Best Grants for Charities in Minnesota

The Coastal Program's Capacity Grants for Technology Upgrades support local and Tribal governments in Minnesota to enhance coastal management through technology. Grants up to $4,500 can be used for equipment, software, and training aimed at improving water quality, habitat restoration, and community resilience. Eligible applicants must match 10% of the funds. Priority will be given to rural or Tribal communities with limited funding, ensuring equitable access to resources for sustainable coastal development.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Minnesota offers essential funding to develop community facilities in rural areas. This program supports projects that enhance healthcare, public safety, education, and community services. Eligible applicants include public bodies and non-profit organizations targeting areas with populations under 20,000. Grants are awarded based on income levels and community size, ensuring that low-income and smaller communities receive priority funding. By addressing community needs, this initiative fosters sustainable development in rural Minnesota.

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 NCR-SARE Partnership Grant Program aims to enhance sustainable agriculture by fostering collaboration between agricultural professionals and groups of farmers. By facilitating innovative research and educational activities, this program supports projects that test new cropping strategies, develop marketing approaches, and enhance food security. Focused on the North Central Region, it encourages partnerships that drive on-farm research, ultimately improving economic viability and environmental stewardship for communities across 12 states.

Provide Integrated Support Services through the Long Term Homeless Supportive Services Fund

DHS is seeking to Provide Integrated Support Services through the Long Term Homeless Supportive Services Fund.

DHS, through its Homelessness, Housing and Support Services Administration, is seeking to provide integrated support services needed to stabilize individuals, families, and youth living in supportive housing. 

The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be for two years, from July 1, 2027, until June 30, 2029. STATE may extend the contract up to a total of five (5) years.

Funding Availability

Funding available under this Request for Proposals (RFP) is $13,820,000 for the biennium ($6,910,000 annually), with the exact amount of funding available determined as part of the 2027 Minnesota Legislative Session.

Funding will be allocated through a competitive process with review by a committee representing content and, if applicable, community specialists with regional knowledge. If selected, Responder may only incur eligible expenditures when the contract is fully executed, and the grant has reached its effective date.

Funding under this RFP is to be distributed statewide to the maximum extent possible. There is no cap on the maximum award amount, or the number of awards made by the STATE. However, responders should consider the following when submitting their funding request:

• The amount of funding needed to successfully deliver the programming they propose,
• Their capacity to administer and effectively utilize the funding they are requesting, and
• The need that exists for supportive services funding for people experiencing long-term homelessness in all Minnesota communities.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is inviting proposals for the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Program, aimed at enhancing agricultural practices and environmental health. With a funding opportunity of up to $1,200,000, eligible applicants can include farmers, research institutions, and non-profits. The program focuses on research related to fertilizer application, soil amendments, and best management practices to safeguard water quality. This initiative supports innovative projects that align with updated legislative priorities for the 2024 cropping season.

The Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) Rebate Grant Program by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture aims to enhance tractor safety by subsidizing the cost of ROPS equipment. Eligible applicants include Minnesota farmers and schools, with a funding coverage of at least 70% for the purchase and installation of ROPS kits, capped at $500 per tractor. This initiative supports the state's commitment to agricultural safety and resource protection.

The IWLA Minnesota Division Awards recognize outstanding conservation efforts and contributions by individuals and groups in Minnesota. Awards include the Distinguished Service Award for long-term service, the Dr. Walter Breckenridge Award for educators, and the Sigurd F. Olson Conservation Award for exceptional natural resource preservation. These awards celebrate the dedication of conservationists and promote community engagement in environmental stewardship, fostering a legacy of conservation within the state.

The Minnesota Department of Education offers the Grow Your Own Competitive Grant Opportunity to enhance and diversify the teacher workforce in Minnesota. This grant, with a total of $30,000,000 available, supports programs specifically for people of color and American Indian individuals seeking to obtain their first professional teaching license. Eligible applicants can receive up to $750,000 to create programs that provide tuition scholarships or stipends for teacher preparation.

CSA Midwest Region: Beth Dunlap Award

 The Midwestern Region presents The Beth Dunlap Award at the Regional Symposium. The award will be offered to a person who has made contributions worthy of the highest commendation and the achievements will have continued importance. Beth Dunlap was one of the founding members of the Midwestern Region. A fashion illustrator and artist, she passed away in 2009.

About the Foundation 

The Minnesota Nurses Association Foundation (MNAF), a non-profit corporation affiliated with the Minnesota Nurses Association, awards scholarships and grants each year to advance the nursing profession and create more opportunities for students to achieve their goals.About the Grant

The Minnesota Nurses Association Foundation (MNAF) provides funding to MNA members to support research focused on nursing that relate to the Minnesota Nurses Association Organizational Goals and Priorities.MNA Issues and Advocacy

• Advocacy - MNA members advocate for their patients, profession, and communities through lobbying legislators at the State Capitol and endorsing nurse champions who will support nurse priorities.
• Education - MNA offers a wide range of learning opportunities to expand your personal and professional growth through the Continuing Education Program.
• Nursing Practice - MNA promotes, guards, and advances standards of practice and advocates for the effective and appropriate understanding and implementation of professional nursing practice.

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.

Support Innovation in Community Based Mental Health Services

DHS, though its Behavioral Health Administration, is seeking to innovate and improve accessibility and quality of community-based, outpatient mental health services and reduce the number of clients admitted to regional treatment centers and community behavioral health hospitals.

DHS is seeking to Support Innovation in Community Based Mental Health Services.

DHS, though its Behavioral Health Administration, is seeking to innovate and improve accessibility and quality of community-based, outpatient mental health services and reduce the number of clients admitted to regional treatment centers and community behavioral health hospitals.

The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be for two years, from January 1, 2027 until December 31, 2028. STATE may extend the contract up to a total of five (5) years, subject to the availability of funds and contract performance. 

Funding Availability

Approximately $2,225,000 is available to qualified grantees; $1,112,500 will be awarded to qualified grantees covering rural Minnesota and $1,112,500 will be awarded to qualified grantees covering metro Minnesota. An applicant may apply for, and the commissioner may award grants for two-year periods. The commissioner may reallocate underspending among grantees within the same grant period. The mental health innovation account is established under Minnesota Statutes, section 246.18 for ongoing funding.

The Anna M. Heilmaier Charitable Foundation, established in 1993, supports non-profit organizations in Saint Paul and the East Twin Cities metro region, focusing on music, arts, and healthcare initiatives. With an annual budget of approximately $300,000, grants can reach up to $150,000 for major projects, with a maximum of $50,000 for other grants. The foundation prioritizes projects that benefit local communities, specifically in healthcare and classical music.

Underrepresented Cultural Studies Materials Grants

Grant Goals

For individuals and organizations that will work to develop high-quality academic, cultural, and ethnic studies materials for communities that do not have adequate cultural and ethnic studies materials, or who are underrepresented in those materials. The materials must support Minnesota K-12 students from underrepresented communities without a formal writing system that is primarily orally based, including but are not limited to, Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Oromo cultures.

An applicant that receives funding under this grant opportunity must do at least one of the following:

• Amplify arts, culture, and heritage in Minnesota,
• Increase the depth and breadth of Minnesota who will connect with arts, culture, and heritage, and
• Provide opportunities for individuals in Minnesota to enjoy arts and culture for free or at reduced cost to allow access for economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Minnesota to attend Legacy programs.

Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Request for Proposal

In 1988, 77% of Minnesota voters approved a constitutional amendment establishing the ENRTF (Article XI, Sec. 14) - a constitutionally dedicated fund that originates from a combination of Minnesota State Lottery proceeds and investment income. The purpose of the ENRTF is to provide a long-term, consistent, and stable source of funding for activities that protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota's "air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources" for the benefit of current citizens and future generations. Since 1991, the ENRTF has provided approximately $1.1 billion to over 1,700 projects around the state.

The LCCMR makes funding recommendations to the Minnesota Legislature for special environment and natural resources projects, primarily from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. These recommendations are the product of a competitive, multi-step proposal and selection process.

The process begins when the LCCMR issues a Request for Proposal (RFP) for selected funding priorities based on its 6-year strategic plan and ongoing information gathering activities, including expert-led issue seminars and visits to natural resource sites around the state. The RFP is open to everyone with innovative ideas for environment and natural resources projects that could provide multiple ecological and other public benefits. Proposals can be submitted according to the procedures outlined in each RFP.

The MN Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to help private and tribal landowners restore and protect wetlands. This program is crucial for enhancing habitats, improving water quality, and supporting biodiversity. Eligible landowners can enroll in various easement options, including permanent and 30-year easements, with NRCS covering costs for restoration and easement recording. The application process is ongoing, ensuring continued support for conservation efforts in Minnesota.

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 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.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants Scholarship Fund

The Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants created this scholarship fund to award to a qualified individual majoring in an agricultural field.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Messerli And Kramer Foundation Grant aims to support Minnesota communities in addressing educational disparities faced by low-income and disadvantaged children and youth. Established in 2005, the foundation is guided by a diverse board involved in charitable initiatives. It seeks to fund organizations that are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profits committed to making a meaningful impact in education for underserved populations.

The Community Power Play Grant, funded by the Minnesota Wild and Xcel Energy, awards three $10,000 grants during the 2025-26 NHL season to support Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations. These grants aim to enhance youth and amateur hockey through financial assistance for participation fees, ice time, and rink improvements. This initiative helps foster community engagement and accessibility in hockey, encouraging more children to experience the sport and supporting local facilities.

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 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.