Best Grants for Elementary Education in Minnesota

Elementary-serving PTAs planning family engagement activities in Minnesota can receive support to enhance in-school experiences and promote healthier school environments. National PTA, through its Here for Healthy Schools: Quality Time Off Grant funded by Lysol, awards US $2,000 plus disinfecting wipes to five active local PTAs in good standing with their state PTA.

Focused on scholarships for future educators and related fields, Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation invites graduating high school seniors to pursue four-year college studies. Students interested in elementary education, criminal justice or law enforcement, or healthcare-related majors may be eligible, which could benefit those in Minnesota exploring elementary education pathways.

High school students planning to study elementary education can receive scholarship support through the Margaret Taylor Kiracofe Memorial Scholarship. Grants from Community Foundation of Carroll County provide a US $1,000 award for any Carroll County high school student pursuing an elementary education degree, honoring an inspiring longtime elementary school teacher.

Minnesota elementary education students and programs can access funding through Cumberland Community Foundation’s Lula T. and James L. Crosby Scholarship Fund, which supports higher education for future elementary education majors. Graduating seniors from any high school in Cumberland, Hoke, or Harnett counties with strong GPAs and church involvement may be eligible to apply.

Elementary and middle school teachers of students with disabilities can receive up to US $4,000 to design and implement hands-on math interventions that build conceptual understanding and fluency. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics provides U.S. educators, including those in Minnesota, with funding for materials like manipulatives and expects recipients to share successful strategies with colleagues.

Students pursuing elementary education careers in the U.S. can apply for the Vera DoLean Ginn Kiwanis Scholarship, which offers US $1,000 awards for higher education costs. Administered by the Community Foundation of Shelby County, applicants are evaluated on financial need, academic performance, community and school service, and recommendations.

Students planning to enter elementary education and seeking scholarship support can access funding through a Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley program; awards are typically US $1,000. Although based in Illinois, it serves graduating high school seniors with permanent addresses in specified northern Illinois counties, which may benefit those researching elementary education opportunities from Minnesota.

Elementary school PTAs and PTSAs in Minnesota interested in in-person digital safety and well-being programming can apply for National Congress of Parents & Teachers’ PTA Connected: Ready, Tech, Go! grants. Awards of US $1,500 support peer-led events helping parents and caregivers address screen readiness and healthy, responsible device use with children.

Minnesota elementary and middle school educators seeking tools that blend physical activity with academic instruction can receive donated Walking Classroom program sets. Alliance for a Healthier Generation provides this evidence-based resource to U.S. schools serving grades 3–8, prioritizing sites with the greatest socioeconomic and academic need, including classrooms and out-of-school or summer programs.

PTAs and PTSAs at elementary and middle schools in Minnesota can use this grant to run Be Internet Awesome digital citizenship and online safety programs for families. Grants from National Congress of Parents & Teachers provide US $1,500 to 50 local PTAs to engage parents and caregivers in peer-to-peer conversations about children’s online lives.

PTAs and PTSAs serving elementary school students with STEM-focused family programs in Minnesota can apply for National Congress of Parents & Teachers’ STEM + Families Propelling Our World grants, awarding US $1,250. Grants from National Congress of Parents & Teachers help support hands-on engineering design challenges and ready-to-use STEM activities that engage students and caregivers together.

Nonprofit organizations supporting elementary and K-12 STEM education or healthy food access in communities, including Minnesota, may be eligible for funding to expand programs and services. Focused on food-as-health initiatives and building STEM foundations, Takeda invites U.S. education and health nonprofits to strengthen nutrition, K-8 math, STEM enrichment, and college success pathways.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools with innovative early childhood and elementary education projects can seek seed funding for new, untried approaches. Focused on early learning through sixth grade, the Frances R. Dewing Foundation supports U.S. programs that directly benefit children and have potential for broader impact.

K–5 classroom teachers in public or nonprofit private schools can get funding for hands-on math and science project materials, including those in Minnesota. Toshiba America Foundation supports teacher-designed projects used in their own schools across the U.S. that spark student curiosity and strengthen elementary STEM learning.

Elementary education and youth-serving 501(c)(3) organizations in the greater Chicago area can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 to support programs such as tutoring, after-school enrichment, and special needs education. McGraw Foundation also considers human services, health, and cultural initiatives, including occasional larger grants for especially promising projects.

Minnesota elementary education nonprofits and 501(c)(3) organizations focused on early education or health research can apply for Barney Family Foundation’s grants, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $50,000. Grants support K-8 education initiatives and cancer or Alzheimer’s research that demonstrate clear, practical plans for improving children’s lives or advancing medical knowledge.

Nonprofit and public agencies operating lending bookmobiles that serve underserved children in Minnesota can receive US $500 - US $3,000 to purchase books for preschool through grade 8. Lois Lenski Covey Foundation provides U.S. bookmobile programs with funding to buy children’s fiction and nonfiction for checkout by young readers, including elementary students.

Minnesota K–8 501(c)(3) schools with established gardens and culinary education programs can receive support to integrate gardening and cooking into their curriculum. Emeril Lagasse Foundation supports elementary education by funding Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen, emphasizing nutrition, life skills, and culinary training, especially for schools serving middle- to low-income students nationwide.

Minnesota elementary education nonprofits and public schools can seek funding for children’s music education programs, including instruments, instruction, and practice or performance spaces. Mockingbird Foundation provides U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations and school-based programs with US $100 - US $10,000, with particular interest in creative, hands-on music experiences for underserved or disenfranchised youth.

McCormick & Company, Inc. actively supports charitable contributions through its Charitable Donations Committee (CDC), which prioritizes donations to non-profit organizations that enhance education, health, environment, and culture. The CDC focuses on organizations that benefit communities where McCormick employees live and work, ensuring a positive impact. Eligible groups must be tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to non-discrimination. However, donations are not made to individuals, political organizations, or entities that conflict with corporate values.

The Wild Ones Seeds for Education Grant Program aims to engage youth in environmental stewardship by funding projects that promote the use of native plants. This initiative supports schools and community organizations in creating native plant gardens, fostering a deeper understanding of biodiversity and sustainable practices among students. By providing necessary resources, the program encourages hands-on learning experiences for preschool through high school students, aligning with Wild Ones' mission to enhance natural landscapes.

The STEM Innovation Grant by Colocation America supports innovative STEM programs for K-12 students, offering up to $7,500 in funding. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and schools with STEM-specific programming. The grant aims to inspire youth through unique learning approaches and real-world applications of STEM knowledge. Interested parties must attend a mandatory informational call, with funding available for tools, curriculum development, and professional training.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

The Sorenson Legacy Foundation Grant aims to improve lives through support for education, health care, community development, and innovation. Established by James and Beverley Sorenson, the foundation focuses on enhancing art education, medical technologies, and community assistance in Utah. It prioritizes projects that foster artistic growth, promote innovative solutions, and address health care challenges while aiding vulnerable populations. The foundation's commitment to enriching lives reflects a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and community engagement.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their 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 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.