Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Food Retail Improvement and Development Grant (FRIDG) Program by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture aims to enhance access to affordable, nutritious food in underserved communities. This program provides up to $50,000 in competitive grants for equipment purchases and facility improvements. Eligible projects include grocery stores and small food retailers, focusing on increasing the availability of culturally appropriate food. The initiative supports sustainable public-private partnerships to improve food access and consumption in low-income areas.

The AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program supports innovative research and demonstrations in sustainable agriculture. It prioritizes projects that enhance profitability, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Eligible projects include practices such as conservation tillage, integrated pest management, and energy-efficient farming. The program encourages participation from farmers and historically underserved communities, aiming to foster diverse agricultural practices and improve marketing opportunities while addressing conservation and profitability.

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.

Minnesota Market Bucks Program

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requests proposals to administer the statewide Market Bucks Program.

The purpose of this request is to provide funding to one organization to administer the Market Bucks Program, which provides nutrition incentives to Minnesotans who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at Minnesota Farmers Markets.

Market Bucks increases the purchasing power of SNAP customers at farmers markets and mobile markets across Minnesota by offering a dollar-for-dollar match (up to $10 per visit) for SNAP purchases made using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. This initiative supports food access and local agriculture while aligning with the broader public health goal of improving nutrition for low-income individuals and families.

The Good Relatives Collaborative Grants, funded by the Bush Foundation, aim to empower grassroots and Native-led organizations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations. This initiative provides responsive grants of $50,000 and $100,000 to support community leadership, healing, and cultural revitalization. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the program seeks to address the unique needs of Native communities while promoting accessible philanthropy and sustainable growth.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

The MHS Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Large Grants program, funded by the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, supports projects that preserve Minnesota's history and culture. This competitive grant program, initiated in 2009, aims to enhance access to cultural resources and promote enduring historical projects. Eligible initiatives include history documentation, preservation planning, and education programs, contributing to the state's rich heritage while fostering public engagement and awareness.

The Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers Grant, provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, allocates approximately $1.89 million to install fast-charging stations in strategic locations throughout Minnesota. This initiative aims to facilitate long-distance travel for EV drivers and promote the adoption of electric vehicles, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality, especially in communities disproportionately affected by vehicle pollution.

The Career & Technical Education (CTE) Impact Funding program aims to enhance career exploration for students in grades 5-12 across a diverse region. By fostering partnerships with local businesses and industries, the initiative supports the development of new CTE programs and pathways. It focuses on equipping students with essential technical skills, increasing awareness of CTE opportunities, and ensuring equitable access to career-connected learning experiences, ultimately preparing them for future success in their careers and higher education.

The Clinical Dental Education Innovation Grant, awarded by the Minnesota Department of Health, aims to enhance dental training opportunities for underserved populations. This grant supports accredited institutions and clinical training sites in Minnesota to expand successful programs or develop new initiatives. It ensures that no service is denied due to inability to pay, thereby promoting access to essential dental care. Eligible applicants must be accredited training providers, and funds are strictly for operational costs related to approved programs.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

The Esther Tomljanovich Strategic Initiatives grant from the Medica Foundation supports transformative projects aimed at advancing health equity. With a funding capacity of up to $200,000 over two to three years, the initiative focuses on innovative proposals in healthcare workforce development, women's health, aging services, dental programs, and housing stability. Grantees are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes and foster collaboration within their communities, emphasizing the importance of addressing unique health needs.

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 MHC Community Identity & Heritage Festival Grants support diverse cultural communities in Minnesota by funding community events, music and jazz festivals, and cultural festivals featuring art installations and performances. These grants aim to enhance cultural engagement and celebrate the rich heritage of local communities, providing opportunities for individuals and organizations to showcase their artistic talents and foster community connections through vibrant festivals.

Statewide Self-advocacy Network for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

DHS, through its Disability Service Division (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to Establish, Strengthen and Expand a Statewide Self-advocacy Network for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).

The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be for two years from July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2028.

Overview 

Successful Responder selected under this RFP may be responsible for performing following tasks. Detailed obligations and additional measures of performance will be defined in the final negotiated Grant Contract. 

The State seeks a partner capable of strengthening, expanding, and sustaining an active and thriving selfadvocacy network for people with I/DD. This Request for Proposals outlines the services desired by the State and establishes the framework for responder submissions. While the RFP defines the foundational expectations, the detailed obligations and performance measures will be finalized in the negotiated contract.

The successful responder will play a central role in ensuring that individuals with ID/DD are fully informed of their rights in employment, housing, transportation, healthcare, voting, government policy, and other issues pertinent to the ID/DD community. In addition, the responder will provide public education and awareness on civil and human rights, offer funding and technical assistance to selfadvocacy groups statewide, and develop communication systems that support informationsharing across the network.

 Funding Availability

A total of $381,350 is available each year for up to five years, depending on the contract duration. The state intends to award a single grant, which must demonstrate statewide reach and impact. Generally, matching funds are not permitted; however, if an opportunity for matching funds becomes available, the grantee should consult with DHS regarding a potential contract amendment. An organization receiving a grant under this subdivision may use a portion of grant revenue determined by the commissioner for administration and general operating costs. DHS Disability Services permits up to 10% of the total grant award to be used for grant administration. 

Funding will be allocated through a competitive process with review by a committee representing content and, if applicable, community specialists with regional knowledge. If selected, Responder may only incur eligible expenditures when the contract is fully executed and the grant has reached its effective date.

The Minnesota Youth at Work Competitive Grant supports workforce development for economically disadvantaged youth aged 14-24. Administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), it prioritizes programs that provide career education, serve under-represented communities, and assist youth with disabilities. Applicants can request up to $850,000 annually, with potential for continued funding based on performance in the first year.

The Minnesota State Arts Board offers the Arts Experiences Grant to support individuals and organizations in creating impactful arts programming for the community. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000, with no cash match required. Eligible applicants include artists and arts organizations committed to enhancing public engagement in the arts. This pilot initiative aims to enrich the cultural landscape of Minnesota by providing diverse artistic opportunities that resonate with the community's values and experiences.

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.

MN Public Works - Broadband Infrastructure Grant

Broadband Infrastructure grants assist projects that help households and businesses reach the State of Minnesota broadband speed goal. 

Funding Availability

• Funded at $1,000,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund.
• The number of grants awarded is variable and dependent upon the amounts awarded to successful
• applicants.
• 1:1 match per project required.
• In-kind materials and/or labor are not eligible towards the project match.
• Consideration will be given to projects that leverage greater amounts of funding for a project from other sources.
• Architectural and engineering fees in excess of 10% of the total project costs are ineligible for reimbursement.
• Applications should be submitted within nine months of the project construction start date.

Minnesota Department of Health

Mission: Protecting, maintaining and improving the health of all Minnesotans.

Vision: The vision of MDH is for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving and all people have what they need to be healthy.

Quit Partner™ Ambassadors

The Minnesota Department of Health seeks proposals from community organizations to engage community members and increase knowledge of Quit PartnerTM programs. The goal of this work is to increase knowledge and reach of Quit Partner programs and ultimately reduce commercial tobacco use rates among adults in Minnesota. 

Commercial tobacco products are tobacco products manufactured and sold by the tobacco industry, like cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, and chew. Commercial tobacco is different from traditional or sacred tobacco, also known as Caŋsasa, Asemaa, or Kinnikinnick, and which are used by American Indian communities for sacred purposes.

The Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) Team Development and Implementation Grant by the Minnesota Department of Health aims to enhance the state's response to overdose fatalities. This initiative seeks to provide communities with resources, support, and guidance to effectively establish or improve their OFR processes. Collaboration among local public health and safety organizations is essential, and applicants must submit letters of support to demonstrate commitment. This funding aims to reduce overdose deaths and improve overall public health outcomes.

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 Lead and Healthy Homes Program - Swab Team Services Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Health, provides funding for swab team services to mitigate lead hazards for the 2026-27 biennium. Grant activities include education, blood lead testing, and practical interventions like soil replacement and dust removal. With a total funding of up to $958,000, the program aims to protect communities from lead exposure through effective interim controls.

The Green Fertilizer Program Grant in Minnesota offers approximately $3.8 million to agricultural and rural electric cooperatives for investments in green fertilizer production facilities. Eligible projects must utilize renewable energy and green hydrogen, with a minimum grant award of $250,000. The program emphasizes strong business readiness and requires matching funds from cooperatives. Successful applicants must be licensed, in good standing, and committed to sustainable practices for fertilizer production, ensuring environmental responsibility in the agricultural sector.

Minnesota Department of Human Services

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Mission is driven by collaboration with community and partners – Counties, Tribes, non-profit and for-profit providers – supporting people to thrive in community and live their healthiest and fullest lives. The DHS Vision is that all people in Minnesota have what they need to thrive in community with no disparities.

Technical Assistance Navigating Culturally Specific Substance Use and Recovery Programs

Scope of Work

The purpose of the RFP is for technical assistance navigating culturally specific and responsive SUD programs. STATE has identified three categories of activities to meet this goal:

• Licensure, Minnesota Health Care Program (MHCP) Enrollment, and Rate Enhancement: The purpose of this category is to support culturally specific or culturally responsive SUD programs in developing long-term sustainability through obtaining licensure, enrolling in MHCP, or applying for the Medical Assistance (MA) Rate Enhancement as a Culturally Specific or Culturally Responsive Program.

• Grant Writing and Management: The purpose of this category is to increase the knowledge, skills, and capacity of culturally specific or culturally responsive programs to apply for, receive, and successfully manage grant funding from the STATE.

• Technical Assistance and Training: The purpose of this category is to provide an opportunity for culturally specific or culturally responsive SUD programs to support each other in a consulting or training capacity. 

About Bush Prize: Minnesota

The Bush Prize program identifies and honors extraordinary organizations that consistently engage and lead their community toward creative solutions, provides them with flexible support to keep doing that work, and supports them to amplify their story to inspire others.

In 2026, two organizations will be selected as Bush Prize: Minnesota honorees. Honorees will receive an award of $250,000. The award is unrestricted and can be used for any charitable purposes in the state of Minnesota, including operating costs, program-related expenses, capital expenditures or whatever else would best support the organization's ongoing work.

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation was selected as the community grant partner for Minnesota and began implementing Bush Prize: Minnesota in 2024. The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation operates Bush Prize: Minnesota as a Community Grant Partner of the Bush Foundation.

History of Creative Solutions

Bush Prize: Minnesota honors organizations which have at least three years of history using innovative approaches that offer real solutions for the challenges and issues affecting their community. Bush Prize finalists will be able to identify specific examples of processes, programs or projects that use creative approaches, technologies, collaborations, and methods to drive sustainable change and solve problems more effectively.

Community-led Solutions

Bush Prize: Minnesota honors organizations which understand that communities are best positioned to articulate and effectively respond to today's challenges. Bush Prize finalists will show a consistent commitment to listen, engage and involve the community to ensure the people they serve inform, form and benefit from the organization’s impact.

• Benefits - The community served realizes significant impact and change for the issues and challenges they identify as most critical to them.
• Informs - Work should be shaped by input from the community itself. This means the organization listens to the experiences, needs, and feedback from the community it serves to align its goals and initiatives with the actual needs and priorities of the community.
• Forms - Beyond being informed by the community, the community has an active role in shaping the work. The community is directly involved in designing and implementing programs and solutions, and the organization’s work reflects the values, culture, and strengths of the community.

Culture of Creative Problem Solving

Bush Prize: Minnesota honors organizations that exemplify a culture of innovation and creative community problem solving. Bush Prize finalists will articulate how their organization’s values, policies, practices, people and partnerships allow them to innovate and utilize community assets and resources in creative ways to develop sustainable solutions to community issues.

Transformational Impact

Bush Prize: Minnesota honors organizations which have created meaningful, long-lasting change to address the challenges and issues affecting their community. Transformational impact can happen through ideas of all sizes, within communities of all sizes, and through organizations of all sizes. Bush Prize finalists will have approaches and outcomes that:

• Challenge the status quo and address the root causes of significant community issues and systemic challenges.
• Create sustainable and equitable solutions for community, particularly for communities which have been historically underserved.
• Inspire others in the region and serve as a model for future success.

Minnesota Department of Health

Mission: Protecting, maintaining and improving the health of all Minnesotans.

Vision: The vision of MDH is for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving and all people have what they need to be healthy.

Rural Health Transformation Program Funding 

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created by H.R.1 (Section 71401 of Public Law 119-21) on July 4, 2025. It is a federal initiative to help states support rural communities in improving health care access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the health care delivery ecosystem. The RHTP focuses on promoting innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and workforce investment in rural communities. Minnesota has outlined their initiatives online (learn more about Minnesota's Rural Health Transformation Program).

Grant recipients will select activities from broad RHTP initiatives designed to advance the overarching goals of improving health outcomes and access to care for rural Minnesotans, sustainably expanding the rural health care workforce, strengthening partnerships between providers to expand service delivery in rural communities, and stabilizing rural provider financial health through strategic investments. 

Entity Type: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) and Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs)

Estimated Number of Awards: 16

Estimated Maximum Award in Budget Period 1: $240,000

Applicants may request up to the maximum award.