Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Minnesota

The MN Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) to help private and tribal landowners restore and protect wetlands. This program is crucial for enhancing habitats, improving water quality, and supporting biodiversity. Eligible landowners can enroll in various easement options, including permanent and 30-year easements, with NRCS covering costs for restoration and easement recording. The application process is ongoing, ensuring continued support for conservation efforts in Minnesota.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) in Minnesota is a voluntary initiative that supports agricultural producers in enhancing their conservation practices. By addressing resource concerns comprehensively, CSP encourages sustainable farming on eligible lands, including croplands and forest areas. It promotes access to all producers, fostering improved water and air quality while maintaining agricultural productivity. With year-round applications and periodic ranking cut-off dates, CSP aims to strengthen existing conservation efforts and implement new practices for long-term sustainability.

Support Innovation in Community Based Mental Health Services

DHS, though its Behavioral Health Administration, is seeking to innovate and improve accessibility and quality of community-based, outpatient mental health services and reduce the number of clients admitted to regional treatment centers and community behavioral health hospitals.

DHS is seeking to Support Innovation in Community Based Mental Health Services.

DHS, though its Behavioral Health Administration, is seeking to innovate and improve accessibility and quality of community-based, outpatient mental health services and reduce the number of clients admitted to regional treatment centers and community behavioral health hospitals.

The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be for two years, from January 1, 2027 until December 31, 2028. STATE may extend the contract up to a total of five (5) years, subject to the availability of funds and contract performance. 

Funding Availability

Approximately $2,225,000 is available to qualified grantees; $1,112,500 will be awarded to qualified grantees covering rural Minnesota and $1,112,500 will be awarded to qualified grantees covering metro Minnesota. An applicant may apply for, and the commissioner may award grants for two-year periods. The commissioner may reallocate underspending among grantees within the same grant period. The mental health innovation account is established under Minnesota Statutes, section 246.18 for ongoing funding.

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 Agricultural Chemical Response and Reimbursement Account Grant, managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, offers financial assistance for cleaning up pesticide and fertilizer incidents. Eligible parties can receive reimbursement for up to 80% of corrective action costs exceeding $1,000, with a maximum limit of $439,200. The application must be submitted at least 30 days before a board meeting for consideration, with 60 days recommended. Compliance with state regulations is essential for eligibility.

The AGRI Beginning Farmer Farm Business Management Scholarship offers financial assistance to eligible Minnesota farmers seeking to enhance their business management skills. This program supports farmers with fewer than 40 credits of instruction, aiming to create profitable farming operations. Each scholarship covers up to 50% of tuition for up to 40 credits. The initiative is managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, ensuring a tailored approach to meet the unique needs of beginning farmers.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants Scholarship Fund

The Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants created this scholarship fund to award to a qualified individual majoring in an agricultural field.

The Dairy Business Planning Grant supports Minnesota dairy farms and processors by funding 50% of the cost, up to $5,000, for hiring experts to provide technical assistance. This includes evaluations of operations, legal advice for transitions, and expansion plans. Approximately $83,000 is available each fiscal year, enabling applicants to request grants between $500 and $5,000. The grant also requires a comprehensive business plan report to be submitted with reimbursement requests, outlining goals and financial projections.

The AGRI Livestock Investment Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, provides funding for livestock operations to enhance infrastructure and equipment. Eligible projects can receive up to 10% of total costs, with grants ranging from $400 to $25,000 for improvements in livestock housing and facilities. Applications are accepted for efforts that modernize operations, with a project completion deadline of three years. This initiative aims to support sustainable growth in Minnesota's agricultural sector.

MSAB Creative Support for Individuals Grant

Project grants to help individual artists and culture bearers develop or sustain their creative practices and meaningfully engage with Minnesotans. Grantees may use funds to support their creative practice and meaningfully connect to and engage with audiences, participants, students, and/or communities during the grant period.

Applicants may be working in a variety of art forms including dance, media arts, music, photography, poetry, prose, theater, two-dimensional or three-dimensional visual art. Culture bearers refers to individuals who have been trained by traditional elders or master artists and whose artistic practice is reflective of the cultural life of a community that shares a common ethnicity, geographic or regional identity, language, or tribal affiliation.

Program outcome

This program exists to support artists and culture bearers as they sustain their artistic practices and maintain their connections to Minnesota residents and communities. The program’s intended outcome is: Artists and culture bearers engage Minnesotans in their creative practice.

Grant range

Applicants may request between $2,000 - $10,000. No cash match is required.

The Community Power Play Grant, funded by the Minnesota Wild and Xcel Energy, awards three $10,000 grants during the 2025-26 NHL season to support Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations. These grants aim to enhance youth and amateur hockey through financial assistance for participation fees, ice time, and rink improvements. This initiative helps foster community engagement and accessibility in hockey, encouraging more children to experience the sport and supporting local facilities.

MN Residential Redevelopment Grants

Residential Redevelopment grants assist with demolishing residential structures or full deconstruction of homes for reuse of materials. Projects must eliminate blight, improve property maintenance, promote health and safety, reduce waste or encourage economic development. 

Funding Availability

• Funded at $225,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund.
• The number of grants awarded is variable and dependent upon the amounts awarded to successful applicants.
• A maximum of $4 per building square foot, or 75% of demolition costs including basements, whichever is less.
• A maximum of up to $5,000 for deconstruction.
• Multi-organization collaboration is welcomed.

The NCR-SARE Graduate Student Grant Program funds up to $20,000 for graduate student projects addressing sustainable agriculture in the North Central Region. Established in 2002, it supports Master's and Ph.D. students at accredited institutions. Projects can last up to 36 months, and applicants may receive only one grant during their academic career. The program aims to promote innovative solutions to agricultural challenges and enhance sustainability practices in the region.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) offers Source Water Protection Grants to support noncommunity transient public water systems. These systems, serving an average of at least 25 individuals daily for at least 60 days a year, are eligible for funding aimed at addressing high-risk contamination sources. This initiative is crucial for safeguarding drinking water quality. For further details, please refer to the FAQs available on the MDH website.

The Coastal Program's Capacity Grants for Technology Upgrades support local and Tribal governments in Minnesota to enhance coastal management through technology. Grants up to $4,500 can be used for equipment, software, and training aimed at improving water quality, habitat restoration, and community resilience. Eligible applicants must match 10% of the funds. Priority will be given to rural or Tribal communities with limited funding, ensuring equitable access to resources for sustainable coastal development.

The Clinical Dental Education Innovation Grant, awarded by the Minnesota Department of Health, aims to enhance dental training opportunities for underserved populations. This grant supports accredited institutions and clinical training sites in Minnesota to expand successful programs or develop new initiatives. It ensures that no service is denied due to inability to pay, thereby promoting access to essential dental care. Eligible applicants must be accredited training providers, and funds are strictly for operational costs related to approved programs.

The Ella T. Grasso Literary Scholarship, provided by the UNICO Foundation, offers two $1,000 awards to college students of Italian descent. Candidates must submit an original essay or short story celebrating their heritage while being enrolled in a full-time, accredited U.S. college for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative highlights UNICO's commitment to supporting educational endeavors and preserving Italian culture within America.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is providing funding to implement Source Water Protection (SWP) plans, including approved wellhead protection and surface water intake protection plans. This initiative, funded by Clean Water Fund appropriations, aims to assist Public Water Suppliers (PWSs) in executing their SWP measures effectively. Grants will also be available for PWSs without existing SWP plans to enhance water safety and sustainability throughout Minnesota.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation

A unique State of Minnesota economic development agency located in Eveleth, Minnesota. Our mission is to invest in resources to foster vibrant growth and economic prosperity in northeastern Minnesota by enhancing livable communities, maximizing collaborations and partnerships and strengthen businesses and worker education.

Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation provides vital funding, including low or no interest loans and grants for businesses relocating or expanding in the region. Additionally, a variety of grants are available to local units of government, education institutions, and nonprofits that promote workforce development and sustainable communities.

Regional Trails Grants

Regional Trails grants assist with the design, engineering and construction of various types of trails.

Please note: Funding for Regional Trails grant programming is only available to entities that reside within the Taconite Assistance Area as defined by Minnesota Statute 273.1341.

The applicant or collaboration partners must be the current or intended property owner with control of the property. Multi-organization collaboration is welcomed. 1:1 match per project required.

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 Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council provides grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 for arts projects benefiting communities in northwestern Minnesota. Eligible applicants include non-profits and governmental entities, supporting initiatives like public art, theatrical productions, and community workshops. A minimum cash match of 10% is required, increasing to 25% for certain projects. This funding aims to enhance cultural engagement and artistic development across seven counties in the region.

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 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 Livable Communities Development Grants, funded by the Metropolitan Council, aim to enhance housing and job opportunities in Minneapolis. The City will accept sponsorship applications starting in December, requiring a $750 application fee. Up to eight projects may be recommended for funding in the 2026 program year, with a focus on readiness and alignment with city plans. Grant funds will be available only after the Metropolitan Council's approval and can reimburse developers for eligible costs.

The Education Support Professional of the Year award recognizes outstanding contributions by education support professionals in Minnesota. Annually, Education Minnesota honors an individual who exemplifies dedication and excellence in their role. Nominations for the 2025-26 award are now open, inviting submissions from colleagues and community members. The recipient will receive a $1,200 honorarium, a choice of technology, and an expense-paid trip to a national conference, celebrating their impactful work within the educational community.