Best Corporate Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, managed by Refed Inc., supports innovative solutions to minimize food waste and reduce methane emissions, a cost-effective strategy for climate action. This fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance food recycling and improve supply chain efficiency in the beef and dairy sectors. By focusing on proven methods, the grant aims to accelerate impactful changes in the food system, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to combat food waste.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is offering funding for mental health screenings, assessments, and referrals for children involved in child welfare and juvenile justice systems. This initiative aims to support uninsured and underinsured children, with a focus on providing necessary diagnostic assessments and treatment. Applications are accepted from Minnesota counties and tribal nations, with funding beginning on January 1st following the annual data collection cycle. Contract amounts are fixed and non-negotiable.

The Nitrogen Management Financial Assistance Pilot Program offers competitive funding of up to $5,000 per year for three years to producers implementing agricultural practices that minimize nitrate-nitrogen leaching into groundwater. Funded by the 2023 Legislative Session, the program encourages sustainable farming initiatives within Level 2 Drinking Water Supply Management Areas. Eligible practices include cover crops and precision agriculture, aiming to protect water resources while supporting agricultural productivity.

The Museum, Exhibits, and Collections Grant by the Minnesota Humanities Center supports organizations and local governments in Minnesota to enhance cultural heritage through exhibitions and collections. With $750,000 available for both Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, applicants can request up to $200,000 each year. Eligible applicants must be in good standing with the IRS and MHC, focusing on preserving Minnesota's cultural identity and fostering educational outreach.

The Cannabis Industry Training Program (CanTrain) is a grant initiative by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) aimed at enhancing workforce training for adults facing employment barriers. The program targets racial disparities and economic gaps by providing essential educational services and support. By equipping individuals with the skills necessary for high-growth jobs, CanTrain promotes long-term family-sustaining wages and fosters greater literacy among Minnesotans.

The Job Training Incentive Program, operated by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), offers grants to businesses in Greater Minnesota for workforce training. Eligible companies can receive up to $200,000 to train new employees, provided they create at least three jobs that pay above federal poverty guidelines. This initiative aims to enhance economic growth and improve job quality in the region.

The Automation Training Incentive Program, offered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), provides grants up to $35,000 to small businesses in manufacturing or skilled production. This initiative supports training for incumbent workers on new automation technologies. Eligible businesses must be located outside the seven-county metropolitan area or in specific cities. The program aims to enhance workforce quality and job creation in Minnesota.

The Education Minnesota Human Rights Award honors members who have championed human and civil rights within educational settings. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to equality and inclusivity, whether through direct action, advocacy, or educational initiatives. By nominating deserving members, you help celebrate their commitment to fostering a supportive and equitable environment for all students and educators. Nominations are accepted annually, with a deadline in January.

MN Drilling Incentive Grants (DIG)

Drilling Incentive grants (DIG) are designed to stimulate exploration for new minerals, gas resources and/or new deposits of these resources. The data and information acquired during the drilling and analyses phases will eventually become housed at the state's Drill Core Library for future analysis.  

Funding Availability

• Funded at $100,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund.
• The agency will match up to 40% of direct drilling costs not to exceed $20,000 per drill hole.
• Funding can only be used for exploratory drilling.
• Project must begin within 12 months of a grant award.
• Multi-organization collaboration is welcomed

The Alan Peterson Agricultural Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support Minnesota residents pursuing agricultural studies at accredited universities. This scholarship respects natural resources, promotes innovation in agriculture, and encourages research while advocating for the agricultural sector at all levels. Eligible applicants must be entering their junior or senior year in a four-year college, with no GPA requirement. The program seeks to empower future leaders in agriculture and foster community engagement.

MN Mineland Reclamation Grants

Mineland Reclamation grants assist with highly visible development and restoration of mining-impacted land. 

Funding Availability

• Funded at $350,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund.
• The number of grants awarded is variable and dependent upon the amount awarded to successful applicants.
• 1:1 match per project required.
• In-kind may be eligible toward the project match with pre-approval.
• Applications should be submitted within nine months of the project start date.

Projects that reclaim or repurpose former mining-impacted lands not otherwise provided by state law or that sustain current and future mining. Examples include stockpile reclamation and vegetative enhancements, master planning, recreational and mine pit development and improvements.

The Joyce Foundation's Democracy Grants aim to enhance participation and representation in the electoral process across the Great Lakes region. With a focus on combating voter suppression, gerrymandering, and disinformation, the Foundation supports policy changes that protect voting rights and ensure fair representation. Through public engagement and litigation, it seeks to empower communities of color and young voters, fostering a more equitable democracy for all residents.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

MN Workforce Development Grants

Workforce Development grants assist with education, training and career awareness initiatives that address regional workforce needs and gaps emerging in industries and schools.  

Funding Availability

• Funded at $700,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Board Account.
• The number of grants awarded is variable and dependent upon the amounts awarded to successful applicants.
• 1:1 match per project required.
• Up to one-half of the applicant match may include financial support from a business/industry partner including trainee stipends or wages paid by the business/industry partner. All business match items must be documented as specific support for the project, and not as a general, regular donation made to the institution or organization.
• Project must begin within nine months of a grant award.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to increase diversity in assistant coaching roles by providing financial support to member institutions. Over two years, selected schools receive $15,000 to cover salaries, requiring a matching contribution. This initiative encourages ethnic minority and gender representation, allowing up to 11 institutions to benefit annually, thus enhancing inclusivity in collegiate sports.

The UMN Thielen Family Scholarship Fund provides renewable scholarships to part-time students at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, who demonstrate financial need and are employed. Created by J. Peter and Jan Thielen, this fund recognizes the vital role of higher education for career advancement. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, have junior or senior status, and register for 1 to 11 credits during the fall and spring semesters.

The Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness Programs aim to enhance access to essential health services in rural and underserved urban areas. By providing financial relief to health care professionals, the program seeks to recruit and retain qualified practitioners in high-need facilities across the state. This initiative not only benefits individual professionals but also strengthens community health systems, ensuring that all Minnesotans receive the quality care they deserve.

The Agricultural Education Summer Grant, funded by the Minnesota Department of Education, aims to support school districts and educational institutions in providing summer programming for high school students. With a total of $242,500 available, this initiative focuses on enhancing agricultural education across Minnesota. Eligible programs will occur in the summers of 2026 and 2027, ensuring that students gain vital skills and knowledge necessary for their future careers and community involvement.

The Elam Baer and Janis Clay Epilepsy Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, aims to eliminate financial barriers for students with epilepsy. This scholarship is open to residents of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or Iowa, who are high school seniors or current college students. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to enroll in accredited institutions. The program reflects a commitment to accessibility and support for underrepresented students.

The NRP Research Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for healthcare professionals to explore optimal neonatal resuscitation methods. It encourages innovative research addressing gaps in transitional physiology and effective teaching of resuscitation skills. Applications must focus on evidence-based practices and demonstrate potential for meaningful impact in delivery room care. Researchers from Canadian and US institutions are eligible, though applications primarily focused on quality improvement without a research emphasis will not be considered.