Best Grants for Charities in Minnesota

The Anishinabe Fund Grant, offered by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to promote Anishinabe knowledge and culture in community improvement projects. It prioritizes collaborations that respect Anishinabe traditions and encourages co-funding initiatives. Eligible applicants must be charitable organizations located in specific counties of Wisconsin and Minnesota, ensuring that funding supports local communities while honoring Anishinabe heritage.

The Central Mesabi Fund for Human Services, managed by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, provides grants between $2,000 and $10,000 to agencies aiding low-income individuals in specific Minnesota communities. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, governmental entities, and schools that demonstrate financial need and programmatic merit. However, grants for equipment or capital improvements are typically excluded. This initiative aims to support essential services to enhance community welfare.

The Make a SPLASH! Grant Contest invites municipal entities and non-profits in the U.S. to apply for the Inclusive Design Award. This award recognizes splash pads that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility. Winners will receive a customized Life Floor safety surface, valued at $50-65k, promoting community engagement and safety. With two opportunities to win, this initiative aims to enhance splash pad designs, ensuring they cater to all individuals. Join us in making splash pads safer and more accessible for everyone!

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: Risk Manager on Campus Grants

Spencer’s Risk Manager on Campus (RMOC) Program has been praised by both universities and risk managers as a rewarding educational experience for students and a chance to give back to the profession. The grant program brings a practicing risk manager to the university to present and engage with students about the Risk Management profession and the Insurance industry. Since 1997, Spencer has awarded over 500 RMOC Grants totaling $1.7 million to universities & colleges across the United States and Canada.

Spencer’s Risk Manager on Campus program offers grants of up to $5,000 to universities and colleges in the United States and Canada to host a practicing Risk Manager on its campus for a 1–3-day residency. The grant award is to be used to:

• Reimburse the risk manager for travel, housing, and incidental expenses incurred from the visit.
• Coordinate class visits, campus-wide lectures, panel discussions, meals, student club/organization meetings, senior administration visits, and/or receptions for students to network with and learn from the visiting risk manager, thereby exposing students to careers in Risk Management and Insurance (including Actuarial Science) and cultivating excitement about the industry.

Spencer Educational Foundation Inc

The Spencer Educational Foundation was founded by the Rims Atlanta Chapter in 1979. To this day, Spencer remains the premier organization funding the education of tomorrow's risk management and insurance leaders.

The Spencer Educational Foundation: awards merit-based scholarships and grants to university students pursuing careers in risk management, insurance, and/or actuarial science; provides grants that create experiential learning opportunities both on and off campus; funds the development of risk management and insurance curricula in colleges and universities; supports Risk Managers by creating internship opportunities within the risk management function of their companies; and operates across the United States and Canada. 

Spencer Educational Foundation: Internship Grants

Through our Internship Grant Program, Spencer aims to support tomorrow’s Risk Management and Insurance leaders through experiential learning opportunities. 

Spencer provides internship grants of up to $7,500 to Risk Managers to hire interns in the risk management function of their organizations. Employers apply for grants from Spencer, and students then apply directly with the companies for internship opportunities.

Since 1999, Spencer has awarded $3.5 million to create over 650 risk management internships. Through the internship program, students learn about the field in a real-world business setting where they can quickly apply what they know, respond to new experiences, and begin to develop contacts in the industry. 

The purpose of America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) is to improve access to healthy food in underserved areas, to support food supply chain resiliency, to create and preserve quality jobs, and torevitalize low-income communities by providing financial and technical assistance, either directly orthrough other partners and intermediaries, to eligible fresh, healthy food retailers and enterprises toovercome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved areas. HFFI offers fundingopportunities and technical assistance to eligible applicants.

The Renewal Bee Grant, offered by the Whole Kids Foundation, provides $500 to support educational bee programs for K-12 schools and non-profit organizations that have previously received a Bee Grant. Eligible applicants must have submitted their progress report from their last grant and can receive additional resources such as consultations and educator packs. This grant aims to enhance pollinator education while fostering community engagement in conservation efforts.

American Psychiatric Association Foundation

There is no health without mental health. The APA Foundation is working in your community to provide the support and resources we all need to prioritize mental wellbeing where you live, learn, work, worship, and play.

Backed by the medical expertise of the APA and industry-leading strategic partners, we administer community-changing programs, public education campaigns, grants, and awards aimed at increasing mental health literacy, connecting individuals to needed care, and shifting attitudes toward mental health.

Edwin Valdiserri Correctional Public Psychiatry Fellowship

The Edwin V. Valdiserri Correctional Public Psychiatry Fellowship program has been made possible by a generous gift from Ronald Valdiserri, M.D., M.P.H., in memory of his brother Edwin V. Valdiserri, M.D. and creates a special opportunity for current residents who are interested in public, community, or forensic psychiatry programs to receive additional experience, training and mentorship in a correctional setting.

Program Benefits

• Sponsorship to attend a minimum of four APA meetings: Two APA Annual Meetings and Two Fellowship Forums
• Attend Fellows' choice of one of the following: The American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law (AAPL) Annual Meeting OR National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) Annual Conference
• Attend courses and workshops at APA meetings and be exposed to training opportunities that develop leaders in public psychiatry
• Collaborate with other Public Psychiatry Fellows to plan a workshop at the APA meeting
• Gain an understanding of APA/APAF governance through service on an APA Council, Committee, or APAF initiative
• Have the opportunity to sit on the APA Board of Trustees as a non-voting member (one of the Edwin Valdiserri/Public Psychiatry Fellows allowed)
• Cultivate a professional network with psychiatrists through exclusive events and engagements with APA leaders. Establish relationships and peer-mentorship with a diverse group of resident fellows with similar career interests and goals

Program Expectations

• Maintain APA membership and good standing in one’s residency program throughout the fellowship
• Contribute a minimum of 40 volunteer hours annually in a correctional facility
• Provide confirmation from your Training Director or Department Chair that this required volunteer service is feasible and can/will be supported
• Attend two consecutive APA Meetings, two Fellowship Forums, and all fellowship related activities
• Actively participate on an assigned APA Council, Committee, or APAF work group
• Participate in Fellowship teleconferences (a minimum of 50%)
• Participate in mid-year and year-end evaluations with Fellowship Program Manager.

The Community Partnership Grant, administered by the Sons of Norway Foundation, offers up to $5,000 for projects that promote and preserve Norwegian culture and heritage. Open to individuals and groups from Norway and the U.S., the grant encourages initiatives that reflect the foundation's core values such as lifelong learning and community generosity. Applications must be submitted online in English and should demonstrate a commitment to celebrating Norwegian cultural traditions.

31Heroes

On August 6, 2011, a tragedy shook the military community and Americans everywhere. In a single instance, America lost 30 military service members, many of whom were members of the Navy SEAL community—and one military K9– when a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was downed in Afghanistan.

Established to honor the 31 Americans killed in action on August 6, 2011, 31Heroes serves to impact the lives of our nation’s heroes and their families, while remembering the fallen, through athletic endeavors and competitive fundraising events.

Our Mission: The mission of 31Heroes is to raise money and awareness through social and athletic events to support the families of Extortion 17 and honor their legacy by funding treatment for Veterans suffering from mental health issues.

Our Focus

Our goal is to create opportunities for the families of Extortion 17 to create healthier lifestyles and to provide financial relief in times of need. We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the lives of each family. Whether through grants we provide, or through partnering with other non-profit organizations that offer programs or services that we do not, we are devoted to the families and creating a legacy the men of Extortion 17 would be proud of.

Guidelines

• Individual limits will not exceed $3750 annually
• Family Grants range from $750 to the maximum range of $1500
• Family members must submit an online application for consideration
• Applications may be submitted at any time during this funding cycle
• Priority and funding will be based on the Primary Next of Kin list

Emergency Grants 

Emergency Grants are aimed at assisting with unforeseen events which cause financial hardship on the family. Limit for this grant is $750.

The AACAP Educational Outreach Program for General Psychiatry Residents offers a unique opportunity for residents to gain insights into child and adolescent psychiatry. Participants will network with mentors and peers, attend the 71st AACAP Annual Meeting from October 14-19, 2024, and receive a stipend of up to $1,200 post-meeting. This program prioritizes first-time applicants, ensuring a valuable experience in a supportive environment while expanding professional connections.

Family Medicine Cares USA offers grants up to $25,000 to support the establishment of new free clinics. Eligible applicants must either have opened or plan to open within six months of the application deadline and hold the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Seal of Excellence. Priority is given to clinics with an AAFP member as medical director and those engaging Family Medicine residents or medical students as volunteers. Applications are accepted annually from March 15 to July 15.

Extreme Terrain’s Clean Trail Initiative Program aims to enhance trail integrity by supporting groups in the U.S. with grants for projects like trail clean-up, restoration, and expansion. Eligible applicants include Wrangler and 4x4 clubs, environmental organizations, and those managing public or private trails. The initiative emphasizes responsible off-roading while encouraging volunteers to engage in improving our natural landscapes. This program fosters community involvement and promotes sustainable practices in outdoor activities.

The Family Medicine Cares USA Free Health Clinic Grants support existing clinics in providing care to the uninsured. Grants of up to $10,000 are available if funds permit, prioritizing clinics with AAFP members in leadership roles. The program emphasizes the involvement of Family Medicine residents or medical students as volunteers, aiming to enhance healthcare access in underserved communities.

The Gilead Research Scholars Program in Oncology supports innovative research from emerging investigators worldwide, focusing on scientific understanding and progress in cancer treatment. Launched in 2008, it offers financial support of up to $180,000 over two years to junior faculty who meet eligibility criteria. The program emphasizes diversity and aims to reduce barriers for underrepresented groups in research, fostering a more inclusive landscape in addressing unmet medical needs.

The Pulitzer Center offers U.S. Local News Reporting Grants aimed at supporting freelance and staff journalists in producing in-depth investigative reporting for local news outlets. This initiative seeks to amplify underreported stories crucial to community engagement, particularly those addressing systemic issues. The grants are available on a rolling basis, encouraging diverse voices in journalism. Applicants must provide a project description, budget estimate, and distribution plan to qualify for funding that covers essential reporting costs.

Background

The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research is the research funding organization for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and is a registered 501(c)(3) . Our vision is to shape the future of health through physical therapy research. Our mission is fund research and develop researchers to optimize movement and improve the health of society.

Through the generosity of our donors and community of supporters, o ur sole purpose for the past 46 years has been to fund physical therapy research and researchers through grants, scholarships, and fellowships. Through our investments in PhD students and early career researchers , we are creating a pipeline of highly skilled and capable researchers . They are b uilding our knowledge of and evidence about effective and innovative physical therapy practices, tools, guidelines, and education across the spectrum of our professional specialties.

Our growing number of larger grants allow s us to fund both emerging and established researchers who have been helping build the physical therapy evidence base in priority areas and help define the value of physical therapy for patients and clients, health care professionals , and payers. Through the generosity of our donors, we have created a sustained pipeline for future researchers and of research funding to help launch careers and advance the profession’s evidence -based practices.

The FPTR: Acute Care Research Grant aims to support high-quality research relevant to acute care physical therapy practice. With a total funding of $80,000, this grant encourages innovative studies that can enhance the understanding and application of physical therapy methods. The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research prioritizes projects that address pressing clinical questions and contribute to the evidence base for effective practices while promoting equity in health care.

The Beckman Scholars Program offers a 15-month mentored research experience for outstanding undergraduate students in chemistry and biological sciences. Each participating institution can submit one application, with awards totaling $21,000 per student and $5,000 per mentor. The program emphasizes justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from diverse backgrounds. For more details, refer to the FAQs on the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation's website.

The Alexandra Armstrong Innovation Grant, offered by the Foundation for Financial Planning, recognizes nonprofits that demonstrate exceptional creativity and impact in pro bono financial planning services. Established in honor of Alexandra Armstrong, a dedicated advocate for community service and financial planning, this grant aims to expand access to vital financial advice for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply annually to receive funding that supports innovative programs designed to enhance financial well-being.

The Scheidel Foundation offers Integrative Cancer Care Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with cancer. This initiative supports organizations that promote awareness and adoption of integrative practices, targeting both the medical community and patients. The Foundation seeks proposals that foster long-term solutions and innovative programs, focusing on evidence-based information and practices. Grants are available through a selective process, emphasizing transformative impacts in the field.

The NIH Director's Early Independence Award empowers exceptional early-career researchers to embark on independent research careers immediately after their doctoral degree or post-graduate clinical training. This initiative accelerates the transition to independence, promoting innovative research across various fields aligned with the NIH mission. As part of the NIH Common Fund's High-Risk, High-Reward Research Program, it encourages groundbreaking studies that could significantly advance health-related knowledge.

The KaBOOM! Adventure Courses Grant Program offers funding to create engaging playspaces for older children and teens. This initiative encourages community involvement through a collaborative design and build process, aiming to address the need for physical activity in low-income areas. Eligible applicants include organizations that serve youth and can demonstrate community support. Grants are available on a rolling basis, with a focus on priority cities impacted by recent events, including rural Colorado and Hurricane Harvey-affected Texas communities.

The Access Fund's Climbing Conservation Grant supports projects that enhance climbing access and conserve the climbing environment across the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $4,000, with larger requests considered for projects of national significance. Emphasizing local collaboration and measurable outcomes, this program seeks action-oriented initiatives that promote climber responsibility and community engagement, while also adhering to environmental regulations and securing necessary approvals.

Pray4Gray Foundation

The Pray4Gray Foundation was created to honor Grayson Pope’s courageous journey following a traumatic brain injury sustained under circumstances beyond his control. Grayson’s resilience, optimism, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire all who know him.

As Grayson works toward recovery with a smile and a strong heart, our mission is to provide prayer, support, resources, and education to families of young people facing similar challenges. We aim to build a community rooted in hope, faith, and resilience—empowering youth and their families to navigate brain injury recovery with strength and purpose.

Grayson looks forward to giving back as others did for him—sharing his story and spirit to help others heal. Through our programs and services, we are committed to walking alongside families in crisis and helping young people thrive beyond adversity. 

Grant

If you or a loved one has been impacted by a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), we’re here for you.

Our foundation is dedicated to walking alongside families of young adults recovering from TBI by offering support, resources, prayer, and education. Whether you're navigating the early stages of recovery or continuing a long-term journey, you don’t have to do it alone.

We invite you to apply for assistance through our foundation. Support may include financial aid, educational materials, access to community resources, and spiritual encouragement tailored to your family’s needs.

Lois Roth Foundation

The Lois Roth Foundation honors the life and work of Lois Wersba Roth. Since 1987, it has sought to promote and encourage dialogue across national, linguistic and cultural boundaries, with an emphasis on the humanities, arts and social sciences. Foundation programs are conducted in collaboration with a range of partners and focused on three domains: Fulbright & Academic Collaborations, Cultural Diplomacy, and Literature & Translation.

Cultural Diplomacy

In recollection of Lois Roth’s efforts to promote cross‐cultural understanding and cooperation as a US Foreign Service Officer, the Roth Foundation partners with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) (US State Department), to provide the department’s four awards honoring excellence in the field of cultural and educational diplomacy.

The types of qualities displayed by recipients of Roth Foundation cultural diplomacy awards include:

• Cross‐cultural sensitivity and understanding for all—regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin or disability—and the courage and intellectual integrity to bring alternate facts and opinions into open conversation
• Ingenuity and imagination in creating projects, programs and products to deepen the contact between foreign intellectuals, artists and professionals and their US counterparts
• Familiarity with global affairs and foreign languages, to deepen substantive discussion between US and foreign intellectuals, scholars and professionals
• Patience, wisdom and generosity in helping new colleagues, both international and US, develop their careers
• Special skill in promoting collaborations between US and foreign institutions and high‐quality exchange opportunities with the civil sector.

Lois Roth Award For Cultural Diplomacy

The Lois Roth Award is presented every year to a Foreign Service Officer who has made significant contributions to the field of US cultural and educational diplomacy. It honors those who exhibit cross-cultural sensitivity in all aspects of their work and show patience, wisdom and generosity in helping new colleagues—international and American—to pursue and develop their skills and careers. Displaying familiarity with different areas of the world, global affairs and foreign languages, winners of this award hold substantive discussion with US and foreign scholars, artists and professionals, while exemplifying Lois Roth’s personal legacy of superior creativity and human warmth in their work with others.

Nomination Process

Every spring, the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will internally circulate details regarding nominations for the four Lois Roth Foundation Awards. State Department supervisors are invited to submit nominations in all four categories.

Lois Roth Foundation

The Lois Roth Foundation honors the life and work of Lois Wersba Roth. Since 1987, it has sought to promote and encourage dialogue across national, linguistic and cultural boundaries, with an emphasis on the humanities, arts and social sciences. Foundation programs are conducted in collaboration with a range of partners and focused on three domains: Fulbright & Academic Collaborations, Cultural Diplomacy, and Literature & Translation.

Cultural Diplomacy

In recollection of Lois Roth’s efforts to promote cross‐cultural understanding and cooperation as a US Foreign Service Officer, the Roth Foundation partners with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) (US State Department), to provide the department’s four awards honoring excellence in the field of cultural and educational diplomacy.

The types of qualities displayed by recipients of Roth Foundation cultural diplomacy awards include:

• Cross‐cultural sensitivity and understanding for all—regardless of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin or disability—and the courage and intellectual integrity to bring alternate facts and opinions into open conversation
• Ingenuity and imagination in creating projects, programs and products to deepen the contact between foreign intellectuals, artists and professionals and their US counterparts
• Familiarity with global affairs and foreign languages, to deepen substantive discussion between US and foreign intellectuals, scholars and professionals
• Patience, wisdom and generosity in helping new colleagues, both international and US, develop their careers
• Special skill in promoting collaborations between US and foreign institutions and high‐quality exchange opportunities with the civil sector.

Jodie Lewinsohn Career Achievement Award

The Jodie Lewinsohn Career Achievement Award honors the most accomplished and longest-serving Locally Employed Staff members, particularly those who are nearing retirement. It is named for a distinguished U.S. Information Agency Foreign Service Officer who was a close friend and mentor to Lois Roth and who also served as the head of the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, when Gill Jacot-Guillarmod was working there. In 2022, Jodie left a legacy in her will to endow this award in perpetuity. This award recognizes those who are nearing the end of their careers for long-standing dedication to their work and their success in what Gill described as “helping the United States while helping your own country.” 

Nomination Process

Every spring, the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs will internally circulate details regarding nominations for the four Lois Roth Foundation Awards. State Department supervisors are invited to submit nominations in all four categories.