Best Grants for Museums in Minnesota

The Gisle A. Johnson and Eva M. Johnson Education Fund, administered by Scholarship America, supports students from the Owatonna, MN School District. It aims to eliminate financial barriers for current high school seniors or graduates under 35. Eligible applicants can enroll in accredited colleges or vocational schools for the upcoming academic year. Scholarship America has awarded over $5.7 billion to millions, ensuring equitable access to education. This fund exemplifies their mission to empower students through financial support.

The Mac Hyde Brownfield Scholarship Program honors the legacy of environmental law pioneer Maclay Hyde by supporting students pursuing studies related to brownfield redevelopment. This $2,000 scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students at accredited Minnesota institutions, focusing on fields like engineering, public policy, and environmental sciences. Recipients also receive recognition at the ReScape Awards and a student membership with Minnesota Brownfields, encouraging future leaders in community revitalization and environmental quality.

Minnesota Market Bucks Program

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requests proposals to administer the statewide Market Bucks Program.

The purpose of this request is to provide funding to one organization to administer the Market Bucks Program, which provides nutrition incentives to Minnesotans who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at Minnesota Farmers Markets.

Market Bucks increases the purchasing power of SNAP customers at farmers markets and mobile markets across Minnesota by offering a dollar-for-dollar match (up to $10 per visit) for SNAP purchases made using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. This initiative supports food access and local agriculture while aligning with the broader public health goal of improving nutrition for low-income individuals and families.

The Minnesota Chapter Peter Potvin Scholarship is available for full-time undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students enrolled in institutions within the Minnesota Chapter's geographic boundaries. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or be in the top 30% of their class, with additional criteria for program accreditation. This scholarship supports students pursuing degrees that prepare them for careers in the HVAC&R field, contributing to sustainable building practices.

Service to Success Competitive Grant

The Service to Success program is a competitive grant funding opportunity through the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Office of Public Service (OPS). The purpose of the Service to Success Grant is to create, strengthen, and expand career pathways aligned to public service opportunities. A service to career pathway, for the purposes of this opportunity, is defined as a public service program that provides sustained service opportunities to members/participants while also providing training, support, and exposure to a specific career opportunity. These opportunities may include a low or no cost way for members/participants to earn credits, credentials, certifications, or license in a specific career field that public service members can earn through the course of their service.

This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to fund programs that support the transition of individuals from public service, including AmeriCorps, VISTA, NCCC, etc. into sustainable career pathways. Programs are intended to align service-based experience with industry-recognized careers by building intentional bridges from service programs into the workforce.

Funds may be used to expand access to public service to career pathways (e.g. recruit more public service participants, add additional certifications to existing pathways, more career placements, etc.) and to fund innovations that create new education or workforce partnerships and/or create innovative service to career pathways (e.g. establish new pathways from service to careers, engaging new sectors in service to career). Where possible, programs will align with one of the following workforce priority areas: health/elder care, education, civil or public service, climate and environmental careers, food security/agriculture.

If an awarded organization is unable to expend the award or complete the grant execution, DEED reserves the right to reallocate awarded funds to other organizations who have been awarded Service to Success grants, have demonstrated satisfactory grant performance, and have the ability to utilize additional funds.

If awarded, DEED reserves the right to require changes to the awarded proposal at time of grant agreement negotiations.

A total of $712,500 will be available for grants for this grant funding cycle. Applicants may apply for:

• Up to $100,000 for grants for Expansion Grants
• Up to $50,000 for Innovation Grants

The Rural and Underserved Clinical Rotations Grant Program (RUCR) aims to enhance health professional training by funding rotations in rural and underserved areas. This initiative supports various training programs, including physician, physician assistant, and mental health professions, to ensure that healthcare providers receive practical experience in community settings. With $1.5 million available for approximately 4-6 grants, this program seeks to improve access to quality healthcare in Minnesota's rural communities.

Regional Planning Grant to Prevent & End Homelessness

The Regional Planning Grant to Prevent and End Homelessness is designed to support the capacity of Greater Minnesota Continuums of Care (CoCs) and Tribal Nations to prevent and end homelessness while improving the regional homeless response system to help it be more equitable.

The goal of this grant is to focus on ongoing collaborative efforts and develop new initiatives that coordinate strategies among various stakeholders. Enhancing efforts among stakeholders is meant to help regions throughout Minnesota be more effective when advancing goals to prevent and end homelessness.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation's Taylor Rural Improvements Grant offers up to $30,000 for impactful capital projects in communities with populations under 10,000. The grant aims to enhance essential services such as food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and internet accessibility. Eligible applicants include government units and 501(c)(3) nonprofits within a 20-county region. A 25% cash or in-kind match is required. This funding supports projects that improve community vibrancy and serve underserved populations.

The Medical Education and Research Cost (MERC) Grant Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health, supports clinical medical education in Minnesota. With $59 million allocated for the current fiscal year, the program provides funding to sponsoring institutions, such as hospitals and schools, which are responsible for clinical education programs. The minimum grant award is $5,000, aimed at addressing the financial challenges faced by teaching facilities in a competitive healthcare market.

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 ALDI Community Gift Card Program provides financial support ranging from $100 to $1,000 to eligible nonprofits and schools that focus on after-school and out-of-school youth programs, as well as food banks. This initiative aims to empower organizations dedicated to child development and combating food insecurity. By applying, you can gain access to essential resources to further your mission and make a positive impact in your community.

PFund Foundation

PFund Foundation builds equity with LGBTQ+ communities across the Upper Midwest by providing grants and scholarships, developing leaders, and inspiring giving.

Community Grants

PFund Community Grants are for LGBTQ+ serving nonprofits in the Upper Midwest. These grants range from $1,000-$20,000+ and include organizational membership to the PFund Leadership Institute, a monthly cohort based learning and networking opportunity.

• PRISM Fund

PRISM (Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities). Fund supports rural LGBTQ+ serving nonprofit organizations. Grants are made possible by the Northwest Area Foundation.

• TRANScend Fund

TRANScend Fund supports Trans & gender nonconforming serving nonprofit organizations and programs. Grants are made possible by Drop Deadlift Gorgeous and donors.

• Bi+ Fund

Bisexual Fund supports noprofit organizations primarily serving the bisexual community, including but not limited to bisexual, omnisexual, pansexual, polysexual, or sexually fluid. Grants are made possible by an endowed fund. 

The Stephanie and Bruce Fehringer Memorial STEM Scholarship offers renewable scholarships for students pursuing careers in STEM fields. Established to honor Stephanie's commitment to education and community, it recognizes hard-working individuals with strong character and a passion for innovation. Awarding up to $6,000 over two years, it supports graduates from Duluth-area high schools who demonstrate academic excellence and a drive to make a positive impact. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation of innovators.

The Windgate Charitable Trust Grant supports contemporary craft and visual arts in the U.S. It offers funding for fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, and materials for craft programs. The foundation prioritizes strengthening visual arts in colleges and expanding K-12 art-integrated programs, providing opportunities for artists and educators to enhance their skills and foster creativity among students. Organizations with previous funding from Windgate can apply through the grantee portal.

The Lubov Arnold Conference Scholarship, funded by the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, supports Minnesota oncology nurses and physician assistants in attending educational conferences. This initiative aims to enhance the care of women with ovarian cancer by providing financial assistance for travel, lodging, and conference fees. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000, promoting knowledge and skills development in ovarian cancer treatment and education. Applications are open year-round, with a deadline of 30 days before the conference.

Minnesota Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MnMTSS)-Competitive Grant Opportunity 

Minnesota Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MnMTSS) is a systemic, continuous improvement framework for ensuring positive social, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and academic outcomes for every student. MnMTSS provides access to layered tiers of culturally and linguistically responsive, evidence-based practices. The MnMTSS framework relies on the understanding and belief that every student can learn and thrive, and it engages an anti-bias and socially-just approach to examining policies and practices and ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunity.

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to Minnesota Local Education Agencies (LEAs) (School Districts, Charter Schools, Tribally Controlled Schools, or Cooperative Units) to build the capacity to support implementation of the MnMTSS framework in order to improve academic, behavioral and social emotional outcomes for all students.

Total amount available:

• Approximately $9,500,000

Maximum grant amount:

• Applicants that are not current MnMTSS grantees may apply for up to $250,000 for Fiscal Years 2027-28 (July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028)
• Current MnMTSS grantees may apply for up to $250,000 for Fiscal Years 2027-28 (July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028)

Mission:

Dakota and Ojibwe are spoken and valued as vibrant, living, and thriving languages throughout Minnesota.

Vision:

To protect and empower our children, parents, and elders in the ongoing revitalization of our languages, thereby maintaining Tribal sovereignty.

Minnesota Indian Affairs Council

2027 Dakota and Ojibwe Language Revitalization Grant

According to the language set forth in the 2025 Minnesota Session Laws, 94th Legislature, Chapter 36, Article 4, Sec. 9, funds were allocated for the Indian Affairs Council to provide grants to preserve Dakota and Ojibwe Indian language and to foster education programs and immersion programs in Dakota and Ojibwe language. There is $498,750 available for one-year competitive language grants.

The Dakota and Ojibwe Language Revitalization Grant program, which funds revitalization of Minnesota’s first languages, is underwritten by an appropriation from the state’s Legacy Fund Amendment, MN Legacy Fund Amendment Information. The eligible project areas are intentionally broad and somewhat flexible to allow creativity and innovation with intent that a diverse array of projects can be funded. Recognized educational institutions in Minnesota, and 510 (C)(3) non-profits located in the State of Minnesota and currently registered with the Secretary of State’s office are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to Minnesota public schools districts, charter schools, tribally controlled schools, and service cooperatives for the purpose of providing start-up and ongoing support of P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) schools, established as a public- private partnership, that will prepare students for high skills jobs of the future in identified growth industries.The P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) model integrates high school, college, and industry through partnerships among school districts, community colleges, and employers. With a focus on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, it combines rigorous academics, workplace learning, mentoring, and internships. 

The Family Supportive Housing Grant Program aims to provide stable housing for families in need through a one-time funding of $700,000. Managed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, this initiative focuses on supporting families facing homelessness or other barriers. The program emphasizes the importance of affordable, permanent housing and family support services, with a commitment to allocate at least 40% of funds to organizations outside the metropolitan area and 10% to Minnesota Tribal Nations.

The Minnesota Department of Education is offering grants for remodeling, constructing, or repurposing gender-neutral single-user restrooms. This initiative supports safe and healthy school environments, aiming for improved accessibility and student health. Grant amounts can reach up to $150,000, with a maximum of $75,000 allocated per site. At least 80% of funds must be dedicated to restroom projects, while 20% may be used for engagement and implementation activities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to student safety.

The Minnesota Power Positively Powerful Scholarship Fund offers need-based scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 for up to two years to high school graduates in Minnesota Power's service area. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and pursue degrees in fields such as Business, Engineering, or STEM. This initiative aims to reduce financial barriers and foster a vibrant talent community in northeast and central Minnesota.

The Minnesota Filmmaker Mentorship Grant offers up to $10,000 for early career film directors in Minnesota to engage in self-designed mentorships with experienced professionals. It supports those working in various genres, including experimental, narrative, animation, and documentary. Applicants must have a clear vision for their projects and demonstrate a commitment to innovative storytelling and community impact. A phone conversation is required before applying.

The Driving a Stronger Community Scholarship, funded by The Walser Foundation, supports high school seniors across Minnesota who showcase exemplary volunteerism and civic engagement. This scholarship awards $1,000 to one outstanding student from each participating high school, helping them pursue post-secondary education. Eligible applicants must complete over 30 hours of volunteer service and maintain a GPA of 2.75 or higher. This initiative aims to foster community involvement and empower future leaders.

The Minnesota Film Production Grant supports early career film directors based in Minnesota who are willing to take creative risks. Offering production grants of up to $30,000, the grant aims to nurture filmmakers who innovate, maintain a clear vision for storytelling, and actively engage with their creative community. The Foundation prioritizes projects that expand and re-imagine the filmmaking process, ultimately enhancing the local artistic landscape.

The Minnesota Section, Society of Mining Metallurgy and Exploration Scholarship Fund offers scholarships for undergraduate studies in engineering or geology to Minnesota residents or students attending Minnesota colleges. With awards of $1,000 per year for up to four years, this fund prioritizes applicants demonstrating financial need and a strong academic record in STEM fields, fostering the next generation of professionals in the Minnesota mining industry.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is offering funding for mental health screenings, assessments, and referrals for children involved in child welfare and juvenile justice systems. This initiative aims to support uninsured and underinsured children, with a focus on providing necessary diagnostic assessments and treatment. Applications are accepted from Minnesota counties and tribal nations, with funding beginning on January 1st following the annual data collection cycle. Contract amounts are fixed and non-negotiable.

The Fiscal Year 2026 Cooperating Technical Partners (CTP) Program provides $41 million in funding across nine regions to enhance flood risk awareness. This initiative, led by FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program, empowers local communities to develop critical flood hazard data and maps. By strengthening local capabilities, the program promotes informed decision-making and responsible planning to mitigate flood risks effectively.