Best Health and Medical Grants in Minnesota

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Lakes Area Medical Development Association Fund, managed by the Initiative Foundation, supports health and wellness projects in the Brainerd Lakes area of Central Minnesota. This fund provides grants for capacity-building initiatives aimed at government units and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The Initiative Foundation encourages applications on a rolling basis, ensuring a competitive review process for quarterly awards to foster a thriving economy and vibrant communities.

The Valero Energy Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in communities where Valero operates. With a focus on basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives, the foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2019, it provided approximately $40 million to support disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing a commitment to corporate citizenship and community well-being.

The Health Information Outreach Award, funded by the National Library of Medicine, aims to enhance access to essential health information for underrepresented populations and healthcare professionals. This initiative focuses on improving health literacy and equity through diverse projects, including training, technology access, and community outreach. Eligible organizations from select Midwestern states can apply, prioritizing innovative solutions that address health disparities and promote informed health decisions among vulnerable communities.

The Rural Family Medicine Residency Grant Program, authorized by Minnesota Statute Sec. 144.1912, aims to support family medicine residency programs located outside the 7-county metropolitan area. The program provides funding to cover training costs for eligible residents, with approximately $1,000,000 available this cycle. Each new residency position may receive up to $400,000 in funding for a maximum of three years, promoting the training of family physicians in underserved communities.

The LifeCare Health Care Fund Grants, managed by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, aim to support nonprofit organizations in Roseau County with financial assistance for health-related projects and services. These grants focus on initiatives like diabetes care, cancer support, and wellness programs, promoting better health outcomes in the community. Eligible nonprofit applicants can request funding from various specialized endowment funds to address pressing healthcare needs and enhance community well-being.

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 Medical Education and Research Cost (MERC) Grant Program, initiated by the Minnesota Department of Health, supports clinical medical education across Minnesota. Established in 1996, this program addresses funding gaps for teaching facilities that face challenges in covering overhead costs not reimbursed by standard mechanisms. By providing essential funding, MERC helps sustain high-quality medical training and education, ensuring that Minnesota continues to cultivate skilled healthcare professionals.

The Medical Education and Research Cost (MERC) Grant Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health, supports clinical medical education in Minnesota. With $59 million allocated for the current fiscal year, the program provides funding to sponsoring institutions, such as hospitals and schools, which are responsible for clinical education programs. The minimum grant award is $5,000, aimed at addressing the financial challenges faced by teaching facilities in a competitive healthcare market.

The International Medical Graduate (IMG) Career Guidance and Support Grant Program aims to assist immigrant medical graduates in overcoming barriers to licensure and practice in Minnesota. With an estimated funding of $400,000 to $500,000 available, grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations and educational institutions to provide essential career guidance and support. This initiative seeks to strengthen the healthcare workforce and enhance access to care for underserved communities in Minnesota.

The Joseph Durda Foundation, established in 1989, prioritizes charitable giving to alleviate poverty, support orphans, and assist disabled individuals. The Foundation seeks to empower underprivileged youth through education and invest in medical research, particularly cardiovascular health. Grants are directed towards organizations that positively impact communities, especially those where board members reside, while maintaining a focus on military veterans and their families. Note that individual grants and funding outside these priorities are not supported.

The Medical Education and Research Cost (MERC) Grant Program supports clinical medical education in Minnesota, addressing funding challenges faced by teaching facilities. Established in 1996, the program allocates $59 million in the current fiscal year through a grant formula, with minimum awards starting at $5,000. Applications must be submitted by sponsoring institutions on behalf of clinical training sites, ensuring students gain essential clinical experience in diverse healthcare settings.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Minnesota offers essential funding to develop community facilities in rural areas. This program supports projects that enhance healthcare, public safety, education, and community services. Eligible applicants include public bodies and non-profit organizations targeting areas with populations under 20,000. Grants are awarded based on income levels and community size, ensuring that low-income and smaller communities receive priority funding. By addressing community needs, this initiative fosters sustainable development in rural Minnesota.

The Fred C. & Katherine B. Andersen Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the St. Croix Valley of Minnesota and Wisconsin. It supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with priorities in healthcare, education, housing, human services, civic initiatives, and environmental education. While capital requests may be considered, the foundation primarily funds operational and programmatic needs. Organizations outside the geographic area may be considered if they align with the foundation's funding priorities.

The Fostering Social Connection in Later Life Grants, funded by the Southwest Initiative Foundation, aim to combat social isolation and loneliness among older adults in southwest Minnesota. With $150,000 available for individual grants ranging from $500 to $20,000, eligible organizations can implement projects that enhance social interactions and support systems for seniors. This initiative addresses a critical public health issue, especially heightened post-COVID-19, fostering community engagement and improving overall well-being among older adults.

The Emergency Medical Training Grant for FY26 and FY27, provided by the Minnesota Department of Education, offers $450,000 annually to support Minnesota School Districts, Charter Schools, Tribally Controlled Schools, and Cooperative Units. This funding aims to enhance emergency medical training programs and foster partnerships benefiting students and communities, particularly focusing on applicants outside the metropolitan area and those serving high concentrations of students of color.

Mount Sinai Community Foundation Grant

Our Mission

The Mount Sinai Community Foundation is a collective giving circle whose members come together to support initiatives that improve health, enhance well-being, or otherwise advance medical care in the Jewish and larger communities, honoring the history and legacy of the Mount Sinai Hospital.

MSCF seeks to fund innovative grant proposals from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for one-time grants up to $10,000 that fulfill MSCF’s mission to improve health, enhance well-being, or otherwise advance medical care for Minnesota residents. 

Through the generosity of the Frances & Samuel Finkelstein/Janice Finkelstein Mattison Memorial Fund, one of the grantees may receive funding in the area of: cancer research and education; mental health or cancer treatment; medical ethics and quality assurance; or patient advocacy programs.

Funding Priorities

• MSCF seeks to fund innovative programs and/or essential equipment that have a meaningful, direct, and high impact on the target population.
• MSCF is especially interested in discrete projects that can be identified as MSCF funded efforts. These projects or items may be funded by MSCF funds alone or with a limited number of other funding partners.
• Applicants with unique grant requests who may be unable to secure funding elsewhere are encouraged to apply.
• Funding sought for information technology or equipment and/or software upgrades will not be considered unless they are integral to the delivery of the health or medical services provided.
• Grant requests where MSCF grant dollars are only a small component of the overall project budget are unlikely to be funded.
• Through the generosity of the Frances & Samuel Finkelstein/Janice Finkelstein Mattison Memorial Fund, one of the grants may receive funding for cancer research or education; medical ethics/patient advocacy programs; or treatment for children, seniors, disabled, or the homeless.

Minnesota Department of Human Services

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Mission is driven by collaboration with community and partners – Counties, Tribes, non-profit and for-profit providers – supporting people to thrive in community and live their healthiest and fullest lives. The DHS Vision is that all people in Minnesota have what they need to thrive in community with no disparities.

Technical Assistance Navigating Culturally Specific Substance Use and Recovery Programs

Scope of Work

The purpose of the RFP is for technical assistance navigating culturally specific and responsive SUD programs. STATE has identified three categories of activities to meet this goal:

• Licensure, Minnesota Health Care Program (MHCP) Enrollment, and Rate Enhancement: The purpose of this category is to support culturally specific or culturally responsive SUD programs in developing long-term sustainability through obtaining licensure, enrolling in MHCP, or applying for the Medical Assistance (MA) Rate Enhancement as a Culturally Specific or Culturally Responsive Program.

• Grant Writing and Management: The purpose of this category is to increase the knowledge, skills, and capacity of culturally specific or culturally responsive programs to apply for, receive, and successfully manage grant funding from the STATE.

• Technical Assistance and Training: The purpose of this category is to provide an opportunity for culturally specific or culturally responsive SUD programs to support each other in a consulting or training capacity. 

Minnesota Department of Human Services

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Mission is driven by collaboration with community and partners – Counties, Tribes, non-profit and for-profit providers – supporting people to thrive in community and live their healthiest and fullest lives. The DHS Vision is that all people in Minnesota have what they need to thrive in community with no disparities.

Request for Proposals for a Grantee to provide integrated, culturally supportive perinatal care to pregnant Black/African American and American Indian Medical Assistance enrollees who are at high risk for adverse birth outcomes

Objective of RFP

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Health Improvement and Benefit Design Division, is soliciting proposals from qualified responders to provide integrated, culturally supportive perinatal care to pregnant Black/African American and or American Indian Medical Assistance enrollees who are at high risk for adverse birth outcomes. Services must be delivered through qualified integrated perinatal care collaboratives as defined in statutes. The anticipated contract term is two (2) years, from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. The State may extend the contract for up to an additional three (3) years in one-year increments, for a total contract term not to exceed five (5) years.

Funding will be distributed through a competitive review process that includes individuals with relevant subject matter expertise, and, when appropriate, community representatives 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.

Northland Foundation

The Northland Foundation is a place-based, publicly supported foundation working within seven Northeast Minnesota counties and all or parts of five Native nations.

Mission: Our mission is to support Northeast Minnesota people and communities working toward a future where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.

Otto Bremer Community Responsive Fund

The Northland Foundation is serving as an intermediary for the Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) Community Responsive Fund with up to $600,000 available for re-granting within northeast Minnesota according to the priorities and guidelines of the OBT.

Focus Areas that OBT Grants Will Support

Grants may support operations, programming, and/or capital projects for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations operating within northeast Minnesota. Grant proposals must be for work in one or more of the following OBT focus areas.

• Food. Organizations and programs that directly operate meal sites and food pantries to meet basic daily needs (large, region- and state-wide food bank activities are NOT included).
• Shelter. Organizations and programs that provide short-term and emergency shelter beds for people who are housing insecure or facing homelessness.
• Low-income healthcare clinics. Organizations and programs that primarily provide affordable medical, dental, and mental health services to people with limited financial resources or who are uninsured/under-insured.
• Disability services. Organizations and programs that support people with physical/cognitive disabilities.
• School-based mental health. Organizations and programs that have established school-based mental health services.

The Community Responsive Grants, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust, aim to support organizations addressing critical community needs in south central and southeastern Minnesota. Grants of up to $75,000 will be awarded to eligible nonprofits focusing on areas such as literacy, children's health, and mental health. Applicants must have a 501(c)(3) designation and a proven operational history of at least five years.

Minnesota Department of Human Services

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Mission is driven by collaboration with community and partners – Counties, Tribes, non-profit and for-profit providers – supporting people to thrive in community and live their healthiest and fullest lives. The DHS Vision is that all people in Minnesota have what they need to thrive in community with no disparities.

Request for Proposals for a Grantee to Improve Access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)

DHS, through its Behavioral Health Administration, is seeking to address the public health crisis caused by escalating opioid and stimulant use, Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), Stimulant Use Disorder, and opioid and stimulant-related morbidity and mortality across the nation.

Objective of RFP

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Behavioral Health Administration (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to improve access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) services throughout Minnesota. The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be for fifteen months, from August 1, 2026 until September 29, 2027. STATE may extend the contract up to a total of five (5) years.

Funding will be allocated through a competitive process. Successful Responders may only incur eligible expenditures when the grant contract agreement is fully executed and the grant has reached its effective date.

RFP: Improve Access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Behavioral Health Administration (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to improve access to medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) services throughout Minnesota. 

STATE received a State Opioid Response (SOR) grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). The purpose of the SOR grant is to address the public health crisis caused by escalating opioid and stimulant use, Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), Stimulant Use Disorder, and opioid and stimulant-related morbidity and mortality across the nation. Minnesota has been awarded SOR funds since the grant program’s inception by SAMHSA in 2018. Multiple organizations and projects have been funded to support a continuum of care including prevention programming, treatment, MOUD, naloxone distribution, and recovery support services

The George Family Foundation focuses on Whole-Person Health and Wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of nurturing mind, body, spirit, and community. The foundation seeks to empower individuals and promote healthcare choice by funding community-based initiatives and select medical systems. Their funding priorities include enhancing access to whole-person care for diverse populations and supporting professional training programs for practitioners, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund

The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is partnering with the Otto Bremer Trust to deliver $525,000 in grant funding to organizations across Northwest Minnesota through the 2026 Community Responsive Fund.

Funding priorities and eligibility criteria for this program are established by Otto Bremer Trust and focus on supporting organizations that provide essential, direct services to meet basic needs in our communities.

Funding Priorities

Food:

• Programs that directly operate meal sites or food pantries to meet daily needs

Shelter:

• Short-term or emergency shelter for individuals experiencing housing instability or homelessness

Low-Income Healthcare Clinics:

• Affordable medical, dental, or mental health services for uninsured or underinsured individuals

Disability Services:

• Programs supporting individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities

School-Based Mental Health:

• Established mental health services delivered within school settings

Award period: One-year

• Maximum grant amount: $75,000
• Available funding: $525,000

The Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (SRHS) grant program, established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1978, aims to enhance access to sexual and reproductive health care across Minnesota. The program addresses barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of transportation. Funded biannually, SRHS supports various services including contraceptive counseling, outreach, and referrals. With an estimated annual funding of $4.5 million for new applicants, the program seeks to improve the health outcomes of marginalized communities.

The Minnesota Rural Hospital Flexibility Program Quality and Population Health Grant aims to enhance rural healthcare delivery through innovative strategies. Funded by HRSA, it assists critical access hospitals (CAHs) in improving quality, implementing MBQIP, and advancing population health initiatives. The next funding cycle is anticipated in 2029, providing an opportunity for rural communities to enhance healthcare services and build capacity in emergency medical services and health professional collaboration.