Best Grants for Cancer Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience can seek up to US $100,000 in program support, including those serving Minnesota. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help tech-enabled programs reaching at least 65% economically underserved communities, with applications accepted year-round via an initial Letter of Inquiry.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofit and for-profit social enterprises in Minnesota working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds organizations serving children and families in poverty across the U.S., India, and South Africa.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven programs. U.S.-based organizations working on hunger, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, economic development, or cultural enrichment, especially those engaging Ameriprise volunteers or located near key employee centers, may be competitive applicants.

Minnesota nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can seek project funding for education, social services, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental initiatives through the Dr Scholl Foundation, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Cancer-focused organizations may be eligible if their programs fit these priority areas and other guidelines.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Minnesota’s Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties can apply for the Mount Sinai Community Foundation Grant, awarding up to US $10,000 for health, well-being, and medical care projects. Cancer research, education, treatment, ethics, and patient advocacy programs may be especially competitive for this Jewish Community Foundation funding.

Cancer-focused nonprofits and eligible public entities in Minnesota can seek funding to deliver education, disease awareness, and supportive services for patients and families facing cancer and cardiovascular disease. Grants from Bayer Fund help organizations near Glyndon or Redwood Falls provide access to care, including housing and other support for those traveling for treatment.

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.

Medical students of Italian descent pursuing MD or DO degrees in the U.S. may be eligible for this $5,000 scholarship if they reside in Minnesota or have a sponsoring UNICO chapter there. Grants from UNICO Foundation help support accredited, campus-based medical education, which may benefit future clinicians serving cancer patients and related oncology needs.

The Ella T. Grasso Literary Scholarship, provided by the UNICO Foundation, offers two $1,000 awards to college students of Italian descent. Candidates must submit an original essay or short story celebrating their heritage while being enrolled in a full-time, accredited U.S. college for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative highlights UNICO's commitment to supporting educational endeavors and preserving Italian culture within America.

The Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship, offered by UNICO Foundation, provides $1,250 to students of Italian descent pursuing engineering degrees in various disciplines. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. This scholarship not only supports academic achievement but also promotes the heritage and contributions of the Italian American community, continuing UNICO's legacy of service and support.

The Inserra Scholarships, provided by the UNICO Foundation, aim to support students of Italian descent pursuing higher education. Two scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded annually to eligible candidates who are U.S. citizens attending accredited colleges or universities full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to empowering the Italian American community through education.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science, providing two scholarships worth $2,500 each to U.S. citizens pursuing degrees in physical or life sciences. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled full-time in accredited programs. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to supporting educational pursuits in scientific fields while fostering Italian American heritage and community service.

Undergraduate or graduate students pursuing computer science studies at accredited, campus-based U.S. colleges can receive US $1,000 from the UNICO Foundation; awards support full-time study for the 2026–2027 academic year. Minnesota residents, and students in other eligible states, may benefit, including those connected to cancer-focused nonprofits who meet the criteria.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Seminarian Studies, funded by UNICO Foundation Inc, offers four scholarships worth $1,000 each to full-time seminarians attending accredited Catholic seminaries in the U.S. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and either reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor. This scholarship supports the educational journey of seminarians, reflecting UNICO's commitment to serving the community and promoting Italian American heritage.

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.

Students pursuing degrees in therapy sciences such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, or speech-language pathology who reside in Minnesota may be eligible for this scholarship supporting higher education. The UNICO Foundation offers two US $2,500 awards to full-time U.S. college students meeting GPA and residency or chapter sponsorship requirements.

U.S. students pursuing campus-based veterinary studies with at least a 3.0 GPA can receive $2,500 scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year, including those from Minnesota. UNICO Foundation provides this support to full-time students who are citizens, at least 18, and residing in or sponsored from eligible states.

The Robert J. Tarte Scholarship for Italian Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, supports students of Italian descent pursuing a major or minor in Italian Studies or Language. Valued at $1,000, this scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies through the 2026-2027 academic year, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need.

Italian American U.S. citizens in Minnesota planning full-time, campus-based graduate study can apply for UNICO Foundation’s Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship, with awards up to US $3,000. Eligible applicants must be current seniors or graduates starting graduate programs in 2026–2027 and have a Minnesota UNICO chapter or district sponsor; financial need is considered.

The UNICO Foundation's Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship provides two scholarships of $2,500 each to students pursuing a degree. Open to all ethnicities, applicants must be U.S. citizens, attend an accredited college full-time, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. They should continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year and may apply if sponsored by a UNICO chapter from specific states. This initiative underscores UNICO's commitment to supporting educational opportunities for deserving students.

Early-career assistant professors running independent biomedical research labs at nominated U.S. institutions can apply for Pew Charitable Trusts’ Pew Biomedical Scholars awards, offering US $75,000 - US $300,000 for innovative, human health–related research. Minnesota cancer and oncology researchers at participating institutions may be eligible if nominated through their institution’s internal selection process.

Nonprofit organizations in Minnesota with strong cross-sector partnerships addressing significant social issues can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborative models that measurably improve communities and can be replicated elsewhere, which may include cancer-focused nonprofits working in deep partnership with public, private, or social sector leaders.

Cancer and health-focused nonprofit organizations in Minnesota serving Roseau County can seek funding for cancer care, breast cancer programs, diabetes and dialysis support, and broader health services. Focused on health care access and support, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation invites nonprofits to apply for LifeCare Health Care Fund Grants benefiting residents and visitors in the LifeCare Medical Center service area.

Individuals in frontline roles providing compassionate, professional care to women with ovarian cancer in Minnesota can receive the Colleen Anderson Excellence in Cancer Care Award, a US $2,500 unrestricted cash award. Focused on gynecological cancers, the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance recognizes outstanding support for patients and families across the cancer care continuum.