Best Grants for Historic Preservation in Minnesota

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

The Nordson Corporation Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in communities across the U.S., particularly through education. Since 1989, it has awarded over $60 million, prioritizing grants for tax-exempt organizations in areas where Nordson operates. The foundation emphasizes long-term community needs, supporting initiatives in education, human welfare, civic affairs, and the arts. Its commitment includes funding general operating support for nonprofits, ensuring they can measure program effectiveness and foster self-sufficiency.

The Quetico Superior Foundation Grant supports the preservation of Minnesota’s Border Lakes Canoe Country and Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park. It funds diverse projects ranging from land preservation to youth programs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations engaged in wilderness protection. The foundation aims to enhance the quality of wilderness preservation in the region, ensuring a lasting impact on environmental conservation. Interested groups should reach out for more information.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The MHS Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Small and Structured Grants provide essential funding for projects that preserve and enhance Minnesota's rich history and cultural resources. Established through the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, these grants support a variety of initiatives, including history projects and historic preservation efforts. With a focus on community engagement and sustainability, the program aims to foster lasting impacts on local history and cultural heritage throughout Minnesota.

The Medical Education and Research Cost (MERC) Grant Program, initiated by the Minnesota Department of Health, supports clinical medical education across Minnesota. Established in 1996, this program addresses funding gaps for teaching facilities that face challenges in covering overhead costs not reimbursed by standard mechanisms. By providing essential funding, MERC helps sustain high-quality medical training and education, ensuring that Minnesota continues to cultivate skilled healthcare professionals.

The Joyce Foundation's Education & Economic Mobility Grants aim to close income and race disparities in college and career success. The foundation prioritizes equitable access to high-quality education, supporting policies for effective educators, high school graduation, and affordable college credentials. Focused on racial equity and economic mobility, it addresses the needs of historically underserved young people in the Great Lakes region and invests in research, policy development, and advocacy to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minnesota Department of Transportation

In creating the Department of Transportation in 1976, the Legislature determined that MnDOT would be the principal agency to develop, implement, administer, consolidate and coordinate state transportation policies, plans and programs (Minn. Stat. Ch. 174).

MnDOT makes special efforts to consider the social, economic and environmental effects of its decisions and aggressively promotes the efficient use of energy resources for transportation purposes. It also maintains close working relationships with the many public and private individuals, groups and associations involved in transportation.

Greater Minnesota Transportation Alternatives Solicitation

The Transportation Alternatives Solicitation is a competitive grant opportunity for local communities and regional agencies to fund projects for pedestrian and bicycle facilities, historic preservation, Safe Routes to School and more. Minnesota will be soliciting projects for approximately $12.5 million in available grant funding across the state where the total is sub-targeted to the seven area transportation partnerships (ATPs).

Greater Minnesota applicants must submit a letter of intent describing the key components of their project. A regional representative will contact applicants to help review the project proposal and the steps necessary for delivering a federally funded project prior to local communities and regional agencies submitting a full grant application. 

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.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The MHS Heritage Partnership Program offers funding to build history-based partnerships across Minnesota. This competitive grant, supported by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, aids eligible applicants, including educational institutions and nonprofits. With grants ranging from $10,000 up to $400,000, the program encourages collaboration without a match requirement, fostering community engagement and preservation of Minnesota's rich cultural resources.

The MHS State Capital Projects Grants-in-Aid Program provides vital funding for the preservation of publicly owned historic buildings in Minnesota. With a minimum grant of $10,001 and no cap on requests, the program encourages projects that restore and rehabilitate these significant structures. Applicants must be political subdivisions eligible for state bond funds, ensuring that the funds are used for public purposes and comply with state regulations. Matching funds are required at a 1:1 ratio.

The AGRI County Fair Grants in Minnesota aim to support county fairs in preserving and promoting agriculture while enhancing access to the arts and cultural heritage. Funded by the Minnesota Legislature through the AGRI Program and the Legacy Amendment, these grants offer $10,800 for agricultural projects and $3,800 for arts-related initiatives for 2025. Eligible projects include livestock education displays, sound equipment, pottery workshops, and antique farm equipment exhibits, fostering community engagement and cultural appreciation.

Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society preserves Minnesota's past, shares our state's stories and connects people with history in meaningful ways, for today and for tomorrow. Because history matters!

We're part of Minnesota's rich history. Since 1849, we've grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious historical societies in the country. We play an important role in our state's historic preservation, education and tourism; and provide the public with award-winning programs, exhibitions and events.

We owe it to future generations to be good stewards of the past.

Native American Museum Fellowship

The Native American Museum Fellowship (NAMF) Program is a ten-week paid fellowship that will introduce Native community members to the museum field through three weeks of seminar and workshops and seven weeks of an MNHS internship program. These ten weeks are designed to engage and expose fellows to relevant cultural resources within MNHS and partnership sites, the broader public history of Minnesota and neighboring states, and professional opportunities within the museum field– ranging from Tribal historic preservation to exhibit curation. Fellows will learn about career paths and the various requirements for working in museum spaces, both on and off of reservation lands, as well as the particular challenges faced by Native American communities in terms of preserving tribal history and disturbing the institutionalized historical narratives of who Native people were and are.

The first three weeks of the program will be an in-depth seminar that will focus on the function of museums, cultural resources, public history, and tribal historic preservation fields. Through a mix of readings, podcasts, videos, discussions, exhibit analyses and guest speakers, fellows will come to have a better understanding of the day-to-day workings of museums and historic sites, and the values and practices that inform these institutions. The cohort will travel often to MNHS partnering sites and will have the opportunity to visit various Native organizations in or around the Twin Cities. Fellows will be placed within the Minnesota Historical Society network for the remainder of the fellowship where they will complete a hands-on internship experience of their choice.

Participants in the program will receive a living expense stipend for the duration of the program as well as travel expense reimbursement, a stipend pending completion of the seminar portion of the program, and a paid internship for the remaining seven weeks.

Topics covered

• Collections
• Conservation
• Tribal and Institutional Partnerships
• Tribal Historic Preservation
• Cultural Resource Stewardship
• Exhibitions
• ​Archaeology/NAGPRA
• Section 106
• And more!

Program Requirements

NAMF is designed as a ten week hybrid program with a home base of the Minnesota History Center, located in St. Paul. The 3-week seminar portion of the program has mandatory in-person attendance to receive the full stipend. A 20-hour per week paid internship could be all in-person or hybrid, depending on the internship supervisor. Travel to historic sites and communities will be required throughout the program period with travel arranged through program staff. 

Please Note: Fellows are expected to find their own housing upon accepting their letter of admittance. Mileage accumulated from out-of-town trips and lodging used during seminar will be reimbursed (within reason) to eliminate financial barriers during your time as a NAMF fellow. 

The Biodiversity Fund Grant, offered by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to enhance biodiversity in the Duluth-Superior region. It supports projects focused on habitat restoration, species protection, and addressing climate change impacts. Eligible applicants include charitable organizations that serve specific counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. This initiative seeks to promote ecological health and engage local communities in conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of vital ecosystems for future generations.

Mission

The Biodiversity Fund supports efforts to maintain and strengthen biodiversity in the Duluth-Superior region through preservation and restoration of habitat, help for particular species and ecosystems, planning for changing conditions, research and education. The purpose is to consider now the value to future generations of the species and ecosystem diversity that will remain when/if human population stabilizes.

Biodiversity Fund

The Biodiversity Fund supports projects that preserve and restore habitats, assist vulnerable species and ecosystems, plan for environmental change, and promote research and education in the Duluth-Superior region.

The fund aims to protect the region's biodiversity through conservation, preservation, and restoration of natural resources for the benefit of future generations.

Biodiversity Fund- Large & Multi-Year Grants

The Fund may also support larger initiatives of up to $50,000 per year for up to three years, for projects that require sustained investment to achieve meaningful, long-term impact. ‍

Multi-year requests should demonstrate:

• A clear long-term vision with defined milestones that allow progress to be assessed prior to subsequent years of funding each year
• How the work will scale, adapt, or deepen impact over time
• Strong partnerships, stewardship plans, or systems-level outcomes
• A plan for sustainability beyond the grant period

What We Mean by Biodiversity

‍Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, encompassing the diversity of genes, species, and ecosystems and the complex relationships that sustain them. Biodiversity underpins ecosystem stability, climate resilience, and human well-being by providing essential services such as clean air and water, natural food systems, nature-derived medicines, and climate adaptation and regulation.

This grant recognizes that healthy natural ecosystems and sustainable native plant and animal communities are deeply interconnected — environmental degradation often exacerbates social inequities and instability of communities of habitats and ecosystems. Community-led solutions strengthen ecological outcomes.

Biodiversity Fund Priorities

Funded projects should demonstrate strength in several of the following areas. Not every project must address all principles, but competitive proposals will show clear alignment across multiple dimensions.

• Upstream & Preventative Focus
  • Projects address root causes rather than symptoms.
  • Prioritize prevention, restoration, and long-term solutions
  • Reduce risk and vulnerability for people, species, and ecosystems
  • Anticipate environmental and social change rather than reacting after harm occurs
• Collaboration & Community Voice
  • Projects are grounded in authentic partnership.
  • Build cross-sector collaboration (e.g., nonprofits, Tribal Nations, schools, governments, researchers, community groups)
  • Center the expertise and leadership of people with lived experience, including Indigenous knowledge and local ecological expertise
  • Share power in design, decision-making, and implementation
• Equity-Centered Impact
  • Projects advance equity for both people and place.
  • Prioritize historically marginalized communities and/or vulnerable species and ecosystems
  • Focus resources, decision-making power, or stewardship closer to impacted communities
  • Recognize how environmental harm and social inequity intersect
• Systems, Policy & Practice Change
  • Projects have transferability and relevance beyond a single site or program.
  • Improve institutional practices, policies, land-use decisions, or resource flows
  • Strengthen community-level systems related to housing, food security, climate adaptation, education, or conservation
  • Demonstrate potential for replication, scaling, or broader adoption
• Sustainability & Capacity Building
  • Projects plan for impact that lasts beyond the grant period.
  • Strengthen organizational, community, or ecosystem capacity
  • Build skills, infrastructure, stewardship, or long-term management plans
  • Promote ongoing care, monitoring, or adaptive management of natural systems
• Evidence of Change & Learning
  • Projects contribute to shared learning and understanding.
  • Use data, research, community knowledge, or storytelling to demonstrate impact
  • Measure ecological, social, or systems-level outcomes
  • Share lessons learned to inform future equity-, resilience-, and biodiversity-focused work

Who We Are

The humanities help us understand ourselves, our communities, and our histories. By increasing collective understanding, we can spark positive change and create a more just society.

We curate stories, co-create engagement opportunities, increase knowledge, and produce resources in the areas of education, civic renewal, immersive experiences, and public programming to catalyze ideas. Our grantmaking allows us to strengthen the bonds between us, celebrate our past and traditions, appeal to the best within ourselves, and educate the next generation of leaders.

Ethnic Media Grants

Through the State of Minnesota’s 2025-2027 biennial legislation and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (Legacy), the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) will administer $472,500 for ethnic media grants to ethnic media organizations that work to create, celebrate, and teach the art, culture, and heritage of the many diverse cultural groups that make up Minnesota, including but not limited to Indigenous organizations, communities whose culture and heritage have been historically underrepresented, recent immigrant communities, and veterans.

The Legislature in providing this funding is seeking to fund ethnic media organizations throughout Minnesota to create video content in a language other than English.

An applicant that receives funding under this grant opportunity must do at least one of the following:

• Preserve and honor the cultural heritage of Minnesota,
• Provide education and student outreach in cultural diversity,
• Support the development of culturally diverse humanities programming, including arts programming, or
• Empower communities in building identity and culture, including preserving and honoring communities whose Indigenous cultures are endangered or disappearing.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Blandin Foundation's Community Wealth Building Grants aim to empower rural communities in Minnesota by addressing economic disparities and fostering sustainable growth. Targeting low-income, diverse populations, the grants focus on collaborative projects that enhance affordable housing, promote local businesses, and improve access to resources. With funding ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the foundation seeks innovative solutions to strengthen community ties and support marginalized populations, ensuring a robust future for rural Minnesota.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The MHS Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Large Grants program, funded by the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, supports projects that preserve Minnesota's history and culture. This competitive grant program, initiated in 2009, aims to enhance access to cultural resources and promote enduring historical projects. Eligible initiatives include history documentation, preservation planning, and education programs, contributing to the state's rich heritage while fostering public engagement and awareness.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Hallett Charitable Trusts aim to strengthen the Cuyuna Lakes Area through financial support to non-profit organizations. Established by E.W. and Jessie Hallett, these trusts have awarded an average of $1 million annually over the past three years. Grants focus on projects that align with the Trusts' mission and support tax-exempt organizations. Priority is given to local initiatives that promote equity, diversity, and inclusivity, ensuring a lasting impact on the community's educational, health, and cultural opportunities.

The Four Cedars Environmental Fund, supported by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, offers financial assistance for programs that protect and educate about the unique natural resources of the western Lake Superior watershed. Eligible applicants include charitable organizations and those serving specific counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The fund aims to enrich local environmental initiatives through capital requests, start-up costs, and technical support, fostering sustainable practices within the community.

The Wirtanen Family Fund supports initiatives aimed at fostering community awareness of global interdependence, promoting social justice, and increasing democratic participation. It prioritizes projects addressing contemporary issues with regional impact, such as health care access and environmental preservation. Eligible organizations include those classified as charitable under IRS codes and serving specific counties in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The fund encourages co-sponsorship and highlights the importance of understanding diverse cultures and social systems.