Best Grants for Elementary Education in Minnesota

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant, offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to enhance career pipelines in the water utilities sector. This funding opportunity supports institutions and organizations in expanding access to water utility jobs through apprenticeship, education, and training programs. By fostering collaborations and increasing public awareness, the initiative seeks to address the workforce needs of water systems, contributing to community health and environmental protection.

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.

The Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day Mini-Grant supports events that honor civil rights activist Ruby Bridges by encouraging students to walk to school and engage in discussions about activism, anti-racism, and anti-bullying. Grants of $500 or $1000 are available based on the number of students reached. This initiative aims to inspire positive changes within communities and promote meaningful dialogue among young people about social justice issues.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program aims to enhance access to high-quality early education for low-income children. Funding up to $1.5 million is available for innovative proposals that improve professional development for early educators. Key priorities include scalable coaching models, leadership development for under-resourced communities, and community-wide substitute teacher pools. This initiative is designed to tackle significant gaps identified in early childhood education and support effective learning environments.

The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) is offering the Project SAFE Grant Program to enhance student safety and well-being. The program aims to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) in implementing strategies to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, in accordance with CDC guidelines. This initiative is particularly focused on supporting LEAs that face financial penalties from state educational agencies for adopting these necessary health measures, ensuring a safer learning environment.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust supports organizations committed to enhancing the lives of children and young adults. They focus on educational institutions, health-related initiatives, and community services in the St. Marys, Pennsylvania area. Grants are awarded to 501(c)(3) organizations demonstrating accountability and measurable outcomes, with a preference for projects that benefit the community at large. The Trust encourages collaborative funding efforts and endeavors that inspire hope and vision.

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.

The Kids Run the Nation Grant Fund, managed by the RRCA, offers financial support to running clubs, schools, and nonprofits that promote inclusive youth running programs. Since 2007, the fund has awarded over $385,000 to 495+ programs, helping more than 198,500 children embrace running. Grants between $500 and $1,000 are available for structured, gender-inclusive programs that meet specific criteria, encouraging healthy lifestyles and regular participation in running activities.