Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Minnesota

Stark Community Foundation is one of the area’s major sources of college scholarship support— thanks to the generosity of caring individuals, families and businesses that have created scholarship funds.

The Foundation currently manages more than 100 scholarship funds that support hundreds of deserving students each year from Stark and Carroll counties. In 2025, more than $1,000,000 was awarded to local students to help them achieve their educational dreams.

The Clark H. and Louise A. Criss Charitable Fund

The Clark H. and Louise A. Criss Charitable Fund was established to assist Stark County, OH high school graduates attending a two or four year university, college, or technical school. 

Amount:

• Varies. Minimum $500.

Renewable:

• Yes

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Commissioned Officers Scholarship - Returning Applicants

Description

Scholarship for Children of Active-Duty, Retired or Active Reserve Coast Guard Commissioned Officers

This application is intended for returning applicants only.

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families. If you are the child of an active duty or retired Coast Guard commissioned officer you are eligible to apply.

When we began the scholarship program in 1990, we focused on one goal — providing Coast Guard families the opportunity to send their children to college. Since that time, the cost of higher education has sky-rocketed, making our original aspiration even more relevant for today’s Coast Guard families.

Coast Guard Foundation

Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the U.S. Coast Guard—tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes.

We’re there for members from enlistment to long after retirement, and our work strengthens the entire community. Through close collaboration with Coast Guard leadership, we’re able to respond to new and emerging needs effectively. Our investments support families, bolster unit morale, honor the Coast Guard’s mission at the national level, and more. Every day, Coast Guard members risk their lives to protect our country. When we stand together and show them our appreciation, we can ensure they remain always ready—no matter what.

Children of Commissioned Officers Scholarship - First-Time Applicants

Description

Scholarship for Children of Active-Duty, Retired or Active Reserve Coast Guard Commissioned Officers

This application is intended for first-time applicants only. 

Support for education is a cornerstone of our commitment to the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families.

If you are the child of an active duty or retired Coast Guard commissioned officer you are eligible to apply. 

When we began the scholarship program in 1990, we focused on one goal — providing Coast Guard families the opportunity to send their children to college. Since that time, the cost of higher education has sky-rocketed, making our original aspiration even more relevant for today’s Coast Guard families.

The ACS Professor Award, presented by the American Cancer Society, recognizes full professors who have significantly advanced cancer research. This honorific award aims to support innovative pursuits in cancer research with a budget of up to $80,000 per year for five years. Applicants are expected to demonstrate impactful contributions and leadership in the field, along with a commitment to mentorship and community engagement. The award highlights the importance of ongoing advocacy and research in improving cancer treatment and prevention.

Scholarship Overview

Since 1980, the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded more than $28 million in scholarships to students from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

10th Mountain Division (Light) Scholarship

The Fort Drum Chapter of the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division has established the 10th Mountain Division (Light) Scholarship for active or former 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) members or family members — spouse or child — of an active or former 10th Mountain Division (LI) soldier. The applicant or their military sponsor must also be a member of the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division. Membership information is available from the Association. Scholarship applicants may live anywhere and be in any year of full-time undergraduate study.

The Simeon J. Fortin Charitable Foundation, founded in 1986, champions cancer research initiatives aimed at finding a cure. It supports relevant projects and fellowships within medical and research institutions, ensuring a significant impact on health-related research. The grant review process is conducted by The Medical Foundation, in coordination with the King Trust Postdoctoral Fellowships, enhancing collaboration and funding opportunities for innovative research in oncology.

The Actors' Equity Foundation, established in 1962, is dedicated to supporting the professional theatre community through grants. Annually, it funds over 150 nonprofit theatres and arts organizations, promoting initiatives that enhance the performing arts landscape. The Theatre Grants are specifically aimed at organizations with 501(c)(3) status, ensuring a commitment to artistic excellence and fiscal responsibility. By investing in diverse programs, the Foundation plays a pivotal role in nurturing both emerging and established talent within the theatre industry.

Jacquie Porter Scholarship for Aspiring Early Childhood Teachers in Austin ISD

Aspirations of becoming an early childhood educator.

Awards

• (1) $5,000.00

The Jean Estes Epstein Charitable Foundation Scholarship supports public school students from Hawaii in their pursuit of higher education on the mainland U.S. Established by Jean Estes Epstein in 2007, the scholarship aims to enhance educational experiences by exposing students to diverse environments. Eligible candidates must be Hawaii residents, graduating from public high schools with a minimum GPA of 3.7, and demonstrate financial need while being full-time college freshmen.

This funding opportunity aims to enhance the global response to rabies through innovative, cost-effective tools. The initiative focuses on reducing human rabies cases and advancing canine rabies elimination, particularly in high-burden regions. Research areas include tracking vaccination efforts, managing rabies exposure investigations, improving laboratory systems, and assessing the economic impact of interventions. Ultimately, it seeks to develop strategies that protect public health and ensure the sustainability of rabies-free status in the U.S.

W. Thomas Musser Memorial Charitable Fund

Mission Statement

This fund has been initiated in memory of W. Thomas Musser (Tom Musser) and will provide grants to charitable organizations whose missions and activities most closely reflect those that Tom believed in and supported during his life time. A component of the fund will also be used to provide scholarships to individuals pursuing post-secondary education.

Scholarship

The W. Thomas Musser Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to honor the life and legacy of W. Thomas (Tom) Musser. Tom believed deeply in the importance of education and life-long learning. 

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers the Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship to outstanding community college students with financial need, providing up to $55,000 per year for two to three years to cover educational expenses. This selective scholarship supports students in completing their bachelor's degrees at accredited institutions. Recipients benefit from personalized advising and a robust network of Cooke Scholars. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and demonstrate unmet financial need, ensuring accessibility to higher education.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's College Scholarship Program offers financial support to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need. Scholarships cover significant educational expenses, including tuition and living costs, potentially providing up to $55,000 annually. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher and plan to enroll in an accredited four-year institution. This competitive program not only alleviates financial burdens but also connects students to a network of over 3,400 Cooke Scholars.

The Visual Arts Fund (VAF), established by Midway Contemporary Art with support from The Andy Warhol Foundation, offers $60,000 in grants for artist-organized projects in the Twin Cities metro area. This initiative encourages diverse visual arts projects with public engagement components, including exhibitions, performances, and digital initiatives. The program emphasizes innovative projects that might not otherwise occur, fostering a vibrant artistic community while adhering to specific eligibility criteria.

The Tom Woodward Memorial Visual Arts Scholarship

The Tom Woodward Memorial Visual Arts Scholarship benefits students pursuing postgraduate studies at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or trade school. Art is not a required major for eligible applicants. This scholarship is renewable.

Application Requirements:

• High School Transcript, Essay, 3 Pieces of Artwork and References.

The USTA's Tennis Venue Services provides funding for tennis facilities, emphasizing community and growth. Grants are available for various projects, including basic improvements, resurfacing, and new constructions. With funding up to $55,000 based on project type, the program supports collegiate organizations in enhancing their facilities. This initiative promotes healthy competition and camaraderie among players, ensuring tennis remains accessible and well-equipped for all enthusiasts.

The Whitehall Foundation's Grants-in-Aid program supports early-career researchers in the life sciences, specifically in neurobiology. Aimed at assistant professors facing funding challenges, grants do not exceed $30,000 for one year. Applications are evaluated based on scientific merit and innovation. Eligibility requires independence as an investigator and Principal Investigator status. This program fosters research in areas underrepresented by federal funding, highlighting the Foundation's commitment to advancing biological research and supporting young scientists.

Eldon & Mary Jean Jensen Family Scholarship

The Jensen Family Scholarship was established by Eldon and Mary Jean Jensen to inspire graduating seniors to return and contribute to their hometown communities. Throughout their lives, Eldon and Mary Jean have dedicated themselves to serving and supporting the communities of Faith, Lemmon, Bison, Hettinger, and beyond— with a spirit of generosity and community commitment. 

Awarded fall semester of sophomore year.

To provide financial support to graduates of high schools in the Lemmon, SD area.

Harlan & Mae Niedermyer Scholarship

To provide financial support to graduates residing in Fall River County.

About

Who we are

The Park Public Schools & Community Foundation was formed in 2020, out of a merger between the St. Louis Park Public Schools Foundation and the St. Louis Park Community & Youth Fund. The Foundation is a partnership of school, business, and community that seeks to enhance the continuing excellence of our public schools and youth programs throughout the community. The Foundation works to enrich and inspire the academic pursuits and activities of our youth in and out of the classroom. 

Park Public Schools & Community Foundation is a member of the St. Paul and Minnesota Foundations (spmcf.org).

Our mission

To make a positive impact in St. Louis Park by providing grants for projects in the St. Louis Park Public Schools in reading, math, science, arts and transitions; and, providing grants to nonprofits supporting youth programs outside of the classroom.

Real World Evidence on clinical outcomes with Aztreonam-Avibactam (ATM-AVI)

This RFP invites research proposals aimed at assessing clinical outcomes associated with the use of Aztreonam-Avibactam (ATM-AVI) in real world clinical settings.

In scope are adult patients with suspected or documented infections due to aerobic gram negative organisms. Eg. CRE-MBL, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, treated with ATM-AVI.

Geographic Scope

Countries where ATM-AVI is available (ex-US) and used in clinical practice at the time of RFP release, including but not limited to parts of EU, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and selected Asia-Pacific markets. Proposals from institutions already participating in Pfizer-sponsored or funded, overlapping ATM-AVI RWE study may be considered out of scope. Proposals involving studies on patients that have received ATM-AVI via pre-approval or pre-launch expanded access routes may be considered out of scope

Project Types and Area of Interest

Potential applicants are requested to submit research proposals to study the below outcomes following treatment with ATM-AVI for adult patients with suspected or documented infections with aerobic gram negative organisms e.g. CRE-MBL, S. maltophilia.

• Clinical effectiveness with ATM-AVI
• Safety outcomes with ATM-AVI
• Microbiological outcomes with ATM-AVI
• Health Economic outcomes with ATM-AVI (in addition to any of the above)

Proposals may include data from special populations such as – immunocompromised (solid organ transplant or haemato-oncological patients)

Funding Range and Project Length

• Individual projects requesting up to $50,000 USD will be considered. The total budget for this RFP is $ 250,000 USD
• Maximum project length is 12 months

The First International Nutritionist/Dietitian (FIND) Fellowship supports foreign nationals pursuing postgraduate studies in the USA, with a clear plan to return to their home country. Offered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation, this fellowship is part of a broader awards program that recognizes achievements and provides stipends to dietetic professionals and students. Applications are accepted annually, with award numbers varying based on funding and investment activities.

The Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-Grants program, offered by the IBMA Foundation, supports K-12 educational initiatives by funding live bluegrass music performances in schools. Grants of up to $500 are available for programs that provide a comprehensive understanding of bluegrass music, including its history, instruments, and vocal harmonies. This initiative aims to enhance student engagement with bluegrass while preserving its cultural heritage, enriching the educational landscape through live demonstrations.

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund Grants support the preservation of historic sites that reflect African American cultural heritage. Grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 assist projects in areas like Capital Projects, Organizational Capacity Building, Project Planning, and Programming. Eligible applicants include public agencies, accredited colleges, and nonprofits. The program emphasizes themes such as activism, innovation, and historically significant sites, aiming to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of African American history.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

Mid-Shore Community Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot Counties, who are planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. In general, scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, financial need, and other criteria specified by the donor.

Talbot Co. Public Schools Career and Technology Scholarship

Awarded to students graduating from Talbot County Public Schools, who are planning to attend a vocational, trade, or career school.

The Wisconsin Women’s Alliance Foundation Scholarship offers three non-renewable awards of $2,000 each for students attending an accredited 2- or 4-year institution. These awards are intended to assist with the first semester's cost of attendance. Students must maintain part-time or full-time enrollment to retain eligibility. This scholarship seeks to empower women in the community through education and support.

The Putting Patients First Grant Program, supported by Canon Medical and managed by AHRA, aims to enhance patient care and safety in medical imaging. In 2024, five grants of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to hospitals developing training or programs in categories such as Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Safety. Recipients are also required to publish their findings in an AHRA publication, promoting shared best practices across institutions.