Best Grants for Youth Programs in Minnesota

Joy in Childhood Foundation provides Minnesota youth services and children’s health providers with funding to host prom-like experiences for hospitalized teens. Children’s hospitals or general hospitals with pediatric departments near Dunkin’ locations can apply for US $20,000 - US $50,000 to create special prom events for patients ages 13–19 who cannot attend their own.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits serving children battling illness in Minnesota can receive US $25,000 - US $65,000 annually to build or expand pediatric gaming programs. Joy in Childhood Foundation supports equipment, connectivity, staffing, and virtual programming, with a focus on engaging teen patients through multi-year bedside and remote gaming experiences.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is soliciting proposals for community-based substance misuse and suicide prevention coalitions in Minnesota, which will serve the needs of Minnesotans at risk of substance misuse and suicide, with a specific focus on youth. The applicant will develop a data driven plan to decrease substance misuse and suicidal experiences for youth, ages 10-24. This will be done by coordinating a multi-sector coalition, that will develop a plan to address shared risk and protective factors for substance misuse and suicidal experiences.

Minnesota youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking in-kind donations for fundraising events can receive support such as items from the Minnesota Twins Community Fund. The fund focuses on empowering youth through baseball, softball, and related sports activities across Twins Territory, with requests submitted online at least six weeks before the event.

Youth-serving organizations in Minnesota offering job training, employment preparation, internships, financial literacy, academic support, or youth intervention activities can apply for competitive funding focused on low-income communities and young adults facing intergenerational poverty. Focused on youth services, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development invites eligible programs to expand support for communities of color and other underserved youth.

Minnesota youth-serving organizations providing workforce development, training, or career preparation for economically disadvantaged or at-risk youth ages 14–24 can apply for the Youth at Work Competitive Grant, with awards up to US $850,000. Programs in Minnesota that support youth services, job readiness, internships, or leadership development may be competitive applicants.

Minnesota youth and family service providers seeking to deliver Functional Family Therapy can receive funding for training, implementation support, and fidelity monitoring in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Human Services backs staff salaries, benefits, travel, technology, and related administrative costs so agencies can build FFT capacity for court- and county-referred youth ages 10–18.

Minnesota Episcopal congregations running programs or advocacy efforts for vulnerable children and youth can receive up to US $1,000 to support their work. Sheltering Arms Foundation provides Minnesota faith communities with small grants for initiatives like tutoring, nurseries, teen service projects, or basic-needs outreach that benefit children, youth, and families.

Eligible organizations able to train and support Minnesota children’s mental health providers can apply for Minnesota Department of Human Services funding to implement an evidence-informed treatment system for youth. This two-year contract, with possible extension, supports workforce development, implementation assistance, and quality improvement to expand evidence-based mental health practices for children and youth statewide.

Organizations in Minnesota that support youth and children’s mental health can seek funding to design and deliver a technical assistance model improving discharge planning from high-acuity inpatient or residential settings. Minnesota Department of Human Services will fund assessment of current systems, development of standardized support frameworks, and implementation through training, consultation, and resources.

Minnesota youth-serving nonprofits and other U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for programs that improve communities and families, promote education, and encourage wellness. Minnesota youth programs that emphasize health, education, safety, and children may be especially competitive for support from Encova Foundation of West Virginia.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits running youth, family, or basic needs programs can access funding through the Joseph Durda Foundation to provide direct services like aid for underprivileged youth, children and families in need, and scholarships for advanced education. Organizations serving disabled individuals, people with debilitating diseases, or military veterans and their families may also be eligible.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The mission of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is to work with Minnesotans to conserve and manage the state's natural resources, to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources works to integrate and sustain the interdependent values of a healthy environment, a sustainable economy, and livable communities. DNR’s integrated resource management strategy shares stewardship responsibility with Minnesotans and partners to manage for multiple interests. DNR protects the state’s natural heritage by conserving the diversity of natural lands, waters, and fish and wildlife that provide the foundation for Minnesota’s recreational and natural resource-based economy (M.S. 84, M.S. 97A).

No Child Left Inside - Larger Grant

The grant funding will serve Minnesota youth under 18 years of age (Activities that include family participation are eligible, but the primary focus must be on youth.) and programming that maximizes the number of participants, especially from new and diverse audiences with limited opportunities for access. Grant outcomes will include:

• Community-focused projects with ongoing impact, rather than one-time events
• New or innovative programming (Existing programs must demonstrate a significant expansion in scope and the inclusion of new audiences.)
• Experiences that provide youth with direct exposure to and an understanding of nature
• Opportunities for outdoor recreation or to learn new outdoor skills
• Use of research-based, effective environmental or natural-resource-based educational curriculum or methods
• Use of natural spaces, public parks and trails, or other natural resource venues and personnel 

Larger grants have awards between $5,001-$25,000 and will include a more extensive application process and greater project scope. Eligible projects will be competitively reviewed and awarded statewide on a regional per capita basis.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The mission of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is to work with Minnesotans to conserve and manage the state's natural resources, to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources works to integrate and sustain the interdependent values of a healthy environment, a sustainable economy, and livable communities. DNR’s integrated resource management strategy shares stewardship responsibility with Minnesotans and partners to manage for multiple interests. DNR protects the state’s natural heritage by conserving the diversity of natural lands, waters, and fish and wildlife that provide the foundation for Minnesota’s recreational and natural resource-based economy (M.S. 84, M.S. 97A).

No Child Left Inside - Mini Grant

The grant funding will serve Minnesota youth under 18 years of age (Activities that include family participation are eligible, but the primary focus must be on youth.) and programming that maximizes the number of participants, especially from new and diverse audiences with limited opportunities for access. Grant outcomes will include:

• Community-focused projects with ongoing impact, rather than one-time events
• New or innovative programming (Existing programs must demonstrate a significant expansion in scope and the inclusion of new audiences.)
• Experiences that provide youth with direct exposure to and an understanding of nature
• Opportunities for outdoor recreation or to learn new outdoor skills
• Use of research-based, effective environmental or natural-resource-based educational curriculum or methods
• Use of natural spaces, public parks and trails, or other natural resource venues and personnel 

Mini grants, with awards between $1,000-$5,000, are for projects with smaller scope. Eligible projects will be entered into a lottery for selection, with awards granted statewide on a regional per capita basis.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status running youth and community programs in low- and moderate-income areas can seek program-specific support within Huntington’s footprint, including Minnesota. Focused on community revitalization, services, affordable housing, and economic development, Huntington National Bank invites partners advancing self-sufficiency, racial equity, and quality of life to discuss potential funding.

The RAF Better Communities Grants provide vital funding to nonprofits in the Rochester, MN area, focusing on youth, education, and vibrant community development. These grants empower organizations to enhance their core missions and build capacity for future growth. With awards ranging from $10,000 to $20,000, the program also aims to support emerging nonprofits. The Rochester Area Foundation emphasizes equity, collaboration, and responsible stewardship in its grantmaking practices.

The AED Grant, offered by USA Football, supports youth organizations, middle schools, and high school girls flag football programs in acquiring essential Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This initiative ensures that lifesaving equipment is readily available during emergencies. Recipients receive specific AED models, comprehensive training, and certification to guarantee proper usage. Eligible applicants must be non-profits in good standing with USA Football, promoting safety and preparedness on the field.

About Us

We endeavor to help individuals reach their full potential, families to thrive and communities to flourish through grants to a range of charitable organizations. To these ends, our grantmaking is framed by two potentially contrasting convictions: that tradition is an important resource and that fundamental rethinking often is necessary to respond effectively to new challenges and circumstances. These convictions arise from the encouragement J.K. Lilly, Sr. gave to his sons to be conservatively progressive. That philosophy was evident in their leadership of their company and the establishment and administration of the Endowment.

LE Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative

Lilly Endowment is pleased to announce its Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative (Serving Neighbors). This initiative has two complementary aims: 1) to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families by encouraging stronger collaborations in local communities between Christian congregations and charitable organizations (e.g., human and social service agencies, youth-serving organizations, arts and cultural organizations, neighborhood associations, and parks and outdoor recreational organizations, among others) that utilize their respective strengths to jointly undertake efforts that address community needs and priorities and 2) to deepen the faith of individuals and enhance the vitality of congregations by providing opportunities for Christians to practice their faith through acts of love and care for their neighbors.

Through Serving Neighbors, the Endowment anticipates awarding grants of up to $5 million each to approximately 60 charitable organizations to develop and implement programs that advance the aims stated above and the following four objectives:

Helping Christian congregations identify and explore compelling human and social needs and priorities in their neighborhoods and local communities (e.g., hunger relief, after-school and educational enrichments programs, violence reduction, homelessness, outdoor recreational opportunities, community building festivals).

Assisting these congregations in building relationships with community organizations and, when appropriate, other faith-based organizations focused on those needs and priorities.

Guiding leaders from these congregations and charitable organizations in their local communities through a planning process to help them develop new and/or strengthen current collaborative joint endeavors that address the identified community needs or priorities.

Providing support and resources to help these congregations and charitable organizations in their local communities launch and, if successful, sustain these collaborations into the future.

Funding Opportunities 

Lilly Endowment will conduct Serving Neighbors through a two-stage process.

Concept Papers: In the first stage, interested charitable organizations may submit concept papers that explain their interest in the initiative and provide initial descriptions of potential Serving Neighbors programs that would advance the initiative’s aims and objectives.

The Endowment will review the concept papers and anticipates providing planning grants of up to $50,000 each to approximately 60 organizations that submit the most promising descriptions of potential collaborative programs. Selected organizations may use their planning grants to develop their concepts and prepare proposals for implementation grants.

Concept papers must be submitted through the Serving Neighbors Concept Paper Submission Form on the Endowment’s website. Concept papers are due by January 19, 2027. The Endowment anticipates notifying organizations of planning grant awards by the end of March 2027.

Implementation Grant Proposals: In the second stage, selected charitable organizations that receive planning grants may submit proposals for implementation grants of up to $5 million each that may be used for up to a four-year period to execute their plans.

Implementation grant proposals must be submitted through the Serving Neighbors Implementation Grant Proposal Submission Form on the Endowment’s website. Implementation grant proposals are due by July 19, 2027. The Endowment anticipates announcing implementation grant awards by the end of November 2027. Guidelines for preparing an implementation grant proposal will be provided with notice of approval of a planning grant.

The Residential Services for Unaccompanied Alien Children program aims to support organizations providing safe, high-quality care for children in federal custody due to immigration status. This initiative requires providers to be licensed and available 24/7, ensuring children's well-being while they await permanent placements. Special emphasis is placed on facilities near the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting the need for immediate and responsive care options for vulnerable populations.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Mentoring for Youth Impacted by Opioids and Other Substance Use program aims to provide high-quality mentoring services to youth affected by substance use. This funding opportunity supports various mentoring formats, including one-on-one, group, and peer mentoring, to assist those currently using substances or at risk due to familial influences. The initiative seeks to enhance the well-being of these youth through supportive relationships and guidance.

The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation Grants support tax-exempt organizations working to enhance lives through arts, healthcare, education, and youth programs. The foundation requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) from all applicants, emphasizing its mission to select grant recipients who align with its values. Grants are not available for political purposes, endowment campaigns, or organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion. This framework ensures a focused impact on community betterment.

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

The AE Foundation Community Grants aim to support US and Canadian non-profit organizations focused on enhancing the mental health and well-being of young people. By funding local programs, the AE Foundation empowers teens and young adults to embrace authenticity and build a brighter future. Eligible organizations must be certified 501(c)3 non-profits or registered charities, and grant funding should be utilized within 365 days of receipt. This initiative reinforces the importance of mental health in today's society.

The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults facing mental and physical challenges. By supporting registered charitable organizations that align with its mission, the foundation seeks to ensure that 100% of grant funds directly benefit those in need within the US. Emphasizing immediate results and proven success, the foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of future generations.

The Hunger to Health Collaboratory (H2HC) 2025 Prizes for Innovation aim to enhance health equity for youth through innovative funding in three categories: Food and Nutrition Policy, Nutrition Education & School Food, and Indigenous Food Justice. Supported by Newman’s Own Foundation, these prizes include $100K grants for policy work and $25K grants for education and justice initiatives. Winners will participate in the H2HC Fall Summit in Boston, fostering collaborative solutions to food challenges.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.