Best Minneapolis Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The IWLA Minnesota Division Awards recognize outstanding conservation efforts and contributions by individuals and groups in Minnesota. Awards include the Distinguished Service Award for long-term service, the Dr. Walter Breckenridge Award for educators, and the Sigurd F. Olson Conservation Award for exceptional natural resource preservation. These awards celebrate the dedication of conservationists and promote community engagement in environmental stewardship, fostering a legacy of conservation within the state.

The Stephan D. Weiss Student Mental Health Award, established by the American College Health Foundation, aims to enhance mental health support for college students. Offering $5,000 annually, it encourages innovative initiatives that can improve mental health service delivery and student retention. Eligible applicants are members of the American College Health Association, focusing on identifying mental health needs and developing effective campus-wide strategies. This award addresses growing concerns regarding mental health issues in higher education, fostering a supportive learning environment.

The Weiss Writing Prize, established by the American College Health Foundation in 2010, aims to enhance mental health care quality for college students. It honors the lead author of a significant publication addressing student retention programs for those with mental health challenges. By fostering innovative and effective solutions, this prize encourages the dissemination of impactful research among American College Health Association members, ultimately contributing to the well-being and success of students across campuses.

The Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program enhances access to scientific and engineering instruments in higher education and not-for-profit research organizations. By funding up to $4 million for multi-user instruments, MRI supports advancements in research capabilities and training for future instrument users. Institutions can submit multiple proposals across defined tracks, ensuring opportunities for critical research tools that propel science and engineering forward, while fostering innovation and education in instrument design.

The Social Psychology Program at NSF advances knowledge in social psychology by supporting innovative research and infrastructure. It encourages diverse projects that enhance understanding of human social behavior, addressing topics such as social cognition, group dynamics, and emotions. Proposals must demonstrate intellectual merit and broader societal impacts, with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches. The program prioritizes research that benefits society and strengthens national security, while also ensuring representation across various demographics.

The Grief Reach Cycle 3 grant offers $15,000 to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits dedicated to supporting grieving children and youth. This funding aims to enhance organizational capacity through strategic planning, volunteer engagement, and collaborative partnerships. Organizations must demonstrate a commitment to providing direct services and align their projects with the grant's focus areas. This competitive opportunity seeks to empower underserved communities by expanding access to vital grief support services.

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.

The grant aims to enhance access to newborn hearing and pulse oximetry screenings in out-of-hospital settings across Minnesota. By providing portable screening equipment, it seeks to ensure timely identification and intervention for infants who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) and those with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). This initiative aligns with state mandates to improve newborn health outcomes and connect families with essential services.

The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Employee Scholarship Grant provides financial support for HCBS provider organizations to fund employee scholarships and repay educational loans. This initiative aims to enhance workforce development in nursing and health care fields, enabling career advancement for employees within the HCBS sector. Eligible nonprofit and for-profit organizations can apply for these grants, facilitating improved service delivery and employee retention in this essential industry.

The Peggy Barber Tribute Grant, offered by the American Library Association, supports libraries facing budget constraints by providing $2,500 to three selected libraries. The 2025-2026 cycle focuses on programming that strengthens community ties through libraries as third spaces, promoting gatherings and connections among individuals. Eligible proposals may include intergenerational gardening programs, play-based activities for adults, or visual arts performances. Applicants must have ALA or ARSL membership and demonstrate how their program will foster community engagement.

The Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant, provided by the American Library Association, aims to support innovative community engagement projects in libraries. This annual grant awards $2,000 to two selected libraries, focusing on themes of community empowerment. Eligible applicants include various library types in the U.S. and U.S. territories, and projects must demonstrate community collaboration and creativity. Libraries are encouraged to submit proposals that reflect local needs and foster civic participation.

Extreme Terrain’s Clean Trail Initiative Program aims to enhance trail integrity by supporting groups in the U.S. with grants for projects like trail clean-up, restoration, and expansion. Eligible applicants include Wrangler and 4x4 clubs, environmental organizations, and those managing public or private trails. The initiative emphasizes responsible off-roading while encouraging volunteers to engage in improving our natural landscapes. This program fosters community involvement and promotes sustainable practices in outdoor activities.

The Alternative Fuel Foundation Grant aims to support educational institutions in developing programs focused on renewable energy and environmental sustainability. Grants typically range from $250 to $500, with larger amounts considered on a case-by-case basis. Eligible applicants include public or private K-12 schools and universities. The foundation encourages projects that promote alternative fuels and community involvement, with a preference for initiatives that can be completed within a year.

The MN State Arts Board's Cultural Expression Grant supports initiatives that celebrate, express, or explore culture through the arts. This program promotes both traditional and contemporary art forms, allowing funds for cultural festivals, performances, and apprenticeships. Eligible applicants can choose to apply for one of several programs, including Creative Individuals and Arts Education, fostering community engagement and preserving cultural heritage. This grant aims to enhance the vibrancy of cultural expressions in Minnesota.

The Developing Markets for CLC Crops Grant aims to support organizations in Minnesota in creating supply chains and markets for continuous living cover crops and cropping systems. This initiative focuses on enhancing soil health, improving water quality, and generating new revenue streams for rural enterprises. By funding early-stage commercial development, the program fosters biodiversity and promotes sustainable agricultural practices, ultimately contributing to a robust agricultural economy in the region.

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) aims to enhance STEM undergraduate education and research at HBCUs. It offers various funding opportunities, including Research Initiation Awards, Targeted Infusion Projects, Implementation Projects, and Broadening Participation Research Centers, to support innovative educational goals and broaden participation in STEM fields. Proposals are due on various dates, ensuring multiple opportunities for institutions to engage with this vital funding.

The Health Information Outreach Award, funded by the National Library of Medicine, aims to enhance access to essential health information for underrepresented populations and healthcare professionals. This initiative focuses on improving health literacy and equity through diverse projects, including training, technology access, and community outreach. Eligible organizations from select Midwestern states can apply, prioritizing innovative solutions that address health disparities and promote informed health decisions among vulnerable communities.

The IAF Research Fellowship Program, administered by the Social Science Research Council, aims to support rigorous research on community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The fellowship provides a $20,000 stipend for twelve months, fostering innovative solutions to pressing issues such as economic opportunity, migration, and social inclusion. Researchers are encouraged to explore how community-led models can create lasting impacts and respond to global trends, enhancing local resilience and development.

The Abbey Mural Prize, established in 1932, supports the creation and restoration of public murals across the United States. This prestigious award, administered by the National Academy of Design since 1940, emphasizes projects that enhance community engagement and social activism through art. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, with a total annual funding cap of $125,000. Eligible applicants include artists, architects, and nonprofit organizations committed to impactful mural projects.

The UEF Grant Program, offered by the United Engineering Foundation, supports innovative projects that enhance the engineering profession and public welfare. With an annual budget of nearly $800,000, the program awards 5 to 10 grants each year. Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Preference is given to interdisciplinary proposals that engage the community and integrate various engineering fields, fostering collaboration and addressing important societal issues.

The Smart Growth Grants program, managed by the National Association of Realtors, aims to enhance community development through educational initiatives aligned with Smart Growth Principles. Available in three levels, the grants support REALTOR Associations in promoting sustainable land use, community planning, and stakeholder engagement. Maximum awards range from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the grant level. Note that the program is currently not accepting applications for 2025 and will reopen in January 2026.

The PATH Scholarship, established by the Ellucian Foundation in 2020, aims to support higher education institutions in assisting students facing financial hardships. With over $2.9 million awarded, it has benefited more than 3,100 students. Eligible institutions can receive grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, with individual awards up to $1,500. This initiative encourages public two-year colleges, particularly Minority Serving Institutions, to apply and adapt award criteria to meet the needs of their students.

The BRAIN Initiative Advanced Postdoctoral Career Transition Award (K99/R00) aims to enhance diversity in neuroscience by supporting talented postdoctoral researchers from various backgrounds. This program facilitates their transition to independent faculty positions, providing essential NIH research support to help launch competitive research careers. Applications are due in February, June, and October for standard grants, and in March, July, and November for renewals.

The Lots of Compassion Grant, supported by KidsGardening and Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, aims to transform vacant urban lots into thriving community gardens. By providing $20,000 to each of the 10 selected grantees, the initiative focuses on empowering under-resourced communities, fostering social connections, and enhancing mental health. The grant prioritizes organizations that involve diverse participants and demonstrate significant community impact, ensuring that the gardens not only flourish but also cultivate kindness and compassion.

This funding opportunity invites Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant applications aimed at developing FDA-regulated medical products for patients with opioid and stimulant use disorders. Projects may focus on pharmacotherapeutics or diagnostic devices, including software. The initiative seeks to address the ongoing opioid crisis by supporting innovations that enhance treatment options for individuals and communities affected by these disorders.

The B.W. Bastian Foundation Grant supports organizations committed to equality for all Americans, including the LGBTQ+ community. Grants typically range from $100 to $15,000, and applicants must have 501(C)3 tax status. Funding is primarily for projects in the Intermountain West and may include general operating support or specific programs. Organizations should first inquire before applying, especially if requesting more than previous grants. The foundation does not fund individuals or lobbying efforts.

The AISES SPRK-ing Interest in Computer Science program engages Indigenous K-12 students through fun coding and robotics activities. By utilizing Sphero BOLT and Indi robots, students gain hands-on experience in STEM and computer science, fostering greater interest and competency in these fields. Participating schools receive essential materials and training, promoting a culturally relevant learning experience. Priority is given to middle schools, encouraging greater participation in STEM+CS education among Native students.