Best Grants for Children in Minnesota

The Minnesota Youth at Work Competitive Grant supports workforce development for economically disadvantaged youth aged 14-24. Administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), it prioritizes programs that provide career education, serve under-represented communities, and assist youth with disabilities. Applicants can request up to $850,000 annually, with potential for continued funding based on performance in the first year.

The Youth Support Services Competitive Grant Program, funded by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, aims to empower low-income communities by providing essential support services. This includes job training, internships, financial literacy, and academic interventions for low-performing students. The program specifically targets young adults from families with a history of poverty, ensuring they receive the necessary resources to thrive and succeed in their professional and personal lives.

The Minnesota Twins Community Fund, established in 1991, has significantly impacted youth sports in Twins Territory by providing over $24 million in support. Through grants and donations, they empower young athletes, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and personal growth. The fund focuses on 501c3 nonprofits in their region, ensuring that initiatives foster both athletic skills and character development. With strict guidelines for donations, the Twins continue to enhance community engagement and inspire the next generation of leaders.

Minnesota Department of Human Services

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Mission is driven by collaboration with community and partners – Counties, Tribes, non-profit and for-profit providers – supporting people to thrive in community and live their healthiest and fullest lives. The DHS Vision is that all people in Minnesota have what they need to thrive in community with no disparities.

Functional Family Therapy (FFT) Training and Implementation

Objective of RFP

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Behavioral Health Administration (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to provide Functional Family Therapy (FFT) training, implementation support, and fidelity monitoring to service providers across Minnesota. The selected responder will provide training, certification, technical assistance, and oversight to qualified provider agencies delivering FFT services to youth and families referred through county agencies and courts.

The grantee will not directly provide therapy to families. The overall goal is to improve family functioning and reduce out-of-home placements for youth ages 10–18.

Funding for this initiative is anticipated to support training, supervision, and fidelity monitoring activities associated with FFT implementation. Allowable costs include staff salaries, benefits, travel, technology, and administrative expenses directly tied to FFT training, supervision, and fidelity monitoring activities.

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

The Huntington Impact Investment Philanthropy Grant Program aims to strengthen communities by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance self-sufficiency and social equality. With a focus on areas such as community revitalization, affordable housing, and economic development, the program prioritizes initiatives that serve low- and moderate-income individuals. Organizations with IRS tax-exempt status can apply for funding to address critical community needs, fostering a more equitable environment for all.

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 Joseph Durda Foundation, established in 1989, prioritizes charitable giving to alleviate poverty, support orphans, and assist disabled individuals. The Foundation seeks to empower underprivileged youth through education and invest in medical research, particularly cardiovascular health. Grants are directed towards organizations that positively impact communities, especially those where board members reside, while maintaining a focus on military veterans and their families. Note that individual grants and funding outside these priorities are not supported.

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.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is inviting proposals for a project aimed at enhancing discharge planning for children and young adults with complex service needs. This initiative focuses on creating a technical assistance model that involves assessing current systems, developing standardized frameworks, and implementing support strategies. The goal is to improve transitions from high-acuity inpatient settings to community-based care, ensuring better outcomes for affected youth and their families.

RFP: Provide Children’s Mental Health Evidence-Based Practice Workforce Development and Implementation Support

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Behavioral Health Administration (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to provide training, consultation, and implementation support related to a modular, evidence-informed treatment system (such as the Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP) system) or a demonstrably equivalent model for children’s mental health providers across Minnesota. Responders proposing a model other than MAP must clearly demonstrate how their approach is substantially equivalent in structure, function, and outcomes, including incorporation of modular practice elements, dashboards, database, clinical decision-support tools, and measurement based care, and must include published evidence or demonstrated implementation outcomes supporting effectiveness in children’s mental health. The selected responder will support mental health providers and treatment supervisors in developing skills to deliver evidence-based interventions for children and youth experiencing mental health conditions. Activities will focus on workforce development, implementation support, and quality improvement to increase the use of evidence-based mental health practices statewide. For purposes of this RFP, “Mental Health Providers (MHPs)” refers to Mental Health Professionals and Clinical Trainees as defined in Minnesota Statutes, 245I.04, subd. 2 (Mental Health Professional) and subd. 6 (Clinical Trainee). “Supervisor” refers to Treatment Supervision as defined in Minnesota Statutes, 245I.06. The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be for two (2) years, from July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2028. The STATE may extend the contract up to a total of five (5) years. 

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 Store-Based Giving Program by Ross Stores Foundation supports socioeconomically disadvantaged youth by providing gift cards for school or professional clothing. Organizations must be federal tax-exempt and serve at least 60% low-income youth. Eligible programs include academic achievement and life skills initiatives. Award amounts typically range from $300 to $500, depending on budget and mission alignment. Applications are not accepted from organizations that have received donations within the past 12 months.

The St. Mary's Bank Charitable Foundation 1908 Funds Grants provide financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Hampshire, focusing on community development and services. Established to uphold St. Mary’s Bank's commitment to social responsibility, these grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, aim to foster financial independence and address issues like homelessness, youth support, and civic engagement. The Foundation prioritizes projects that benefit local communities and promote long-term sustainability.

St. Mary's Bank Charitable Foundation Community Support Grants aim to enhance community welfare by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With a commitment to 'people helping people' since 1908, the foundation focuses on areas like youth programming, homelessness, and civic support. In 2023 alone, they donated over $200,000 to 190 organizations, reflecting their dedication to improving lives in New Hampshire. They prioritize funding for nonprofits within their service areas, ensuring impactful contributions to local communities.

The Madelyn L. Laschober Endowment Fund, established by the Partners of the Americas Foundation, supports projects focused on youth, education, and microenterprise development. Offering an annual grant of up to $1,000, this initiative honors Mrs. Laschober's legacy and her contributions to Latin America. Through this fund, Partners of the Americas aims to empower communities and foster meaningful connections across the Western Hemisphere, reinforcing the importance of education and entrepreneurship.

The CAPTRUST National Partnership Grant aims to support local and national charities that serve children's needs. Each year, a Charity of Choice is selected, typically receiving a grant of over $100,000, while additional national grants are awarded to organizations aligned with the CCF mission. This initiative represents 40% of the CAPTRUST Community Foundation's annual giving budget, underscoring its commitment to impactful charitable partnerships.

The JTMF Foundation Grant focuses on improving the lives of individuals in need, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. By partnering with organizations addressing immediate needs and long-term challenges, the foundation supports children, older adults, veterans, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Guided by Catholic values, JTMF aims to empower communities while seeking innovative solutions to societal issues. Organizations that align with these focus areas are encouraged to connect, fostering a collaborative effort towards meaningful impact.

The I9 Sports Association provides scholarship grants to support youth sports participation for children under 18 in the U.S. Grants of up to $150 help offset registration fees for various recreational activities. With a focus on inclusivity and access, the association aims to foster athletic development and participation among young athletes. Applications are accepted year-round, with grants awarded in February, May, August, and November, ensuring ongoing support for youth sports engagement.

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 Aegon Transamerica Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations focused on enhancing financial and social empowerment in communities where Transamerica employees live and work. Established in 2000, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster self-reliance, financial literacy, and community engagement. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) non-profits operating in specific locations such as Atlanta, GA and Denver, CO. The foundation does not fund individuals or certain types of organizations, aiming to create inclusive, resilient communities.

USA Football’s Flag Equipment Grant supports youth organizations and schools in need of flag belts and footballs for girls flag football programs. Eligible applicants include legally designated non-profits in good standing with USA Football. The grant provides USA Football-branded equipment, with quantities determined by the application responses. Organizations are unable to select items from a catalog, as awards are issued directly from warehouse partners, ensuring accessibility for participants.

The AED Grant, offered by USA Football, supports youth organizations, middle schools, and high school girls flag football programs in acquiring essential Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This initiative ensures that lifesaving equipment is readily available during emergencies. Recipients receive specific AED models, comprehensive training, and certification to guarantee proper usage. Eligible applicants must be non-profits in good standing with USA Football, promoting safety and preparedness on the field.

The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation Grants support tax-exempt organizations working to enhance lives through arts, healthcare, education, and youth programs. The foundation requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) from all applicants, emphasizing its mission to select grant recipients who align with its values. Grants are not available for political purposes, endowment campaigns, or organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion. This framework ensures a focused impact on community betterment.

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

The AE Foundation Community Grants aim to support US and Canadian non-profit organizations focused on enhancing the mental health and well-being of young people. By funding local programs, the AE Foundation empowers teens and young adults to embrace authenticity and build a brighter future. Eligible organizations must be certified 501(c)3 non-profits or registered charities, and grant funding should be utilized within 365 days of receipt. This initiative reinforces the importance of mental health in today's society.

The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults facing mental and physical challenges. By supporting registered charitable organizations that align with its mission, the foundation seeks to ensure that 100% of grant funds directly benefit those in need within the US. Emphasizing immediate results and proven success, the foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of future generations.