Best Climate Change Grants in Minnesota

Academic and research institutions studying climate change resilience and coastal policy effectiveness in Minnesota and other eligible coastal and Great Lakes states can apply for National Sea Grant Law Center’s Coastal Resilience Program grants. Focus areas include sea level rise, flooding, storm surge, land use, and related environmental policy issues over a recommended two-year project period.

Minnesota climate and environmental justice organizations working on clean energy policy or Great Lakes water issues can access funding through the Joyce Foundation for policy, advocacy, and systems-change efforts. National groups advancing Climate Solutions or Great Lakes and Drinking Water priorities in Minnesota and other Great Lakes states may also be eligible, with a focus on communities facing environmental inequities.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Minnesota working on climate and clean energy initiatives can seek funding for operating or project support through the McKnight Foundation. This program backs efforts in renewable energy, electrification, transit, green infrastructure, and climate resilience that cut greenhouse gas emissions while advancing equity and community participation across the Midwest.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Minnesota can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Minnesota’s EQIP support to implement conservation practices on working lands. Funding helps improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience on cropland, rangeland, pasture, and other eligible farm and forest lands.

Minnesota tribal entities, Community Development Corporations, and Community Housing Development Organizations that completed the Southwest Tribal Resilience Academy can seek funding to implement resilient, community-driven climate solutions. Minnesota climate change resilience and equity organizations can access funding through Enterprise Community Partners, with awards of approximately US $25,000 supporting projects that address climate-related hazards in their communities.

Eligible tribal governments, community-based nonprofits, local governments, and educational institutions in Minnesota and other EPA Region 5 states can apply for The Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 grants, awarding up to US $150,000 for environmental and public health assessment and engagement projects. Funding supports activities like monitoring, mapping, and community engagement that can advance climate change resilience and equity in disadvantaged communities.

Small Minnesota communities under 10,000 residents seeking climate planning support for stormwater, wastewater, and community resilience projects can apply for grants totaling US $1,100,000. With a mission to protect air, land, water, and climate, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency provides funding to assess vulnerabilities and plan for infrastructure, health, and service adaptations.

Local governments and communities in Minnesota can seek planning funds to assess climate vulnerabilities and strengthen stormwater, wastewater, and community resilience. Grants from Minnesota Pollution Control Agency support projects that address flood risk, infrastructure resilience, and adaptation of community services, ordinances, and public spaces to a changing climate, with a total of US $1,600,000 available statewide.

Organizations planning research, education, or development initiatives that advance long-term economic growth in Minnesota can use these grants to support climate-related and community development projects. Grants from Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehab help Minnesota climate change resilience, clean energy, and sustainable development efforts through Development Partnership funding opportunities.

Local governments and jurisdictions in Minnesota can seek funding for climate action planning projects that help them adapt to extreme weather and reduce local climate impacts. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency supports climate change resilience and equity, green infrastructure, and pollution reduction efforts, with total available funding of US $650,000 for planning and implementation opportunities.

With a mission to advance equitable climate action, Minnesota 501(c)(3) public charities can seek Carolyn Foundation support for aggressive carbon reduction and community-led climate initiatives. Grants of US $15,000 - US $25,000 back efforts like energy efficiency, community organizing, and policy advocacy, with priority for smaller organizations and Indigenous Nations working on climate justice and clean energy.

Organizations in Minnesota installing public EV fast-charging stations along designated corridors can access funding to expand electric vehicle infrastructure and reduce transportation emissions. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency provides Minnesota climate and environmental projects with US $1,890,000 to support cleaner air, lower greenhouse gases, and healthier communities, especially those most impacted by vehicle pollution.

Local governments and jurisdictions in Minnesota seeking to plan or implement projects that reduce emissions or adapt to extreme weather can apply for climate action support. With a mission to protect air, land, water, and climate, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency provides up to US $650,000 statewide for local climate resilience and mitigation efforts.

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.

Rural-focused nonprofits, public agencies, religious organizations, and tribal governments working on climate solutions in rural Minnesota can seek US $20,000 - US $150,000 for projects or general operating support. Grants from Rural Climate Partnership help climate change resilience and equity efforts in small towns and rural areas across the U.S., including Minnesota.

Local governments and other public units in small Minnesota communities under 15,000 residents can apply for West Central Initiative’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Grant, awarding US $2,000 - US $20,000 for energy and climate planning. Funding supports audits, studies, and technical assistance to reduce energy use, emissions, and improve resilience in west central Minnesota public facilities and community plans.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate and clean energy policy or climate change education can access funding via the Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation. Grants support efforts to decrease domestic fossil fuel demand and production and to provide scientifically accurate, action-oriented climate education for high school, college, and young adult audiences across the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations able to receive funds through a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) can seek US $200 - US $20,000 for climate-focused projects in Minnesota and beyond. Earth Rising Foundation supports Indigenous sovereignty, regenerative agriculture, climate justice, visionary systems-change work, and youth climate activism, which may benefit Minnesota groups advancing climate change resilience and equity.

Minnesota nonprofits with programs for confidence, inclusion, or sustainability can access funding through the Aerie Real Foundation’s Community Grant program. U.S. and Canada-based 501(c)(3) organizations may receive up to US $10,000 for projects supporting young women’s well-being, inclusive communities, or local climate and environmental initiatives, with funds used within 12 months.

Minnesota rural communities and other eligible legal entities planning broadband infrastructure in unserved areas can access funding through USDA Rural Development’s Community Connect Grants, with awards from US $100,000 - US $5,000,000. Projects that expand high-speed internet to support economic development, education, healthcare, public safety, and climate-resilient community services may be competitive.

The MSA Climate Change Research Award, offered by the Mycological Society of America, supports innovative research addressing the impacts of climate change through the lens of fungal studies. Ideal candidates include undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral scientists who are MSA members or have applied for membership. This award encourages collaboration and aims to disseminate research findings to the global scientific community, fostering inclusivity across various demographics.

The Blandin Foundation's Community Wealth Building Grants aim to empower rural communities in Minnesota by addressing economic disparities and fostering sustainable growth. Targeting low-income, diverse populations, the grants focus on collaborative projects that enhance affordable housing, promote local businesses, and improve access to resources. With funding ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the foundation seeks innovative solutions to strengthen community ties and support marginalized populations, ensuring a robust future for rural Minnesota.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation is dedicated to fostering a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem and a vibrant Southeast Michigan community. Since its inception, it has invested over $180 million in environmental, cultural, and educational initiatives. As it transitions to spend down its assets by 2034, the Foundation aims to make bold, impactful investments that address urgent community needs and promote sustainable development.

The Skoll Awards for Social Innovation, presented by the Skoll Foundation, recognize social innovators addressing root societal problems. Each awardee receives $2 million in unrestricted funding and joins a global community of leaders dedicated to significant social change. The foundation focuses on key areas such as health systems, effective governance, inclusive economies, racial justice, and climate action. Nominations are made through a multi-year sourcing process, ensuring that candidates align closely with the foundation's mission.

The Impact100 Global Veterans Awards empower women to make a significant difference by awarding grants up to $100,000 to nonprofits that serve veterans. Focus areas include art and culture, education, health and wellness, environment, and family initiatives, promoting the well-being and support of veterans across the United States. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, including tax-exempt status, and are encouraged to submit proposals that utilize funds effectively within two years.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The Mike & Sofia Segal Foundation Grant provides vital funding to nonprofit organizations focused on intellectual freedom, medical research for rare diseases, Jewish heritage preservation, elder care, and climate change initiatives. By supporting innovative projects that align with their mission, the foundation aims to uplift communities and foster meaningful societal contributions. Organizations must be 501c-3 compliant and demonstrate a clear plan for engagement with beneficiaries and measurable objectives to be eligible for funding.