Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Minnesota

LSTA Literacy Grant FFY 2026 – State Fiscal Year 2027

Grant purpose

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to libraries as defined per Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 134.001, subdivision 2 for the purpose of helping to achieve Minnesota’s LSTA Five-Year Plan (2023-2027), Goals A, B, and C, to reduce barriers to access, promote equity, showcase libraries’ contributions to community, and empower Minnesota’s library workforce. Successful grant proposals will connect proposed project activities to improving access to services and information in areas of literacy.

While LSTA funds are primarily intended to support new projects that can serve as models or pilots, applications for new phases of a project that is underway may be submitted. Libraries may also apply for funding of an ongoing project if it reaches new audiences, incorporates new methods or significantly expands the reach of the project.

P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) Competitive Grant – State Fiscal Year 2026

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to public school districts and charter schools for the purpose of providing start-up and ongoing support of P-TECH 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. Students receive individualized support to accelerate progress toward both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree.

The model’s intended outcomes include preparing students with industry-recognized credentials and authentic workplace learning opportunities. While employment is not guaranteed, graduates are prioritized for opportunities with partner employers. P-TECH also broadens access to high-quality STEM education and lowers academic and financial barriers by aligning secondary and postsecondary pathways.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) was created in July 2003 with the merger of the former Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) and the Minnesota Department of Economic Security (MDES). DEED is the state's principal economic development agency. The Department's programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

Commissioned Needs Assessment for the Minnesota Independent Living Network

Procurement Overview and Goals

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (“DEED”), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (“VRS”) requests proposals, on behalf of the Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council (“MNSILC”) and the Centers for Independent Living (CILs), to conduct a statewide needs assessment for individuals living with disabilities.

Key objective: Determine the level of financial investment required for Centers for Independent Living to effectively and comprehensively meet the needs of individuals with disabilities throughout the state of Minnesota.

Underrepresented Cultural Studies Materials Grants

Grant Goals

For individuals and organizations that will work to develop high-quality academic, cultural, and ethnic studies materials for communities that do not have adequate cultural and ethnic studies materials, or who are underrepresented in those materials. The materials must support Minnesota K-12 students from underrepresented communities without a formal writing system that is primarily orally based, including but are not limited to, Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Oromo cultures.

An applicant that receives funding under this grant opportunity must do at least one of the following:

• Amplify arts, culture, and heritage in Minnesota,
• Increase the depth and breadth of Minnesota who will connect with arts, culture, and heritage, and
• Provide opportunities for individuals in Minnesota to enjoy arts and culture for free or at reduced cost to allow access for economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Minnesota to attend Legacy programs.

The Dental Safety Net Grant, funded by the Minnesota Department of Health, aims to support dental providers serving uninsured patients under 21. Annually, up to $113,000 is allocated based on the number of uninsured patients treated. Each provider can receive between 2% and 30% of the total funding. Grants will be distributed over a three-year period, ensuring that financial assistance reaches those most in need.

The JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

The Auto Club Group Foundation focuses on creating a positive impact through grants that enhance traffic safety, driver education, and financial literacy across 14 U.S. states and two territories. With a mission rooted in community service, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations and government entities that align with its goals. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000, addressing crucial areas such as traffic safety initiatives, financial literacy for K-12 students, and equitable access to driver education programs.

The Indian Health Grant Program aims to provide essential clinical health services, including preventive, medical, dental, and mental health care, to American Indian individuals residing off reservations. Funded by the Minnesota Department of Health, up to $174,000 is available annually through a competitive process for a two-year project period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, with no match requirement necessary.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

Multifamily Consolidated Request for Proposals

The Multifamily Consolidated Request for Proposals (RFP) is a competitive funding round, offered once per year, by consolidating and coordinating multiple multifamily housing capital funding resources into one application process. It deploys significant capital funds and is the primary mechanism that Minnesota Housing uses to award and allocate federal and state resources. Applicants may request funding for a specific housing development and/or activities that meet a specific housing need. Applicants, generally, do not apply for specific funding sources. During the evaluation period, Minnesota Housing identifies which funding sources are eligible for a given application.

Minnesota thrives because of its diversity of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, (dis)abilities, ages, families, and geographies. Discrimination, lack of access to resources, and other barriers have led to disparities that inhibit Minnesotans from achieving their fullest potential. Minnesota Housing and the Multifamily Consolidated RFP/HTC funding rounds processes are designed to prioritize projects that center on Communities Most Impacted (CMI) by housing instability and disparities in its work to advance equity. This is a core value in all of Minnesota Housing’s actions, including resources administered through the annual Multifamily Consolidated RFP/HTC funding rounds processes, which includes the awarding and allocating of housing tax credits and other deferred funding resources to affordable multifamily rental housing developments

The ECRAC Resiliency Grant for Arts Organizations provides funding of up to $600 for artists and organizations to support their projects affected by the pandemic and racial disparities. This grant is available until June 30, 2026, or until funds are depleted, and is open to past, current, or new grantees. Eligible projects can include various art forms such as performance, dance, photography, and more, as long as they comply with public health guidelines.

The grant aims to enhance access to newborn hearing and pulse oximetry screenings in out-of-hospital settings across Minnesota. By providing portable screening equipment, it seeks to ensure timely identification and intervention for infants who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) and those with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). This initiative aligns with state mandates to improve newborn health outcomes and connect families with essential services.

The PRISM Fund Grant, offered by PFund Foundation, aims to enhance equity within LGBTQ+ communities in the upper Midwest. It focuses on supporting rural LGBTQ+ organizations through grants, training, and collaboration. The program prioritizes communities disproportionately affected by discrimination, such as queer people of color, gender-expansive individuals, and LGBTQ+ residents of North and South Dakota. By addressing unique regional challenges, the PRISM Fund fosters resilience and connectivity among these underserved populations.

The GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness offers grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 to support projects that blend arts and wellness. Open to non-profit organizations, hospitals, and clinics across the Midwest, this fund aims to enhance community well-being through artistic initiatives. Eligible applicants must engage professional artists and provide activities that promote health and creativity. This funding round supports activities occurring between December 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, emphasizing the importance of arts in fostering wellness.

The GIG Fund, managed by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, provides grants ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to support public arts projects in Midwestern communities. This initiative aims to enhance access to arts for underserved audiences, including rural and economically disadvantaged groups. Eligible activities include performances and art festivals, with a focus on engaging professional artists. The funding period extends from December 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and requires a 1:1 match.

About MN AWWA

The Minnesota Section American Water Works Association (MN AWWA) is a Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the world's largest association of water professionals.

MN AWWA is a nonprofit scientific and educational association public health, safety, and welfare through research and dissemination of information and by supporting educational development of its members.

One AWWA Operator Scholarship

AWWA’s The Water Equation Campaign and the Minnesota Section of AWWA awards the One AWWA Operator Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 for water operator training and education. Up to two (2) scholarships will be awarded each calendar year.

Disbursement of the funds will be made directly by the Section to the financial office of recipient’s college, university, or technical school. Items related to books, manuals, conferences, professional development courses, and other eligible expenses will be reimbursed to recipient upon presentation of eligible receipts. Acceptance of scholarship constitutes permission to use recipient’s name and scholarship story for purpose of promotion.

The Gil Gabanski Student Scholarship, provided by the MGWA Foundation, offers multiple $2,000 awards for undergraduate and graduate students studying at accredited institutions in Minnesota and nearby areas. This scholarship aims to ease educational expenses and foster interest in groundwater-related careers, including hydrogeology and groundwater geology. It also promotes mentorship opportunities for early-career students, honoring Gil Gabanski's legacy in the geosciences community.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program, supported by the National Arbor Day Foundation, encourages colleges and universities to promote tree planting and green spaces on campus. This initiative fosters community engagement, enhances mental health, and contributes to environmental sustainability. By meeting five key standards, institutions can earn recognition, inspiring pride and commitment to environmental stewardship among students and staff alike. Join the movement to create healthier, more beautiful campuses that benefit both people and the planet.

The George Waters Grant Program, established by the Minnesota Section PGA, aims to support PGA Professionals and related golf programs focusing on player development, especially for juniors and athletes with disabilities. This initiative honors George Waters, a dedicated PGA member, and helps fulfill his vision of growing the game. Grants cover teaching costs, infrastructure, and special assistance, encouraging wider participation in golf across Minnesota and North Dakota.

The Community Homeownership Impact Fund, managed by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, aims to enhance affordable housing in Minnesota by funding developers and administrators of single-family, owner-occupied homes. This program focuses on increasing the housing supply while ensuring safety and habitability. It offers interim loans, deferred forgivable loans, and grants to bridge financial gaps. Eligible applicants include cities, tribes, and nonprofits, all working towards improving housing accessibility and supporting community development.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Behavioral Health Administration (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to address the opioid overdose crisis in communities and populations that have been historically underserved and disproportionately impacted by opioid-related overdose deaths. 

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 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.

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 Minnesota Department of Health is offering funding for water-bottle filling stations to enhance public health. These hydration stations will provide optimal fluoride levels, remove lead from drinking water, and offer healthy alternatives to sugary drinks, particularly in areas lacking access to nutritious beverage options. Local health organizations, schools, and community groups are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to promote better hydration and reduce dental issues among residents.

The Fluoridation Grant by the Minnesota Department of Health aims to enhance community water fluoridation, a pivotal public health measure recognized by the CDC. This initiative assists Public Water Systems in upgrading their infrastructure to align with federal and state standards, ensuring optimal fluoride levels of 0.7 mg/L. With a total funding of $29,000, the program is designed to support communities lacking resources for necessary improvements, ultimately promoting better oral health for all residents.

The Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Programs, offered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), provide crucial funding for revitalizing blighted properties. The grant covers up to 50% of redevelopment costs with a local match and supports public land acquisition, demolition, and infrastructure improvements. The Demolition Loan Program aids local governments in removing dangerous structures without immediate redevelopment plans, ensuring safer communities and fostering future development opportunities.