Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in Minnesota

The Partnership Fund Grant by the Bush Foundation is designed for unique funding needs that do not align with existing programs. It aims to address pressing community challenges in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and 23 Native nations. This fund facilitates collaboration with other funders, attracts additional resources, and provides seed funding for initiatives that resonate with the foundation's strategic values, ensuring impactful community development.

The Intercultural Harmony Initiative Grant, provided by the Laura Jane Musser Fund, supports collaborative projects that foster understanding and cooperation among diverse cultural groups. With funding up to $25,000 for implementation and $5,000 for planning, the initiative prioritizes projects that engage various community members, enhance intercultural communication, and demonstrate tangible benefits. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and local governments in select states, with a focus on grassroots participation and addressing community needs.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is inviting proposals for immigration services aimed at integrating New Americans into the long-term care workforce. This initiative addresses Minnesota's workforce shortage by providing training and employment opportunities for immigrants. The goal is to create partnerships that enhance career mobility and support retention in the long-term care sector, promoting a more inclusive workforce while benefiting local providers.

The Minnesota State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program Grant aims to assist eligible small businesses in Minnesota in exporting products or services to foreign markets. With approximately $300,000 available until June 30, 2025, the program encourages early applications and provides financial and technical support to boost export activities. The Minnesota Trade Office oversees the program, ensuring that funds are committed efficiently for businesses looking to expand their international reach.

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.

The McKnight Artist Fellowships for Ceramic Artists supports mid-career ceramic artists in Minnesota with $25,000 grants to foster creative development. Recipients can explore new techniques, collaborate, and enhance their artistic practice. The program culminates in a workshop and a group exhibition at Northern Clay Center, showcasing the work at multiple venues across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. This initiative highlights the foundation's commitment to nurturing local talent and elevating the arts community.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

The Bisexual+ Fund Grant, offered by the PFund Foundation, supports organizations that promote equity for bisexual+ individuals in the upper Midwest, including Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Grants range from $1,500 to $3,000 for general operating support, aiming to empower bisexual-led initiatives. Applications will open in late fall 2025, and eligible organizations must primarily serve LGBTQ+ populations and demonstrate commitment to bisexual+ communities.

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The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state's principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

Minnesota Childcare Economic Development Grant

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), through its Office of Childcare and Community Services, is seeking proposals from qualified responders to receive grants to be used to implement solutions to reduce the childcare shortage in the state. This includes but is not limited to funding for childcare business start-ups or expansion, retention and long-term sustainability of current child care programs, training, facility modifications, direct subsidies or incentives to retain employees, or improvements required for licensing, and assistance with licensing and other regulatory requirements.

The State Park Road Account Program (SPRA) in Minnesota supports local governments in enhancing access to public recreation facilities. With approximately $5 million available annually, this program funds improvements to roads leading to state parks, lakes, and campgrounds. Eligible projects include construction and maintenance of county and city roads. Priority is given to projects that enhance outdoor recreation access and address safety issues, with costs reimbursable up to 100% for eligible expenses.

The Marketing Investment Cost-Share Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, provides up to $300,000 in funding for Minnesota-based food, beverage, or pet food companies. This program supports high-impact marketing activities aimed at promoting branded products. Eligible small-to-medium enterprises can apply for reimbursements on various marketing expenses from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, until funds are exhausted. This initiative aims to enhance market growth opportunities for local manufacturers.

MN Public Works Grant

Public Works grants support local and Tribal governments with infrastructure funding that provides essential services and promotes economic development. 

FundingAvailability

• Funded at $9,000,000 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.
  • Match requirements may be reduced for publicly-owned projects located in a city or within five miles of a city with an active mine pit or one idled within two years of the application date. Reductions will be considered if financial need is demonstrated and formal preapproval is obtained prior to submitting a full application.
• In-kind materials and/or labor are not eligible towards the project match.
• Architectural and engineering fees in excess of 10% of the total project costs are ineligible for reimbursement.
• No applicant is eligible for more than $1.5 Million for this program per fiscal year. Once that amount is reached additional grant applications for this program will not be eligible.
• Maximum grant amount of $145,000 for grants supporting privately owned buildings or infrastructure.
• Applications should be submitted within nine months of the project construction start date

The McKnight Fellowships for Musicians, administered by the MacPhail Center for Music, support mid-career musicians in Minnesota who have demonstrated artistic excellence and commitment. Each year, four $25,000 fellowships are awarded to solo artists or small ensembles. These funds enable musicians to focus on their craft, pursue new projects, and enhance their artistic growth. This program emphasizes inclusivity across various musical genres, celebrating the vibrant culture of Minnesota's music scene.

The McKnight Fellowships for Dancers offer three annual fellowships of $25,000 each to Minnesota dancers, supporting their artistic growth and exploration. These unrestricted awards allow recipients to dedicate time to study, experimentation, and new projects. Designed for established artists with at least eight years of committed dance work, the program recognizes and nurtures talent that contributes to Minnesota's cultural fabric. Additional benefits include career development support and an exclusive retreat opportunity.

The McKnight Choreographer Fellowships provide three $25,000 awards annually to Minnesota choreographers, offering unrestricted support for artistic development. This fellowship encourages study, experimentation, and new project exploration. It aims to recognize experienced artists who have made significant contributions to their field. In addition to financial support, fellows receive career development resources and can attend a four-day retreat in Minnesota, along with funding for collaborative opportunities in New York City.

The DWB Memorial Foundation Grant empowers Minnesota-based organizations and families in need by honoring the legacy of David Wynn Bigham. With a focus on impactful contributions, the foundation encourages applications submitted at least six months before events like Golf or Pond Hockey. Interested parties should mail their applications to the foundation's Hopkins address. The Board reviews each application based on community impact and demonstrated need, ensuring transparency and communication throughout the process.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

The Minnesota Power Positively Powerful Scholarship Fund offers need-based scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 for up to two years to high school graduates in Minnesota Power's service area. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and pursue degrees in fields such as Business, Engineering, or STEM. This initiative aims to reduce financial barriers and foster a vibrant talent community in northeast and central Minnesota.

The McKnight Printmaking Fellowship, part of the McKnight Foundation’s program, offers two mid-career artists in Minnesota an unrestricted award of $25,000 along with access to Highpoint's advanced print shop and various professional development opportunities. This fellowship aims to support artists who have demonstrated sustained excellence in printmaking. Eligible candidates must have been Minnesota residents for at least a year and cannot have received a McKnight Artist Fellowship in the last five years.

The McKnight Fellowships for Fiber Artists support talented Minnesota artists with a significant body of work in fiber art for at least eight years. Each fellow receives a $25,000 unrestricted award, along with professional development opportunities, critiques, and public exhibitions. This initiative emphasizes racial equity and inclusivity, welcoming diverse cultural perspectives in the arts community. The program recognizes mid-career artists, fostering their ongoing creativity and contributions to Minnesota's vibrant arts ecosystem.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (SRHS) grant program, established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1978, aims to enhance access to sexual and reproductive health care across Minnesota. The program addresses barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of transportation. Funded biannually, SRHS supports various services including contraceptive counseling, outreach, and referrals. With an estimated annual funding of $4.5 million for new applicants, the program seeks to improve the health outcomes of marginalized communities.

The NCR-SARE Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative agricultural projects that are environmentally sound and socially responsible. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $250,000 are available for projects lasting up to 36 months, promoting collaboration among researchers, educators, and producers. This program emphasizes outreach, farmer involvement, and research on topics such as sustainable pest management, local food systems, and crop diversification, addressing the economic and environmental aspects of agriculture.

The GPCAH Community Pilot Grant supports innovative research and outreach aimed at enhancing the health and safety of agricultural workers in the Midwest. Funded by NIOSH, this program encourages projects focusing on critical issues like mental health, injury prevention, and chemical safety. With grants up to $30,000, it invites collaboration from various organizations, particularly those within the nine-state region. Special emphasis is placed on proposals addressing the needs of underrepresented groups in agriculture.

The CHS Foundation's Cooperative Education Grant aims to support educational projects that enhance understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model. With a focus on middle school to college-age students, the program encourages innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and engagement strategies. It prioritizes initiatives with a national or state-level reach within the CHS trade area, fostering success and growth in cooperative education. Funding will be allocated to programs that align with these goals, ensuring a robust educational framework for future leaders in agriculture.

The Sterbenz-Ryan Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports graduating seniors and non-traditional students facing financial hardship. It provides funding for any public college in Wisconsin or Minnesota, including technical, community, and universities, as well as Century College and Metropolitan State University. This initiative aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals by alleviating financial barriers and fostering academic success in the St. Croix Valley region.

The Driving a Stronger Community Scholarship, funded by The Walser Foundation, supports high school seniors across Minnesota who showcase exemplary volunteerism and civic engagement. This scholarship awards $1,000 to one outstanding student from each participating high school, helping them pursue post-secondary education. Eligible applicants must complete over 30 hours of volunteer service and maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher. This initiative aims to foster community involvement and empower future leaders.