Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Minnesota

The Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor, presented by The McKnight Foundation, recognizes seven unsung champions from Minnesota for their remarkable contributions to local communities. Each honoree receives a $10,000 award in acknowledgment of their impactful work, fostering compassion and connectivity. This honor celebrates the legacy of Virginia McKnight Binger, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, creativity, and community engagement in building a better future for all Minnesotans.

The Ethnic Studies Course Development grant supports Minnesota districts and charters in creating K-12 ethnic studies courses, as mandated by state legislation. It offers funding up to $50,000 for collaborative projects among schools, district-level initiatives, and individual educators. This initiative aims to enrich curriculum and promote understanding of diverse cultures, fostering a more inclusive educational environment for students across Minnesota.

The Education Minnesota Foundation's Professional Development Grant supports licensed educators, education support professionals, and higher education faculty in enhancing their skills in equity and inclusion practices. Grants are available for individual members and groups, with funding of up to $2,000 per person for ESPs and teachers, and $3,000 for higher education faculty. Applicants must be active, dues-paying members of Education Minnesota, and the program emphasizes sharing new skills with colleagues.

The Education Minnesota Foundation's Impact Grant promotes innovative practices focused on equity and inclusion in education. By supporting educators and collaborative projects with local nonprofits and unions, the Foundation aims to drive long-lasting change in teaching and learning policies. Grants are awarded annually for theme-based projects, with funding for the second year contingent upon demonstrated progress. This initiative empowers active Education Minnesota members to create impactful educational experiences for students.

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 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 Classroom-Focused Project Grants support licensed educators in enhancing their teaching practices and student outcomes, with funding up to $3,000 for innovative projects. This opportunity is designed for both first-time applicants and previous recipients looking to build on their past successes. Eligible applicants must be active members of Education Minnesota and demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion in their projects. Grants are awarded annually, emphasizing measurable results and collaborative efforts.

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 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 Sheltering Arms Foundation Grant supports high-quality direct-service programs for children aged 0-12, focusing on early childhood and youth development along with advocacy efforts. The foundation aims to diminish opportunity gaps and enhance public commitment to children's well-being in Minnesota. Programs must be culturally appropriate and involve family engagement, ensuring children are socially and emotionally ready for kindergarten and prepared for academic success by 7th grade. Eligible organizations must be non-profits based in Minnesota.

The Episcopal Faith Communities Grants, offered by the Sheltering Arms Foundation, support Minnesota Episcopal congregations in their initiatives to aid vulnerable children. Grants up to $1,000 are available for projects that enhance the lives of children and youth, including tutoring programs and community outreach efforts. Preference is given to projects with multiple funding sources and those led by parishes that have not previously received funding. This initiative embodies a commitment to serving the community and fostering the well-being of children.

The California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant aims to support public middle and high school sports programs facing funding challenges due to budget cuts. Established by California Casualty, this grant provides financial assistance for purchasing equipment and covering travel costs for competitions. Eligible applicants must be active employees of public schools and members of affiliated education associations. Awards cannot be used for individual student recognition or fundraising projects.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation's Healthy Start Grant Program aims to enhance early childhood care and education by funding tax-exempt nonprofits, Tribal Nations, and fiscally sponsored groups in Minnesota. With a total of $2 million over two years, grants of up to $100,000 per year will support initiatives to improve access to quality care, screenings, and family support services, ultimately addressing health inequities and fostering healthy development for vulnerable children.

The Joyce Foundation's Democracy Grants aim to enhance participation and representation in the electoral process across the Great Lakes region. With a focus on combating voter suppression, gerrymandering, and disinformation, the Foundation supports policy changes that protect voting rights and ensure fair representation. Through public engagement and litigation, it seeks to empower communities of color and young voters, fostering a more equitable democracy for all residents.

The Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant by The Joyce Foundation aims to create safer communities in the Great Lakes region. It focuses on reducing gun violence, addressing racial disparities in the justice system, and promoting violence intervention strategies. The foundation invites innovative proposals that support these goals, emphasizing research, policy advocacy, and community engagement to effectively address the challenges of gun violence and promote racial equity.

The Disaster Resilience Program, supported by Equal Justice Works, aims to provide free civil legal aid to communities affected by disasters in the Midwest. With funding for attorney and summer law student fellows, the program addresses the unique legal needs of low-income families, helping them recover from the impacts of disasters. This initiative not only stabilizes lives but also promotes resilience in communities by ensuring access to essential legal services.

The Nonexclusionary Discipline (NED) funding, provided by the Minnesota Department of Education for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, aims to support educational institutions in implementing professional learning plans for staff. This initiative focuses on adopting nonexclusionary discipline practices that foster respect and trust among students, ensuring they remain engaged and in the classroom. Eligible entities include school districts, charter schools, and cooperative units, enhancing the educational environment across Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Health is inviting proposals for innovative team-based care solutions aimed at improving communication and coordination for stroke survivors and those at risk. This initiative seeks to foster collaboration among healthcare providers to enhance patient outcomes and streamline care processes. Interested organizations are encouraged to submit their proposals to contribute to this vital public health effort.

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

The Medica Foundation Grant for MN Behavioral Health supports proposals that address mental illness and substance use disorders in Minnesota. With a focus on community-driven initiatives, the grant aims to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities through innovative programs. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental agencies. Grants of up to $50,000 are available, with priority given to collaborative projects that utilize trauma-sensitive practices and demonstrate measurable success.

Statewide Self-advocacy Network for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

DHS, through its Disability Service Division (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to Establish, Strengthen and Expand a Statewide Self-advocacy Network for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD).

The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be for two years from July 1, 2026, until June 30, 2028.

Overview 

Successful Responder selected under this RFP may be responsible for performing following tasks. Detailed obligations and additional measures of performance will be defined in the final negotiated Grant Contract. 

The State seeks a partner capable of strengthening, expanding, and sustaining an active and thriving selfadvocacy network for people with I/DD. This Request for Proposals outlines the services desired by the State and establishes the framework for responder submissions. While the RFP defines the foundational expectations, the detailed obligations and performance measures will be finalized in the negotiated contract.

The successful responder will play a central role in ensuring that individuals with ID/DD are fully informed of their rights in employment, housing, transportation, healthcare, voting, government policy, and other issues pertinent to the ID/DD community. In addition, the responder will provide public education and awareness on civil and human rights, offer funding and technical assistance to selfadvocacy groups statewide, and develop communication systems that support informationsharing across the network.

 Funding Availability

A total of $381,350 is available each year for up to five years, depending on the contract duration. The state intends to award a single grant, which must demonstrate statewide reach and impact. Generally, matching funds are not permitted; however, if an opportunity for matching funds becomes available, the grantee should consult with DHS regarding a potential contract amendment. An organization receiving a grant under this subdivision may use a portion of grant revenue determined by the commissioner for administration and general operating costs. DHS Disability Services permits up to 10% of the total grant award to be used for grant administration. 

Funding will be allocated through a competitive process with review by a committee representing content and, if applicable, community specialists with regional knowledge. If selected, Responder may only incur eligible expenditures when the contract is fully executed and the grant has reached its effective date.

The MN Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) supports farmers in enhancing conservation efforts while strengthening operations. It offers technical and financial assistance to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, and develop wildlife habitats. Producers work with NRCS to create tailored conservation plans that expand on existing efforts and implement new practices. CSP also provides annual payments for these practices, helping participants achieve environmental benefits and improved agricultural productivity.

The Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant, offered by the UNICO Foundation Inc., aims to combat hunger and provide shelter for the homeless and indigent. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in 13 U.S. states. The grant focuses on direct services, ensuring that all funds are used for food and shelter, not for operating expenses, thereby promoting effective community support for vulnerable populations.

The Alzheimer’s Awareness Grant (MN) aims to foster public understanding of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) through a statewide information campaign. The Minnesota Department of Health seeks partnerships with organizations experienced in reaching underserved communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ populations. Funded projects will promote early detection, cognitive testing benefits, and awareness of ADRD. Grants range from $20,000 to $80,000, with up to four grantees selected to implement impactful strategies.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

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.

The Excellence in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award

The purpose of the Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award is to recognize the contribution of a member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and made significant contributions to advance equitable health outcomes and reduce health disparities through research, which has enhanced the science and practice of nursing in the MNRS region.