Best Grants for Mentoring Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota nonprofits and community groups running mentoring, educational development, healthy living, or basic needs programs can receive up to US $2,000 to support their work. Benton Telecommunications Foundation provides small grants for youth leadership, personal growth, and community development projects, with a particular emphasis on initiatives benefiting Benton County communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Minnesota may be eligible for this invitation-only opportunity, supporting new approaches to societal issues. Creag Foundation considers smaller or evolving organizations that submit a compelling letter of inquiry demonstrating creative, impactful strategies to improve the human condition.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Grotto Foundation provides Minnesota mentoring and youth-serving nonprofits with funding for programs that strengthen educational, financial, physical, and social well-being. Eligible organizations must run community-led initiatives working in at least three areas: youth development, postsecondary success, community safety and neighborhood development, and mentoring, and may be invited to submit a full proposal after sharing their program idea.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant; awards more than US $100,000 for arts and science programming. Minnesota organizations offering arts education, STEAM learning, or artist development that engage large youth or community audiences may be eligible for program or capital support.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering early childhood education, community development, or services for low- and moderate-income residents can access funding through PNC Foundation. Programs may include early learning, affordable housing, small business support, arts, or human services, and youth mentoring components may fit if they align with these priorities in PNC service communities.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations running tutoring, mentoring, educational, scientific, or health programs can seek support for charitable activities serving U.S. communities. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help soundly managed nonprofits expand services that significantly benefit their target populations and advance general welfare, offering flexible funding for program growth and impact within the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota working on community development, basic needs, workforce preparation, arts, environment, or inclusion programs can seek sponsorship support to advance economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s regional U.S. sponsorships may benefit mentoring and tutoring initiatives that help educate the workforce and strengthen low- and moderate-income communities.

Minnesota tutoring and mentoring nonprofits that support supply chain and logistics education or workforce development may be eligible for this Strategic Industry Grant Program. Minnesota organizations can access funding through C H Robinson Foundation for programs that educate in transportation and logistics, diversify the logistics workforce, support carriers and drivers, or advance environmental sustainability in transportation and logistics.

Nonprofit organizations in central Minnesota offering mentoring, youth development, healthy living, basic needs, or community development programs can apply for Benton Telecommunications Foundation grants, with awards of US $2,000 - US $25,000. Funding supports direct program costs, not administrative overhead, with emphasis on communities in Benton, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, and Stearns counties.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering mentoring, education, or youth support programs can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 to advance their work. With a mission to help people live their best life, Altra Foundation provides awards to organizations in eligible Minnesota counties through member nominations recognizing impactful community service.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups can seek up to US $15,000 for technical assistance and consulting to strengthen internal operations and leadership. Minnesota mentoring and tutoring programs may be eligible for support such as strategic planning, board development, evaluation, technology or HR assessments, and BIPOC leadership development through the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation’s Management Improvement Fund.

Economic development nonprofits, school districts, Tribal and local governments in Central Minnesota can access funding for early-stage workforce and economic development projects through grants from Initiative Foundation; awards up to US $10,000. Programs creating mentoring, apprenticeships, internships, or partnerships to attract and retain workers in eligible counties may be especially competitive.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations can receive more than US $50,000 to tell impactful stories about their preservation, education, or wellness work. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports projects such as mentorship, mental health, outdoor access, and youth development, and this storytelling grant may help mentoring programs highlight their community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government entities in Minnesota can receive US $3,000 - US $15,000 to support capital projects or new and expanded programs for women and girls within 30 miles of St. Cloud. CommunityGiving’s Central Minnesota Women’s Fund prioritizes mentoring, leadership, education, and transition support, which may benefit tutoring and mentoring initiatives for girls and women.

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.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking community services funding or event sponsorships may be eligible for Insperity support if they engage Insperity employees, are Insperity clients, or serve communities where employees live and work. Insperity supports community-focused programs and fundraising events in select counties, which can include tutoring and mentoring initiatives for youth and young adults.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

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.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving children ages 0–12 through direct-service or advocacy programs can use this grant for early childhood, youth development, and out-of-school time initiatives, including mentoring. Grants from Sheltering Arms Foundation help Minnesota tutoring and mentoring programs that are high quality, culturally appropriate, and family-engaged, with awards up to US $15,000.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro can seek general operating or program support for hunger, shelter, education, and workforce development initiatives from C H Robinson Worldwide Foundation, with awards from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Minnesota mentoring and youth development programs that improve K–12 educational opportunities or career pathways may be eligible.

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.

Minnesota mentoring and youth-serving organizations offering violence prevention and healing-focused programs for ages 12–24 in Ramsey County may be eligible for US $15,000 - US $25,000 to support program delivery. Ramsey County’s partnership with Youthprise funds culturally responsive, community-based services such as mentoring, school-based supports, counseling, holistic healing, and related program and administrative costs.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities can seek funding to launch or expand programs for children, youth, and families in Kandiyohi County. CommunityGiving’s WACF Opportunity Gap Grant offers US $5,000 - US $20,000 for mentoring, enrichment, early childhood education, K–12 engagement, career on-ramps, and projects that build safe, stable, caring communities and families.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000 for focused intervention and humanitarian relief. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help smaller organizations, including those mentoring or tutoring in Minnesota, that are non-sectarian and operate in countries such as the U.S., India, Kenya, and others.