Best Grants for BIPOC in Minnesota

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.

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 Bernard and Carolyn Torraco Memorial Nursing Scholarships, funded by the UNICO Foundation, offer $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing accredited nursing programs in the United States. These scholarships support nursing students of all ethnicities who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in a campus-based program, with a focus on continuing their studies within the academic year 2025-2026.

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 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.

Parks and Trails Legacy grants

Provides funding for parks and trails of regional significance outside of the seven-county metropolitan area. Applications for this program are submitted directly to the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC). The GMRPTC submits funding recommendations to the legislature. The legislature then appropriates funding to the Department of Natural Resources to award and administer the grants. Please visit the GMRPTC web page for application and contact information.

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission was established in 2013 to undertake system planning and provide recommendations to the legislature for grants funded by the parks and trails fund to counties and cities outside the seven-county metropolitan area for parks and trails of regional significance. Minnesota Statutes, 85.536 .

Background

The Mental Health Cultural Community Continuing Education Grant Program for Trainers, authorized by Minnesota Statutes Sec. 144.1511, was established for the purpose of assisting mental health professionals from communities of color and underrepresented communities to become qualified to serve as supervisors for mental health practitioners pursuing licensure.

This request for proposals seeks grant applications from post-secondary educational institutions or other entities to offer free trainings to eligible professionals who wish to become board-recognized supervisors for mental health practitioners seeking licensure. Continuing education curricula must be approved by the respective licensing board(s) as acceptable coursework. Curricula must fulfill mental health professionals’ continuing education requirements to be recognized as board-approved supervisors.

Applicants must propose a comprehensive training and support program that will allow trainees to earn all course credits or continuing education units required by their respective licensing boards to serve as a supervisor to students and practitioners seeking licensure.

An estimated $450,000 will be available for this grant cycle. Funds will be distributed in approximately 4-5 awards with a maximum award amount of $250,000 and a minimum of $100,000.

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.

Alex Pretti Honor Scholarship

Up to $5,000

Students who are living the ideals lived by Alex Pretti and who are an MNA member or associate member or a child, grandchild or dependent of an active or retired MNA member in good standing are eligible to apply for the Alex Pretti Honor Scholarship.

The McKnight Theater Artist Fellowships, offered by the Playwrights’ Center, support mid-career theater artists residing in Minnesota. With a grant of $25,000, the fellowship aims to recognize and advance the work of artists such as actors, directors, and designers. Applicants are encouraged to showcase their work through live performances, though not mandatory. This program promotes artistic merit and professional achievement, ensuring that the selected fellows can significantly enhance their careers.

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 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 Joyce Awards

The Joyce Awards provide direct, catalytic support to Great Lakes-based artists and culture bearers whose visionary creative practices meaningfully impact and advance racial equity in their communities.

Informed by conversations with artists, arts leaders, and past awardees across the region, the new Joyce Awards program includes unrestricted awards of $100,000, paired with a $40,000 grant to a Great Lakes organization selected by the artist to help realize, expand, or deepen the impact of their work in the region.

Administered by United States Artists, the program now welcomes both peer and self-nominations and has expanded eligibility state-wide in six states. Artists and culture bearers based in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin will be eligible in 2026, followed by Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio in 2027. Following a nomination, application, and panel review process, four Awards will be awarded in each year. 

The Artist Equity Grant, offered by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, provides up to $4,000 to individual artists from underrepresented groups, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA2+, and those with disabilities. This initiative aims to promote artistic growth and amplify diverse voices through project funding. Eligible projects may encompass various artistic endeavors such as performances, exhibitions, and educational opportunities, fostering a vibrant cultural landscape that benefits all communities.

Green Partners Grant

Engage, educate, act and collaborate for the environment

Hennepin County provides funding and support to organizations to actively educate, engage and motivate residents to become environmental stewards and make positive behavior changes.

Through the Green Partners program, Hennepin County contracts with organizations to implement projects that engage youth and adults in becoming environmental stewards. Projects engage youth in learning about environmental topics and taking leadership on environmental issues as they get older. Green Partners also supports projects to engage our adult residents in helping the county reach it’s zero waste and climate goals by preventing waste, composting organic waste, reducing, reusing, recycling, and repairing and caring for our natural resources by improving water quality, caring for trees, and creating habitat to protect birds, bats, and pollinators.

Types of Grants

Hennepin County has three Green Partners programs.

• Environmental Action Program
• Youth Environmental Leadership Program
• Youth Environmental Education Program

Youth Environmental Leadership Program

Youth environmental leadership projects encourage environmental leadership and/or exposure to green jobs for young people in high school up to age 24, (collectively, the “Project”). Project activities should encourage an environmental stewardship mindset that lasts beyond the program. Projects may provide opportunities for youth leadership in their school or community and exposure to green jobs or investigation into the green aspects of jobs they are interested in pursuing. Climate change projects related to zero waste and protecting natural resources are priorities for this program. Preferred projects incorporate county identified project ideas.

Levels of Funding

• If you have received a Green Partners award before, you can apply for up to $25,000 for a one-year project or, if you meet the criteria, up to $50,000 for a two-year project.
• If you have never received a Green Partners award before, you can apply for up to $12,000 for a one-year project. 

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Veterinary Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing veterinary studies at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This opportunity supports diverse applicants and emphasizes community service, reflecting UNICO's commitment to Italian American heritage and educational advancement.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Special Education, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for U.S. students pursuing degrees in Special Education. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to continue their studies into the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship supports students with various disabilities, ensuring that education is accessible and equitable for all.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

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.

Connecting Families: Grantees to Provide Support Services to Families of Children with Disabilities

Objective of RFP

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Disability Services Division (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders for the Connecting Families Project: to provide support to Minnesota families of children with disabilities through individual and group support services, resource connections and education on Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC). The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be for up to one (1) year.

To be considered under this RFP, Responders must be a current Minnesota family support organization serving families of children with disabilities residing in Minnesota and must demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs of these families. The leadership of this project will include a parent of a child with a disability, ensuring that family perspectives are embedded in program planning, decisionmaking, and service delivery.

To meet these needs, the STATE is offering grants for the following two goals:

• Family Connection and Support: Reduce isolation by providing individual and group support and linking families to essential resources.
• Empowering Families through Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC): Introduce and guide families and professionals in using the CtLC framework and tools to envision a good life, identify supports, and engage in meaningful planning.

The Off-Highway Vehicle Damage Account provides funding to repair damage caused by off-highway vehicle (OHV) operations on private or public lands in unauthorized areas. Eligible claims must demonstrate damage occurred post-August 1, 2003, due to OHVs, and must include documentation supporting these conditions. Public and private entities can apply, but costs for preventative measures or improvements are not reimbursable. The program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, ensuring proper restoration of affected areas.

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 McKnight Culture Bearers Fellowship, a collaboration between the McKnight Foundation and Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center, aims to support three culture bearers dedicated to preserving sacred and healing lifeways. Recipients will receive a $25,000 unrestricted award, professional development, and access to resources. This fellowship recognizes the vital role of culture bearers in sustaining intergenerational cultural practices and knowledge, ensuring the transmission of ancestral wisdom while fostering community connections.

The PRISM Fund Grant, offered by PFund Foundation, aims to enhance equity within LGBTQ+ communities in the upper Midwest. It focuses on supporting rural LGBTQ+ organizations through grants, training, and collaboration. The program prioritizes communities disproportionately affected by discrimination, such as queer people of color, gender-expansive individuals, and LGBTQ+ residents of North and South Dakota. By addressing unique regional challenges, the PRISM Fund fosters resilience and connectivity among these underserved populations.

The Alice L. Schubert Medical Scholarship, provided by CommunityGiving, supports high school, college, and graduate students pursuing a career in the medical field. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and reside in specific Minnesota counties. This scholarship honors Alice Schubert, a dedicated community member who served during WWII and contributed significantly to her local community. It aims to empower future healthcare professionals by alleviating financial burdens while they pursue their education at accredited Minnesota institutions.

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.