Best Grants for Museums in Minnesota

The Many Voices Fellowship supports early career Black and Indigenous playwrights in Minnesota, offering a $25,000 salary and $3,000 for play development. This two-year program focuses on enhancing artistic vision through collaboration with experienced theater professionals. Since its inception in 1994, it has awarded over 140 fellowships to diverse voices in theater, providing crucial financial support and mentorship to cultivate new works and enrich the American theater landscape.

The McKnight National Residency and Commission Grant supports a distinguished playwright from outside Minnesota to create a new play. The selected recipient will collaborate with the Playwrights' Center through workshops and will present a public reading of the play. This initiative aims to foster dialogue between local and external artists. Benefits include a $15,000 commission and workshop funding up to $12,250. The residency runs from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

The McKnight Theater Artist Fellowships, offered by the Playwrights’ Center, support mid-career theater artists residing in Minnesota. With a grant of $25,000, the fellowship aims to recognize and advance the work of artists such as actors, directors, and designers. Applicants are encouraged to showcase their work through live performances, though not mandatory. This program promotes artistic merit and professional achievement, ensuring that the selected fellows can significantly enhance their careers.

The McKnight Visual Artist Fellowships, administered by the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, support mid-career Minnesota artists through six annual $25,000 unrestricted grants. This initiative, backed by the McKnight Foundation, fosters artistic growth by connecting fellows with national critics and providing professional development opportunities. Since 1982, the program has aimed to enhance the artistic merit and career trajectories of visual artists, contributing significantly to Minnesota's vibrant arts community.

The McKnight Artist Fellowships for Writers supports mid-career Minnesota writers with five annual $25,000 awards. These fellowships, administered by The Loft, alternate between creative prose and poetry/spoken word, alongside a dedicated award for children's literature. Applicants must be legal Minnesota residents and may only apply for one fellowship annually, with specific eligibility criteria ensuring diversity in creative disciplines. The program emphasizes the importance of artists and cultural bearers in fostering Minnesota's vibrant artistic community.

The Clinical Preparation for International Medical Graduates Grant Program, authorized by Minnesota Statutes Section 144.1911, aims to support immigrant international medical graduates (IMGs) in overcoming barriers to practice. This initiative facilitates their integration into Minnesota's healthcare workforce by preparing them for medical residency programs, ultimately enhancing access to primary care in rural and underserved areas. By leveraging IMGs' diverse backgrounds, the program promotes culturally responsive healthcare services across Minnesota.

The University of Minnesota's Co-Sponsorship Grants Program offers funding up to $2,000 to support events that enhance training for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Eligible activities must align with the Graduate School's mission and be accessible to students across various colleges. Preference is given to initiatives demonstrating potential for sustainable impact. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted, so timely submission is crucial for consideration.

The LRAC Legacy Individual Grants offer up to $6,000 for individual artists in Minnesota's nine-county region, promoting arts access, learning, and cultural heritage. Eligible projects include public art production, artist residencies in schools, performances, educational experiences, workshops, and exhibits. First-time applicants are encouraged to contact LRAC for guidance before applying, ensuring they understand the program's requirements and maximize their chances for funding.

The Harold Leonard Memorial Fellowship in Film Study supports doctoral students at the University of Minnesota focusing on film history, criticism, theory, or aesthetics. Awardees receive a $25,000 stipend, tuition for up to 14 credits per semester, and health insurance for one year. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students who are PhD students in good standing, having completed at least one year of graduate studies.

The University of Minnesota offers the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellowship (IDF) for mid-career Ph.D. students engaged in interdisciplinary research. This fellowship provides a $25,000 stipend, tuition coverage for up to 14 credits per semester, and subsidized health insurance for one academic year. Eligible applicants must be Ph.D. students in good standing with a graduation term no earlier than Spring 2028. This fellowship encourages collaboration across diverse fields, fostering innovative research and academic growth.

The UMN Graduate School's MAGS Distinguished Master's Thesis Competition invites nominations for outstanding master's theses in Biological & Life Sciences and Humanities for 2026. Eligible nominees must be pursuing their first graduate research degree and have received their Master's degree between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025. The award includes a $500 honorarium and recognition at the MAGS annual competition. Programs may nominate one student to represent their institution.

The 3M Science & Technology Graduate Fellowship supports outstanding incoming PhD students in science and engineering at the University of Minnesota. This multi-year fellowship includes a $25,000 stipend in the first year, covering tuition for up to 14 credits per semester, and subsidized health insurance. In subsequent years, fellows receive an $8,000 stipend, which complements a 50% assistantship from their department. The program fosters diversity and innovation among scholars.

The Emergency Medical Training Grant for FY26 and FY27, provided by the Minnesota Department of Education, offers $450,000 annually to support Minnesota School Districts, Charter Schools, Tribally Controlled Schools, and Cooperative Units. This funding aims to enhance emergency medical training programs and foster partnerships benefiting students and communities, particularly focusing on applicants outside the metropolitan area and those serving high concentrations of students of color.

The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Pathways Program aims to provide training and career opportunities for individuals with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Grants of up to $400,000 support projects that include partnerships between businesses and accredited Minnesota educational institutions. Funds can cover training-related costs but not wage subsidies or tuition reimbursement. This program is essential for fostering workforce development and enhancing the skills of low-income individuals, ultimately aiding their transition into sustainable employment.

The Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) offers a Partnership Grant Program aimed at enhancing workforce training and development in high-demand sectors. Grants of up to $400,000 are available for accredited educational institutions partnering with businesses to create tailored training programs. These funds can cover essential training costs, ensuring that Minnesota's workforce remains competitive and skilled. The initiative aims to foster collaboration between businesses and educational entities, addressing the state's evolving workforce needs effectively.

The UMN Graduate School offers Professional Development Funding to support graduate students engaged in opportunities that enhance their academic pursuits. Eligible activities include attending workshops, conferences, or learning new techniques. Funding amounts vary based on travel distance, with a maximum of $500 available. Applicants must be enrolled in research-based graduate programs and in good standing. This funding is available from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, with applications accepted monthly.

The UMN Graduate School offers Research Travel Requests (RTR) for graduate students aiming to enhance their thesis or dissertation through research travel. Award amounts vary: up to $3,000 for doctoral candidates, $1,500 for pre-candidates, and $500 for master’s students. Applications are reviewed monthly from October to April, with a lottery system if demand exceeds funding. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a research-based graduate program and meet specific travel criteria.

Special Education Teacher (SPED) Pathway Program

The Minnesota Department of Education has funding available under Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 122A.77, for grants under the Special Education Teacher (SPED) Pathway Program to develop trained and licensed Tier 3 or Tier 4 special education teachers.

Grant recipients must prioritize using grant funds to support participants who are employed by the grant recipient (or any joint applicants) as Tier 1 or Tier 2 licensed special education teachers. If funding is available, the funds may also be used to support other employees who wish to become special education teachers and who demonstrate a willingness to enter the field after completing the program.

Funding

This grant opportunity estimates $9,825,000 available to fund 10-20 grants under Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 122A.77. Most grants will not exceed $750,000 per grant request; however, there is no maximum grant award.

For larger applicants (including joint applicants), funding needs may exceed the suggested $750,000 maximum amount. For smaller applicants (less than 1,000 students) funding needs are generally under less than $250,000.

The Torske Klubben Fellowship, established by a Minneapolis luncheon club in 1933, supports UMN graduate students with ties to Norway. This fellowship aims to foster future leaders with strong academic credentials and a cultural interest in Norway. Eligible candidates include both U.S. and international students, particularly those with educational backgrounds in Norway. The fellowship offers opportunities for additional support through assistantships, although it does not cover tuition or health benefits directly.

The MAGS Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes graduate students at the University of Minnesota who demonstrate exceptional teaching and mentoring skills. One award is designated for a doctoral student and another for a master’s student, highlighting the significance of teaching excellence in graduate education. Eligible candidates must hold a teaching appointment during the 2025 calendar year. This prestigious award aims to prepare graduate students for future roles as educators in higher education.

The Mid-Career Project Grant supports Minnesota-based mid-career public artists in creating public artwork, whether temporary or permanent. Eligible projects include various forms such as performance, sculpture, and photography, accessible to all. Applicants must have at least ten years of experience, live in Minnesota, and produce original work. This grant encourages diverse artistic expressions that contribute to community engagement and cultural enrichment.

The Mid-Career Professional Development Grant is designed for Minnesota-based mid-career artists aiming to enhance their public art careers. This funding supports project development and various professional activities, including residencies, apprenticeships, and skill development. Applicants must have lived in Minnesota for at least 12 of the last 24 months, and their projects must be original and not replicate previous work. This grant fosters creativity and professional growth in the public art sector.

The Early-Career Artist Research & Development Grant supports Minnesota-based early-career artists engaged in public art research and development. This funding aims to amplify diverse artistic voices, particularly from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and rural communities. Grants of $2,500 each can be used for activities like planning and community dialogues related to public art projects. Applicants must demonstrate originality and reside in Minnesota, ensuring all projects are freely accessible to the community.

Federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to increase charter school quality and authorizer accountability. The three objectives identified in MDE’s application to ED are designed to support a landscape of high-quality/high-performing charter schools that all parents from all communities can access by making informed decisions about the best education choices for their children through empowered access to information.

Ethnic Studies 5-12 Courses: Community-Centered Knowledge Competitive Grant

Under Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 120B.251, legislation passed requiring all districts and charters to offer ethnic studies, including offering a high school ethnic studies course and integrated K-8 ethnic studies instruction. The purpose of the grant is to support districts and charters in the development, evaluation, and implementation of new 5-12 ethnic studies courses.

Minnesota School Districts, Charter Schools, Tribally Controlled Schools, Intermediate School Districts, and Cooperative Units are eligible for funding. Fiscal Year 2025 Ethnic Studies grant recipients are not eligible to apply for this round of funding.

All proposed grant projects must align with Minnesota’s definition of ethnic studies as stated in Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 120B.25.

The grant will provide three levels of support:

• Grant requests of up to $50,000 to support inter-district, co-op, or tribal school collaborations to develop new ethnic studies courses, which could include charter schools and their geographic district LEA.
• Grant requests of up to $50,000 to support district-level applicants to develop new ethnic studies courses, including charter and tribal schools which are independent LEAs.
• Grant requests of up to $50,000 to support school-level applicants to develop new ethnic studies courses, which could support individual or teams of educators working with their building administration.

Total amount available: approximately $665,000.00 per fiscal year

Maximum grant request amount: $50,000.00

The James M. Cox Foundation Grant offers support to nonprofit organizations focused on conservation, early childhood education, family empowerment, and health. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and located in areas where Cox Enterprises operates. Grant applications are accepted year-round, with deadlines before Trustee meetings. Preference is given to organizations with a history of local engagement. This foundation embodies the philanthropic spirit of its founder, James M. Cox, by giving back to the community.

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research.

MNRS Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an MNRS member who has significantly advanced the profession of nursing either through an extensive program of research or creation of environments where research can flourish, and whose sustained leadership and distinguished career yielded outstanding and noteworthy accomplishments. 

Minnesota Department of Human Services

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Mission is driven by collaboration with community and partners – Counties, Tribes, non-profit and for-profit providers – supporting people to thrive in community and live their healthiest and fullest lives. The DHS Vision is that all people in Minnesota have what they need to thrive in community with no disparities.

Technical Assistance Navigating Culturally Specific Substance Use and Recovery Programs

Scope of Work

The purpose of the RFP is for technical assistance navigating culturally specific and responsive SUD programs. STATE has identified three categories of activities to meet this goal:

• Licensure, Minnesota Health Care Program (MHCP) Enrollment, and Rate Enhancement: The purpose of this category is to support culturally specific or culturally responsive SUD programs in developing long-term sustainability through obtaining licensure, enrolling in MHCP, or applying for the Medical Assistance (MA) Rate Enhancement as a Culturally Specific or Culturally Responsive Program.

• Grant Writing and Management: The purpose of this category is to increase the knowledge, skills, and capacity of culturally specific or culturally responsive programs to apply for, receive, and successfully manage grant funding from the STATE.

• Technical Assistance and Training: The purpose of this category is to provide an opportunity for culturally specific or culturally responsive SUD programs to support each other in a consulting or training capacity.