County, Minnesota, while considering the financial need of applicants and the potential community impact of proposed projects.

The Management Improvement Fund Grant supports small to midsize nonprofits in Minnesota by providing up to $15,000 for technical assistance aimed at enhancing organizational capacity and nurturing BIPOC leadership. With a history of distributing $7 million to over 470 organizations since 1991, the fund prioritizes initiatives that benefit low-income communities and address pressing operational needs, fostering sustainable growth and community impact.

The LifeCare Health Care Fund Grants, managed by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, aim to support nonprofit organizations in Roseau County with financial assistance for health-related projects and services. These grants focus on initiatives like diabetes care, cancer support, and wellness programs, promoting better health outcomes in the community. Eligible nonprofit applicants can request funding from various specialized endowment funds to address pressing healthcare needs and enhance community well-being.

The Medica Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing rural health in Minnesota by funding community-led initiatives that address health equity. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, it supports projects that improve healthcare access and quality, particularly in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government agencies, and Tribal Nations, while emphasizing measurable outcomes and culturally-focused care.

The Central Minnesota Women's Fund, established in 2002, aims to empower women and girls within a 30-mile radius of St. Cloud. By collaborating with local nonprofits, the Fund focuses on enhancing self-esteem, educational opportunities, and economic independence for women of all ages. It prioritizes initiatives that support diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the resources they need for a better quality of life.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation's Taylor Rural Improvements Grant offers up to $30,000 for impactful capital projects in communities with populations under 10,000. The grant aims to enhance essential services such as food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and internet accessibility. Eligible applicants include government units and 501(c)(3) nonprofits within a 20-county region. A 25% cash or in-kind match is required. This funding supports projects that improve community vibrancy and serve underserved populations.

The Fostering Social Connection in Later Life Grants, funded by the Southwest Initiative Foundation, aim to combat social isolation and loneliness among older adults in southwest Minnesota. With $150,000 available for individual grants ranging from $500 to $20,000, eligible organizations can implement projects that enhance social interactions and support systems for seniors. This initiative addresses a critical public health issue, especially heightened post-COVID-19, fostering community engagement and improving overall well-being among older adults.

Minnesota Department of Transportation

In creating the Department of Transportation in 1976, the Legislature determined that MnDOT would be the principal agency to develop, implement, administer, consolidate and coordinate state transportation policies, plans and programs (Minn. Stat. Ch. 174).

MnDOT makes special efforts to consider the social, economic and environmental effects of its decisions and aggressively promotes the efficient use of energy resources for transportation purposes. It also maintains close working relationships with the many public and private individuals, groups and associations involved in transportation.

Greater Minnesota Transportation Alternatives Solicitation

The Transportation Alternatives Solicitation is a competitive grant opportunity for local communities and regional agencies to fund projects for pedestrian and bicycle facilities, historic preservation, Safe Routes to School and more. Minnesota will be soliciting projects for approximately $12.5 million in available grant funding across the state where the total is sub-targeted to the seven area transportation partnerships (ATPs).

Greater Minnesota applicants must submit a letter of intent describing the key components of their project. A regional representative will contact applicants to help review the project proposal and the steps necessary for delivering a federally funded project prior to local communities and regional agencies submitting a full grant application. 

The Festivals Grant, offered by the Minnesota Humanities Center, aims to support cultural festivals and events across Minnesota. With funding of $1.5 million available for each of the fiscal years 2026 and 2027, eligible organizations can apply for grants to enhance community engagement through arts programming, staffing, and logistics. Applicants may seek up to $200,000 per year, fostering cultural connections and celebrating local traditions.

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.

Minnesota Department of Transportation

In creating the Department of Transportation in 1976, the Legislature determined that MnDOT would be the principal agency to develop, implement, administer, consolidate and coordinate state transportation policies, plans and programs (Minn. Stat. Ch. 174).

MnDOT makes special efforts to consider the social, economic and environmental effects of its decisions and aggressively promotes the efficient use of energy resources for transportation purposes. It also maintains close working relationships with the many public and private individuals, groups and associations involved in transportation.

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) District Coordinator Grants 

We support coordinator positions in individual schools or districts. Coordinators will help communities with existing SRTS plans or other comprehensive approaches to promote non-infrastructure projects to keep students walking and bicycling to school.

Funding for the coordinators to support three full school years starts in the summer of 2024 and goes through June 2027.

The AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant Program, managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, promotes urban youth agricultural education and community development in urban areas. With a total funding of $1.87 million available this fiscal year, grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 can help organizations obtain necessary resources. Eligible projects must support urban agriculture initiatives and can be located in cities with populations over 5,000 or on tribal lands, fostering resilience in local agricultural economies.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is committed to ensuring that every Minnesotan has healthy air, sustainable lands, clean water, and a better climate.

Through the authority of state and federal statutes and guidelines, the MPCA focuses on preventing and reducing the pollution of air, land, and water, and leads Minnesota’s efforts to protect against the devastating effects of climate change. We work with regulated parties, businesses, governments, organizations, and 11 Tribal Nations in Minnesota to develop innovative, community-centered approaches that protect our natural resources, improve human health, and foster strong economic growth.

Minnesota GreenCorps

Serving communities for a greener tomorrow

The Minnesota GreenCorps program, coordinated by the MPCA, aims to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals.

Each year, the program places AmeriCorps members with host site organizations around the state to build community resilience by:

• reducing air pollutants and improving air quality
• reducing water runoff and improving water and land quality
• preventing waste and increasing recycling
• encouraging eco-friendly behavior

Minnesota GreenCorps members serve full-time at their host site for 11 months, from September to August each year. Members implement environmental projects to build community resilience in one of four topic areas: community readiness and outreach, energy conservation and green transportation, stormwater and forestry, waste reduction and recycling. Sample projects include activities such as coordinating multi-modal transportation events, educating community members and youth, removing invasive species, installing rain gardens, benchmarking energy, conducting waste sorts, and more. 

Host Sites

As a host site, your organization can harness a member's energy and enthusiasm to move your environmental projects forward. Member projects must align with one of four topic areas: community readiness and outreach, energy conservation and green transportation, stormwater and forestry, or waste reduction and recycling. Host sites don't pay a fee to participate in the program but are expected to provide supervision, office space, internet and phone service, training, and any resources necessary for members to accomplish their projects. The MPCA manages the recruitment, application, and selection process for Minnesota GreenCorps members.

The Building Better Lives Grant, offered by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, aims to empower local leaders and communities through innovative, community-led solutions. By prioritizing engagement, collaboration, equity, and sustainability, the grant supports projects that strengthen families, promote health and wellness, cultivate welcoming communities, enhance economic mobility, and build nonprofit capacity. Together, these efforts contribute to a more resilient and thriving region.

Farm to Food Security Grant Program

The Farm to Food Security (F2FS) Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity to help individuals and organizations buy foods grown and raised in Minnesota and distribute them at no cost to Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity, particularly individuals whose needs are not met through the traditional emergency food system.

Eligible projects and expenses

All food distributions that are part of F2FS projects must take place in Minnesota, but how the food is shared can be based on the needs of the community.

Examples of eligible projects include but are not limited to:

• A local food shelf buying food produced by farmers in their county and then distributing the food as part of their weekly distribution events.
• A regional hospital establishing a “produce prescription” program to buy local foods and deliver them to families in need and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses.
• A Tribal government buying traditional foods grown by Tribal members and distributing the foods to elders.
• A farmers’ market implementing a food recovery program to pay farmers for products left at the end of the market and partnering with a local food shelf to distribute them.
• Eligible expenses include:
• Foods grown and raised in Minnesota, including whole (unprocessed), minimally processed, and processed items.
• Up to 15% of the total project costs for administrative costs related to food storage, food transportation, and other supporting expenses.

See the request for proposals (RFP) for more details and examples of the types of projects and expenses that are eligible.

The George Waters Grant Program, established by the Minnesota Section PGA, aims to support PGA Professionals and related golf programs focusing on player development, especially for juniors and athletes with disabilities. This initiative honors George Waters, a dedicated PGA member, and helps fulfill his vision of growing the game. Grants cover teaching costs, infrastructure, and special assistance, encouraging wider participation in golf across Minnesota and North Dakota.

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 Women’s Fund of Greater La Crosse offers annual grants to support innovative projects that empower women and girls. Since 1998, over $1 million has been awarded, focusing on education, transportation, and housing to foster economic independence. Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 entities and public agencies serving designated counties. Grants range from $1,500 to $15,000. Priority is given to programs that address critical needs and promote inclusivity across all races, ethnicities, and religions.

Ramsey County Violence Prevention Grant

Ramsey County, in partnership with Youthprise, seeks to expand access to culturally responsive and community-based supports for youth and young adults through a violence prevention grantmaking process. This request for proposal will fund small programmatic grants to community-based organizations delivering services that promote healing, stability, academic success, and long-term wellbeing for youth and young adults. Priority will be given to projects that serve participants who are system-impacted, marginalized, or disproportionately affected by inequities. Priority services identified by Ramsey County include mentoring and relationship-based supports, school-based and education aligned supports, licensed alcohol and drug counseling, and holistic healing and mindfulness practices. Funded projects will operate for a minimum of six months and a maximum of fifteen months and will serve youth and young people in Ramsey County or involved in Ramsey County systems.

Funding Available:

• $236,250

Number of Awards:

• 8 to 10 awards anticipated ranging from $15,000 to $25,000

Grant Term:

•  6 to 14 months, services must be concluded on or before August 1st, 2027

Funding Use:

• Programmatic services to include direct service delivery, staff time, materials, facilitation, program-related costs, and administrative costs

Grant funds may be used for:

• Program staff or facilitator stipends/salaries
• Direct service delivery costs
• Supplies, curriculum, and materials
• Space rental for program activities
• Participant supports (e.g., food, transportation, incentives)
• Program-related administrative costs

The Rural Business Development Grants in Minnesota aim to provide essential technical assistance and training for small rural businesses with fewer than 50 new workers and under $1 million in gross revenue. Funding is available for projects benefiting rural areas, focusing on enhancing economic development, offering training, and supporting community initiatives. With no maximum grant amount, priority is given to smaller funding requests, encouraging innovative projects that uplift rural economies.

The Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (SRHS) grant program, established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1978, aims to enhance access to sexual and reproductive health care across Minnesota. The program addresses barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of transportation. Funded biannually, SRHS supports various services including contraceptive counseling, outreach, and referrals. With an estimated annual funding of $4.5 million for new applicants, the program seeks to improve the health outcomes of marginalized communities.