Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Minnesota

Community-based nonprofits, tribal governments, local governments, and eligible institutions in Minnesota can seek up to US $150,000 for Tier 1 environmental and public health assessment and engagement projects in disadvantaged communities. The Minneapolis Foundation supports grassroots environmental justice efforts such as air, water, and soil monitoring, healthy homes, green infrastructure, and disaster resilience across EPA Region 5’s Great Lakes area.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Minnesota grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, neighborhood revitalization, food insecurity, financial literacy, and K–16 education and career pathways.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other eligible organizations in Minnesota working on education, children’s health, or family economic stability for urban low-income youth can seek project or scaling support from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards are more than US $50,000. This global funder supports work in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, workforce development, community development, arts, environment, or inclusion can seek sponsorship support to advance economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America supports regional U.S. sponsorships that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and shelter, and strengthen the social and cultural life of local communities.

Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, and Tribal Nations doing grassroots organizing can receive up to US $25,000 in rapid response funding for urgent policy, civic engagement, legal, or healing justice needs. Headwaters Foundation for Justice prioritizes BIPOC-led efforts addressing systemic oppression, with unrestricted operating grants decided eight times per year.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Grassroots and other organizations working on gun violence prevention, justice reform, or violence intervention that impact Minnesota can apply for the Joyce Foundation’s Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant. Funding supports research, policy development, advocacy, pilot initiatives, and public education to build safe, racially equitable communities in the Great Lakes region, including Minnesota.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Minnesota can access funding via the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This national “foundation for all” supports charitable groups seeking to create positive change, so grassroots organizations with qualifying tax-exempt status may be eligible to apply.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental or human services work, including in Minnesota, can apply for Lawrence Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help grassroots and larger organizations with unrestricted program or operating funding, including reasonable indirect costs, for projects in the U.S. or abroad.

IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in Minnesota can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community programs, education, arts, health, environmental, and social services projects. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports museums, schools, hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, environmental and wildlife efforts, and other community-based initiatives across the U.S.

Minnesota grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, social services, health care, civic or cultural projects, or environmental programs can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation. U.S.-based nonprofits may request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project support, with only one application accepted per organization each grant cycle.

Black-led 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organizations, or fiscally sponsored groups, in Minnesota can access general operating support for grassroots racial and social justice organizing. Headwaters Foundation for Justice provides US $50,000 over two years to strengthen Black movement ecosystems and collective power, centering Black Minnesotans’ self-determination and long-term systemic change.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota working with underserved youth, families, or environmental initiatives can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Grassroots groups focused on youth development, food security, housing, or community and environmental projects may be competitive applicants.

Grassroots groups, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal governments, and public entities in northeastern Minnesota can apply for Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Community Opportunity Fund Resilience grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $50,000 for resilience-focused projects. Funding supports community-led efforts that strengthen housing stability, food security, workforce resilience, climate adaptation, and long-term community capacity.

Grassroots and established 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal governments, and public entities in northeastern Minnesota can seek $25,000 - $50,000 to advance belonging, equity, and inclusive community culture. Focused on community-driven, equity-centered work, Boreal Waters Community Foundation supports programs, general operations, capacity building, and systems-change efforts that elevate marginalized voices and strengthen community bonds.

Minnesota grassroots and established 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, Tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups can access funding through Boreal Waters Community Foundation to advance economic stability and independence. Grants of US $25,000 - US $50,000 support community-driven work in housing, living-wage jobs, wealth-building, educational access, and essential economic support services in northeastern Minnesota and nearby Wisconsin counties.

Native-led grassroots nonprofits and tribal programs in Minnesota can receive US $50,000 - US $100,000 in unrestricted support for community-powered solutions, including leadership, healing, cultural revitalization, and capacity building. Good Relatives Collaborative prioritizes organizations under $2.5 million in budget that are deeply rooted in and serving Native communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local governments in Minnesota can seek funding for new intercultural exchange projects that build understanding and cooperation across cultural lines. The Laura Jane Musser Fund provides up to US $25,000 for planning or implementing grassroots community, youth, or arts initiatives that foster intercultural harmony and tangible community benefits.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Environmental nonprofits, grassroots groups, and fiscally sponsored efforts in northeastern Minnesota counties can seek funding for operating costs, capital needs, start-up expenses, technical assistance, or environmental projects. Focused on conservation, education, and natural resources, Boreal Waters Community Foundation prioritizes organizations protecting the western Lake Superior watershed and serving historically marginalized communities with strong local trust.

Nonprofits, public entities, Tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored grassroots groups in Minnesota’s Boreal Waters Community Foundation service area can receive up to US $4,000 for social justice and community awareness projects. Boreal Waters Community Foundation funds efforts fighting discrimination, advancing human rights, promoting democratic participation, and addressing local issues like hunger, homelessness, and emergency aid.