Best Grants for Capital Funding in Minnesota

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 We Are One Solidarity Award, presented by Education Minnesota, recognizes local unions or active members demonstrating significant leadership in various areas such as organizing campaigns and advocating for workers' rights. This annual award highlights the importance of collaboration among union members and aims to strengthen relationships across unions. Nominations can be submitted by any Education Minnesota member, emphasizing the value of collective effort in supporting public education.

The Evelyn Lenander Education Scholarship, established in 1989, supports college students majoring in elementary education at Minnesota institutions. Funded by CommunityGiving, the scholarship honors Evelyn Lenander, a dedicated teacher who believed in nurturing future educators. Applicants must be Minnesota residents, enrolled in their 3rd or 4th year of college, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This initiative aims to empower local communities by investing in the next generation of educators.

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.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

The Federal Recreational Trail Program, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance motorized and non-motorized trails through financial support. Eligible projects include trail maintenance, development, and educational programs. A 25% match is required for funding requests ranging from $2,500 to $150,000, with completion deadlines set for June 30, 2025. This initiative prioritizes projects involving local partnerships and environmental sustainability.

The Contamination Cleanup and Investigation Grant Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, provides crucial funding to assist communities in assessing and remediating contaminated sites. Covering up to 75% of eligible costs, the grants support both public and private site redevelopment. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, and economic development authorities, focusing on projects that enhance the local tax base or facilitate essential public facilities.

The Joyce Foundation's Journalism Grants support independent, nonpartisan reporting to address critical issues in the Great Lakes region. By investing in high-quality journalism, the Foundation aims to promote informed decision-making and strengthen community cohesion. Eligible applicants include nonprofit journalism organizations and projects that enhance local news and support early career journalists, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. The application process requires advance planning, with funding decisions made quarterly.

The McKnight Visual Artist Fellowships, administered by the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, support mid-career Minnesota artists through six annual $25,000 unrestricted grants. This initiative, backed by the McKnight Foundation, fosters artistic growth by connecting fellows with national critics and providing professional development opportunities. Since 1982, the program has aimed to enhance the artistic merit and career trajectories of visual artists, contributing significantly to Minnesota's vibrant arts community.

The County Boat and Water Safety Grants aim to support county sheriff's offices in funding boat and water safety programs. This initiative seeks to reduce accidents, injuries, and property damage on state waters. The grants cover up to 100% of eligible costs for various safety activities and have been ongoing since the 1960s. Counties can apply for funding to enhance their patrol and safety measures, ensuring a safer environment for all water users.

The Clean Vessel Act Grants (CVA) provide funding to enhance marina sanitation facilities, ensuring better sanitary disposal options for boaters. Established by the Clean Vessel Act of 1992, this program aims to maintain water quality in public waters by supporting the development or improvement of essential sanitation infrastructure, such as pump-out stations and floating restrooms. Eligible applicants include public and private marinas registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State.

The Minnesota Snowmobile Trails Assistance Program, administered by the Department of Natural Resources, supports the maintenance and grooming of over 21,000 miles of snowmobile trails. Established in 1973, this grants-in-aid program ensures that local governments maintain these trails throughout the year. Funding is primarily allocated for grooming services, helping to keep trails safe and accessible for users. Additionally, this program offers trail improvement grants, fostering better recreational opportunities for snowmobilers.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Minnesota provide funding for rural communities to prepare for or recover from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water. Eligible events include droughts, floods, and chemical spills. Grants of up to $150,000 for water transmission lines and $1 million for water sources are available. This initiative aims to restore access to clean water and support rural development, benefiting households and local businesses affected by natural disasters.

The Local Trail Connections Program, funded by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, aims to enhance short trail connections between residential areas and key public resources. Grants of $5,000 to $250,000 are available, covering up to 75% of project costs. Eligible projects include trail development and acquisition, with a focus on public accessibility. Funding prioritizes significant connectivity and quality of trails, with a total budget of approximately $1.1 million from lottery proceeds.

The Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trails Assistance Program, known as Grant-in-Aid (GIA), supports the development and maintenance of trails for All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Off-Highway Motorcycles (OHMs), and Off-Road Vehicles (ORVs). Established in 1984 by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, it funds projects through vehicle registration fees and gas tax contributions. Enthusiast groups and local governments collaborate to enhance trail systems, ensuring access and safety for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Public Water Access Sites Partnership Funding program offers essential financial and technical support for public water access and state water trail projects. This initiative prioritizes repairs, rehabilitation, and the development of new facilities, including access sites and state water trail campsites. Eligible applicants include local government units such as counties and townships, enhancing public access to water resources across Minnesota.

The Regional Trail Grant Program aims to enhance trail development outside the seven-county metropolitan area by providing grants to local governments. With funding from "In Lieu Of" lottery proceeds, it supports up to 75% of eligible project costs, requiring a 25% non-state cash match. The anticipated funding of $1.1 million will be allocated across three grant programs, subject to legislative appropriation. This initiative fosters connectivity and promotes regional significance in trail facilities.

The Gary & Mary Malmquist Scholarship, administered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, offers $20,000 ($5,000 annually for four years) to a graduating senior from Stillwater Area High School with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship prioritizes applicants demonstrating strong financial need and is aimed at supporting students attending public colleges in Minnesota or Wisconsin. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in local communities.

The Outdoor Recreation Grant Program offers matching grants to local governments for up to 50% of the costs related to acquiring, developing, or redeveloping local parks and recreation areas. Applicants can submit multiple proposals, but only one application per park is allowed. Funding sources include federal and state funds, with at least $2.5 million expected for FY 2026 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and additional state funding subject to legislative approval.

The Gisle A. Johnson and Eva M. Johnson Education Fund, administered by Scholarship America, supports students from the Owatonna, MN School District. It aims to eliminate financial barriers for current high school seniors or graduates under 35. Eligible applicants can enroll in accredited colleges or vocational schools for the upcoming academic year. Scholarship America has awarded over $5.7 billion to millions, ensuring equitable access to education. This fund exemplifies their mission to empower students through financial support.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Minnesota aim to provide essential technical assistance and training for small rural businesses with fewer than 50 new workers and under $1 million in gross revenue. Funding is available for projects benefiting rural areas, focusing on enhancing economic development, offering training, and supporting community initiatives. With no maximum grant amount, priority is given to smaller funding requests, encouraging innovative projects that uplift rural economies.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The McKnight Fellowships for Community-Engaged Artists, supported by the McKnight Foundation, provide annual unrestricted cash awards to outstanding mid-career Minnesota artists. This fellowship focuses on artists who utilize their practice for social or cultural transformation, offering significant financial assistance and professional development opportunities. With an annual contribution of approximately $2.8 million, the program aims to address the unique challenges faced by artists across various creative disciplines and foster community engagement.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The AIPG MN Fundamentals of Geology (FG) Grant provides financial support to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Minnesota geoscience programs. Each grant, valued at $300, covers the ASBOG exam and related fees. Approximately 10 grants are awarded annually, aimed at promoting the advancement of geology and supporting students who demonstrate a commitment to the field. Eligibility includes being a Student Member of AIPG and proof of exam approval.

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.