Best Grants for Charities in Minnesota

The Rhythmic Sabbatical Fellowship, offered by Nexus Community Partners, provides a unique 8-month program for BIPOC leaders in Minnesota, emphasizing the importance of deep rest. From April to November 2025, selected fellows will participate in monthly sabbatical experiences designed to support their well-being and community impact. With opportunities to join retreats, receive stipends, and access resources, this fellowship aims to empower individuals dedicated to community change while acknowledging the challenges they face in taking time off.

Minnesota Department of Transportation

In creating the Department of Transportation in 1976, the Legislature determined that MnDOT would be the principal agency to develop, implement, administer, consolidate and coordinate state transportation policies, plans and programs (Minn. Stat. Ch. 174).

MnDOT makes special efforts to consider the social, economic and environmental effects of its decisions and aggressively promotes the efficient use of energy resources for transportation purposes. It also maintains close working relationships with the many public and private individuals, groups and associations involved in transportation.

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) District Coordinator Grants 

We support coordinator positions in individual schools or districts. Coordinators will help communities with existing SRTS plans or other comprehensive approaches to promote non-infrastructure projects to keep students walking and bicycling to school.

Funding for the coordinators to support three full school years starts in the summer of 2024 and goes through June 2027.

The Silver Bay Charitable Fund Grant aims to support low-income communities through initiatives in the arts, education, community, and economic development. The fund prioritizes projects that address urgent community needs, promote collaboration, and yield significant results with moderate funding. Eligible organizations must be classified as charitable and serve residents within designated areas. Examples of funded projects include community arts, housing, and job development programs, focusing on improving the quality of life for underserved populations.

The Luther I. Replogle Foundation Grant supports organizations in metro areas like Boston and Washington, DC, focusing on youth, women with children, and those in long-term poverty. Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000, emphasizing mental health, vocational training, and educational services. First-time applicants are welcome, but the foundation prioritizes innovative programs with annual expenses under $1 million. Certain areas, such as religious activities and for-profit businesses, are not funded.

About Us

Investing in the Future

We invest in innovative community-based, community-led solutions to ensure safety, opportunity and pathways to economic security for women, girls, gender-expansive people and families across Minnesota.

Our Mission

The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota invests in ending systemic inequities and driving innovation for gender and racial justice.

Sponsorship Request Process

The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota (WFM) invests in ending systemic inequities and driving innovation for gender and racial justice. The WFM sponsorship grant is a limited fund dedicated to supporting events, projects, and/or convenings of leaders and communities working to advance gender and racial equity through WFM’s impact areas.

The Women’s Foundation of MN provides sponsorship grants between $1,000-$5,000.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

The Episcopal Faith Communities Grants, offered by the Sheltering Arms Foundation, support Minnesota Episcopal congregations in their initiatives to aid vulnerable children. Grants up to $1,000 are available for projects that enhance the lives of children and youth, including tutoring programs and community outreach efforts. Preference is given to projects with multiple funding sources and those led by parishes that have not previously received funding. This initiative embodies a commitment to serving the community and fostering the well-being of children.

The Rupert Dunklau Foundation Grant supports organizations with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on Lutheran Higher Education, Health and Human Care, and Faith Strengthening. Since its establishment in 1968, the foundation has aimed to provide financial resources to ministries within the Lutheran tradition, particularly in Nebraska and surrounding states. Eligible projects must align with the foundation's mission to promote the welfare of mankind through educational and health initiatives.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

The Minnesota Section, Society of Mining Metallurgy and Exploration Scholarship Fund offers scholarships for undergraduate studies in engineering or geology to Minnesota residents or students attending Minnesota colleges. With awards of $1,000 per year for up to four years, this fund prioritizes applicants demonstrating financial need and a strong academic record in STEM fields, fostering the next generation of professionals in the Minnesota mining industry.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The ReFED Catalytic Grant Fund, managed by Refed Inc., supports innovative solutions to minimize food waste and reduce methane emissions, a cost-effective strategy for climate action. This fund prioritizes initiatives that enhance food recycling and improve supply chain efficiency in the beef and dairy sectors. By focusing on proven methods, the grant aims to accelerate impactful changes in the food system, ultimately fostering sustainable practices and collaborative efforts to combat food waste.

Minnesota Department of Health

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is the state agency responsible for protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all people in Minnesota. MDH works to make Minnesota a better place for everyone to live, work, and play.

Minnesota’s public health system is known as one of the best in the nation. It’s built upon a strong partnership between MDH, local public health agencies, Tribal governments, and other organizations. MDH has more than 2,000 employees. The agency attracts and retains a diverse, skilled workforce with a supportive culture and a passion for helping people in Minnesota at its core.

Rural Family Medicine Residency Grant

Minnesota Statutes Sec. 144.1912 authorizes the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Office of Rural Health and Primary Care (ORHPC) to award grants to existing, eligible, not-for profit family medicine residency programs to support current and new residency positions, with priority given to new positions. The Minnesota Legislature created the Rural Family Medicine Residency Grant Program for programs located in rural areas and focused on training family medicine physicians to serve in rural areas, with a track record of placing graduates in rural Minnesota communities. The Rural Family Medicine Residency Grant Program addresses the shortage of primary care physicians in rural areas of Minnesota by supporting opportunities for family medicine residents to practice in these settings. Expanding training opportunities in rural-focused programs gives residents experience and connections that encourage them to remain in rural practice. 

Eligible applicants are located in Minnesota, outside the 7-county metropolitan area (defined in Minnesota Statutes Sec. 473.121, subdivision 4 as Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties).

RFP for a Grantee to build capacity of the Housing Support Program (DOC)

DHS is seeking is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to build capacity for the Housing Support Program. 

DHS, through its Homelessness, Housing and Support Services Administration, is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to build capacity for the Housing Support Program. 

The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be for a 16-month contract, from March 1, 2027 until June 30, 2028. STATE may extend the contract up to a total of five (5) years.

Funding Availability

This RFP is the mechanism by which Responders will have access to the one-time appropriation of $1,250,000 to build the capacity of the Housing Support Program.

Funding will be allocated through a competitive process with review by a committee. If selected, Responders may only incur eligible expenditures when the contract is fully executed, and the grant has reached its effective date.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The NLSOT Graduate Student Travel Award aims to assist graduate students from the Northland SOT region with travel costs to the national SOT Annual Meeting. This award encourages student involvement in local chapter activities and can be used for various travel-related expenses, including registration, airfare, lodging, and meals. By supporting student participation, the award fosters academic growth and networking opportunities within the toxicology community.

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.

FTA Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program – Vehicle Capital Program 

The Vehicle Capital Program supports the purchase of transit bus(s), minivan(s) and full-size van(s). This opportunity includes Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant funding financial assistance administered by MnDOT. It's an opportunity to apply for Formula Grants for Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (FTA Section 5310) funding as part of the Public Transit Participation Program.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program offers matching grants between $5,000 and $500,000 to organizations aiming to restore, protect, or enhance Minnesota's natural habitats. The program, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, emphasizes projects that focus on prairies, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. A 10% match of non-state funds is required, and total project costs cannot exceed $1,000,000. Applications are reviewed bi-monthly until May 11, 2026, or until funding is depleted.

Bridging Conservation Grant Program

The purpose of the Bridging Conservation Grant Program to promote conservation to non-native English-speaking communities by creating new or expanding existing outreach and education programs. The term “non-native English-speaking communities” refers to communities whose first and/or primary language is not English.

The primary purpose of activities funded through this grant is to promote conservation to non-native English-speaking communities through education and outreach programs and activities; ensure conservation information, training, and programs are linguistically and culturally relevant and accessible; equip non-native English-speaking communities with the knowledge to practice conservation in their daily lives and advocate for environmental stewardship.

Eligible activities may include administration/coordination, education/information, project development, and supplies and equipment (i.e. with a primary purpose of outreach and/or education). 

Funding available and match

A total of $135,000 is available through this Request for Proposal. Grant requests must be between a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $45,000. Proposals that do not fall within this dollar range will not be accepted. There is no required match for this program. Prior to final selection, BWSR staff may engage applicants to resolve questions or discuss modifications to the project or funding request. 

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

The MN Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) supports landowners in protecting croplands and grasslands through conservation easements. This program aims to maintain the agricultural viability of working lands, ensuring environmental quality, historic preservation, and wildlife habitats. Eligible partners can receive financial assistance to purchase these easements, which can cover up to 75% of the land's value, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices and protecting vital ecosystems.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one.

We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve. Since 1982, we have invested $80.9 billion and created 1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

Southwest Tribal Resilience Academy - Resilience Capacity Grant

Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise) is seeking Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from eligible tribal entities, Community Development Corporations (CDCs), and Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) that have participated in the Southwest Tribal Resilience Academy.

The Academy provides cohort-based learning opportunities for Southwest Tribal housing organizations to connect with one another, engage with subject-matter experts, and collaborate with local stakeholders to address the unique climate-related hazards facing their region.

To build on the knowledge and technical assistance gained through the Academy, Enterprise will award grant funding to participants of the Southwest Tribal Resilience Academy to support the implementation of resilient, community-driven solutions.

Federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to increase charter school quality and authorizer accountability. The three objectives identified in MDE’s application to ED are designed to support a landscape of high-quality/high-performing charter schools that all parents from all communities can access by making informed decisions about the best education choices for their children through empowered access to information.

Native Language Revitalization Grant

Grant purpose

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) makes funding available to school districts, charter schools, and Tribal contract schools in Minnesota to provide language instruction in Dakota and Anishinaabe languages or another language indigenous to the United States or Canada, pursuant to Laws of Minnesota 2025, 1st Special Sess. chapter 10, article 6, section 6, subdivision 5.

Funding

Funding is made available through Laws of Minnesota 2025, 1st Special Sess. chapter 10, article 6, section 6, subdivision 5. MDE estimates that up to $13,500,000 is available for the initial grant round. Any funds remaining after the initial round will be available for subsequent grant rounds. Applicants are encouraged to apply during the initial round as the timing and funding available for subsequent rounds will be determined after the first round is complete.

Applicants are encouraged to request no more than $500,000 for the two-year grant period. However, applicants may request more than $500,000 if they can clearly demonstrate the need for such funding.

The AGRI Crop Research Grant Program offers funding for applied crop research that benefits Minnesota's farmers and economy within three to seven years. This program aims to translate scientific knowledge into practical applications, ensuring that research findings are publicly accessible. Proposals must include a plan for outreach to disseminate results, focusing on enhancing the quality, quantity, or value of agricultural products.