Best Energy Efficiency Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek funding to strengthen local communities. Focused on community development, US Bancorp Foundation invites organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color, to apply through its Community Possible Grant Program.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding via Costco Foundation for monetary program needs. Grants may benefit organizations whose energy efficiency or conservation projects are part of broader community services. Applications are reviewed in 4–6 weeks and evaluated on community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and financial sustainability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human and social service approaches, including those in Minnesota, can seek support for new solutions to social problems through the Creag Foundation. Grants from Creag Foundation help smaller or evolving organizations test or expand creative programs, which may include energy efficiency or conservation efforts that address community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth can seek funding for health, education, development, and welfare programs, including environmental education and clean air and water initiatives, in Minnesota and beyond. The Dan Paul Foundation supports projects such as child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, and related workshops, scholarships, and scientific endeavors, with awards up to US $15,000.

Early-stage nonprofit and impact-first social enterprises in Minnesota and globally working on scalable social or environmental solutions, including energy efficiency and conservation, can apply for support from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Eligible organizations receive up to US $300,000 over three years plus intensive capacity-building and community connections to help scale impact for underserved communities.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives that may include energy efficiency or conservation components. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like home and auto safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, and K-12 and higher education programs.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Minnesota and across the U.S. that provide arts or science programming for broad audiences can apply for William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant; awards More than US $100,000 for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. Organizations must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s with audited expenses above $2 million.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Minnesota nonprofits and other charitable organizations working in health, education, or community services can seek funding for programs such as food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and preventative health. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites eligible U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations to apply; energy efficiency projects may fit if they support these priority areas.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on early childhood education or community economic development can access funding through PNC Foundation to support programs serving low- and moderate-income families. Grants may back early learning, job training, small business support, affordable housing, arts and culture, or neighborhood revitalization in Minnesota communities where PNC has a significant presence.

Charitable organizations in Minnesota and worldwide seeking support for humanitarian, education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects can apply for funding from La Roche. Grants from La Roche help nonprofits deliver sustainable development initiatives, youth science education, community and environmental projects, and cultural programming, which may benefit organizations whose broader work includes energy efficiency or conservation efforts.

Minnesota nonprofits and community organizations focused on health, education, or humanitarian aid can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation to serve marginalized and vulnerable populations. Programs such as healthcare access, child welfare, women’s services, disaster relief, and social services may be eligible, including initiatives that incorporate energy efficiency within health or community facilities.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community development, basic needs, workforce training, arts, environment, or diversity initiatives can apply for sponsorship funding; awards may also support programs with energy efficiency components. Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s regional U.S. sponsorships back projects that advance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in Minnesota can seek funding to tell impactful stories about their preservation, education, or wellness work. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports projects such as environmental conservation, historic preservation, mental health, and outdoor recreation storytelling, with awards of More than US $50,000 available to amplify community impact.

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.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community services or fundraising events may be eligible for grants or event sponsorships, including those working on energy efficiency efforts. Insperity supports organizations in Hennepin County that engage its employees, are clients, or serve communities where employees live and work, with one grant or sponsorship request allowed per year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can apply for funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This national funder provides grants that may benefit nonprofits working on energy efficiency and conservation as part of their broader environmental or community-focused initiatives.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. TJX Foundation supports organizations that help vulnerable families and children build better futures; groups with energy-efficiency-related programming may be eligible if they meet these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental, human services, or related community programs can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 from the Lawrence Foundation. Minnesota organizations working on energy efficiency or broader conservation efforts may be eligible for unrestricted program or operating support, including reasonable indirect costs.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing hunger, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, community development, or cultural enrichment can seek Ameriprise Community Grants to support their programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S.-based organizations with funding, prioritizing those engaging Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteers and those located in key employee center communities such as Minneapolis.

Minnesota nonprofits working on education, health, social services, civic, cultural, environmental, or community programs can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. 501(c)(3) organizations, including those with energy efficiency or conservation initiatives, may apply during the annual October 1–March 1 grant cycle.

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.

Minnesota nonprofits and 501(c)(3) emergency response or community organizations can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Local programs in Union Pacific–served communities that advance conservation, environmental stewardship, or sustainable practices, including energy efficiency efforts, may be eligible through the Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Giving Program.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota working on youth development, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs that incorporate energy efficiency, conservation, or environmental education within these community-focused efforts may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations in Minnesota with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors collaborative efforts addressing significant social issues. Selected U.S. nonprofits demonstrating exemplary cross-sector leadership and measurable community impact may be recognized through one of several annual awards.

Grants to support disadvantaged and disaster-affected people are available to smaller nonprofits from Gupta Family Foundation, including organizations in Minnesota. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help human and social service organizations worldwide become more effective and self-reliant, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000 for mission-aligned, non-sectarian programs.