Best Travel and Tourism Grants in Minnesota

Nonprofit and public-sector conservation organizations working on ecotourism, private land conservation, or ecosystem restoration in Minnesota and other U.S. regions can apply for grants supporting biodiversity and nature-based solutions. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help fund projects like low-tech stream restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy initiatives, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000.

The NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement aims to enhance cultural heritage tourism through collaboration with Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. By providing technical assistance and capacity-building support, this initiative seeks to increase visitation and enrich tourism activities while respecting native traditions and values. The selected recipient will coordinate with federal agencies to ensure effective implementation, with funding available for an initial year and potential continuation for up to five years based on performance.

Students pursuing tourism or hospitality-related majors can receive scholarship support to attend accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools, with a focus on building careers in the travel and hospitality industry. Bucks County Foundation’s Visit Bucks County Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship may benefit those interested in strengthening tourism and visitor experiences, including work relevant to Minnesota’s travel sector.

Students in Minnesota studying aviation or hospitality can access funding for higher education through scholarships from The Columbus Foundation, including the NetJets Scholarship. Grants from The Columbus Foundation help U.S. college students pursuing tourism-related degrees with strong academics and character, offering US $25,000 toward full-time study at eligible institutions.

American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate juniors and seniors in tourism, gaming, financial, or hospitality fields, and graduate students in business or gaming/hospitality-related programs in Minnesota can access funding through Native Forward Scholars Fund. The Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship provides need-based awards of US $2,500 - US $5,000 per academic year for full-time study at accredited institutions across the U.S.

The FY26 Bureau of Land Management Invasive and Noxious Plant Management program focuses on preventing and controlling invasive species that threaten public lands and native plant communities. These invasive plants impose significant economic burdens and disrupt ecosystems. The program aims to enhance detection, rapid response, and education on invasive species, while also promoting rehabilitation efforts and biological control to protect valuable resources on public lands.

Minnesota nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services can access funding through Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support programs and services. Eligible projects may include food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM education, and initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles through research, screening, and preventive care.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing poverty, families, education, health, conservation, disaster relief, or related community hardships can seek program support from the Robinson Foundation; funding is limited to single-year, non-capital projects. Focused on humanitarian and community needs, Southern-region organizations, including those with ecotourism or tourism components that serve these priorities, may be eligible.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits with sponsorship support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, and cultural initiatives. Organizations advancing tourism, arts, environmental stewardship, or neighborhood revitalization that enhance local travel and visitor experiences may be eligible to apply through this national program.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations can access funding to tell powerful stories about their work in preservation, education, or wellness. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports media and communications projects that highlight real-world impact, which may benefit ecotourism, conservation, outdoor recreation, and community wellness initiatives connected to travel and tourism. Awards are more than US $50,000.

Minnesota tourism and ecotourism nonprofits can access funding through Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award for exemplary cross-sector collaborations that strengthen communities. U.S.-based organizations demonstrating impactful, replicable partnerships that address significant social issues and improve local quality of life may be recognized through this national competition and its six annual awards.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, basic needs, or cultural enrichment in Minnesota can seek support for programs like neighborhood revitalization, housing, hunger relief, and arts access. Focused on strengthening communities, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S.-based nonprofits to apply if they align with its Meeting Basic Needs, Supporting Community Vitality, or Volunteer-Driven Causes priorities.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Minnesota can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Projects that enhance community safety, economic vitality, or educational outcomes, including efforts that may strengthen local tourism economies, may be competitive.

Focused on basic needs and economic mobility, Nordstrom invites Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for community grants supporting youth and families. Organizations providing food, shelter, clothing, workforce development, mentorship, or scholarships in Nordstrom store communities may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $20,000 in unrestricted funding, which could complement local tourism-related community efforts.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in charitable, educational, scientific, or medical fields can apply for grants that must be used within the country, including Minnesota. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help soundly managed organizations expand services with broad impact, which may benefit groups advancing community development, visitor services, or tourism-related education in the state.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding that may benefit local tourism communities. Costco Foundation supports youth services, children’s mental health, child welfare, and related human and social services in areas where it does business, so eligible Minnesota organizations may be considered through its charitable contributions program.

Non-sectarian nonprofits working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant can receive US $5,000 - US $250,000 for human and social services, poverty alleviation, disability support, or disaster relief. Gupta Family Foundation provides Minnesota organizations, and similar groups in select countries, with annual or multi-year funding, prioritizing smaller, founder-led organizations with high program-to-overhead impact.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

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.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.