Best Health Care Grants in Minnesota

The Roger D. Gordon Endowed Evans Professional and Graduate Degree Award, established in 1930, supports University of Minnesota Evans Scholars pursuing graduate studies. Funded by the Western Golf Association and golfer Chick Evans Jr., this award offers full tuition and housing to deserving caddies demonstrating financial need. Eligible recipients include Evans Scholars alumni and current graduate students in good standing at UMN-Twin Cities. This grant is crucial for empowering future leaders in their academic journeys.

The Torske Klubben Fellowship, established by a Minneapolis luncheon club in 1933, supports UMN graduate students with ties to Norway. This fellowship aims to foster future leaders with strong academic credentials and a cultural interest in Norway. Eligible candidates include both U.S. and international students, particularly those with educational backgrounds in Norway. The fellowship offers opportunities for additional support through assistantships, although it does not cover tuition or health benefits directly.

The Good Relatives Collaborative Grants, funded by the Bush Foundation, aim to empower grassroots and Native-led organizations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations. This initiative provides responsive grants of $50,000 and $100,000 to support community leadership, healing, and cultural revitalization. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the program seeks to address the unique needs of Native communities while promoting accessible philanthropy and sustainable growth.

Private Well Protection Grant

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) received funding from the Clean Water Fund to provide testing and outreach to private well users. A portion of this funding is available through grants aimed at increasing private drinking water well testing among households that rely on private wells for drinking water. Eligible entities may apply for funding to support activities that promote and provide well water testing within their communities.

Over 1.1 million Minnesotans across Minnesota have fewer safeguards because they use a private well. Unlike their peers connected to public water, private well users are responsible for voluntarily protecting and testing their well and addressing water quality issues. MDH received funding from the Clean Water Fund to ensure safe drinking water for private well users. A portion of this funding is being offered as grants to promote private well testing among private well users. Each entity will have the opportunity to apply for up to a predetermined amount of funds to promote well testing for households that rely on private well water for drinking water that will include testing for five common contaminants (arsenic, coliform bacteria, lead, manganese, and nitrate). This will be an iterative and communicative process in which grantees will work with MDH to carry out the grant goals. Entities can submit a shared proposal that adds each entity’s predetermined amount together.

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The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state's principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

Minnesota Childcare Economic Development Grant

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), through its Office of Childcare and Community Services, is seeking proposals from qualified responders to receive grants to be used to implement solutions to reduce the childcare shortage in the state. This includes but is not limited to funding for childcare business start-ups or expansion, retention and long-term sustainability of current child care programs, training, facility modifications, direct subsidies or incentives to retain employees, or improvements required for licensing, and assistance with licensing and other regulatory requirements.

The Midwest Culture Bearers Award honors and supports nine folk arts practitioners annually, providing each with a $5,000 unrestricted grant. This initiative aims to amplify the essential work of culture bearers across the Midwest, fostering opportunities for recognition and community connection. By prioritizing traditional practices and knowledge sharing, the award not only celebrates cultural heritage but also strengthens the creative roots of the region, ensuring vibrant artistic expression for future generations.

The MAGS Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes graduate students at the University of Minnesota who demonstrate exceptional teaching and mentoring skills. One award is designated for a doctoral student and another for a master’s student, highlighting the significance of teaching excellence in graduate education. Eligible candidates must hold a teaching appointment during the 2025 calendar year. This prestigious award aims to prepare graduate students for future roles as educators in higher education.

The Artist Equity Grant, offered by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, provides up to $4,000 to individual artists from underrepresented groups, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA2+, and those with disabilities. This initiative aims to promote artistic growth and amplify diverse voices through project funding. Eligible projects may encompass various artistic endeavors such as performances, exhibitions, and educational opportunities, fostering a vibrant cultural landscape that benefits all communities.

The North Central Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes one graduate student from each of the Entomological Society of America's six branches. This award promotes graduate-level entomology and encourages attendance at the ESA Annual Meeting. Benefits include an all-expense-paid trip to the national meeting, a $500 cash prize, and a certificate presented during the meeting. Eligibility includes current enrollment in a graduate entomology program or recent graduation.

The Patricia Ann Emberg Charitable Trust Grant provides funding for educational programs in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Established in 2014, it focuses on supporting tax-exempt nonprofit and governmental vocational, technical, and trade school programs. The trust aims to enhance workforce development in key industries such as forestry and aircraft maintenance. Applications are accepted year-round, with a deadline of May 5 for consideration in the annual grant meeting.

The Shavlik Family Foundation Grant focuses on funding innovative technology projects that enhance the operational efficiency of nonprofits and Tribal governments in Minnesota. With a commitment to transparency and continuous improvement, the foundation aims to support impactful projects that demonstrate measurable benefits. Eligible organizations must be recognized as 501(c)(3) public charities or Tribal governments, working to improve the lives and environment of Minnesota residents. The grant process encourages discussion of proposals with foundation staff.

The Minnesota Twins Community Fund, established in 1991, has significantly impacted youth sports in Twins Territory by providing over $24 million in support. Through grants and donations, they empower young athletes, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and personal growth. The fund focuses on 501c3 nonprofits in their region, ensuring that initiatives foster both athletic skills and character development. With strict guidelines for donations, the Twins continue to enhance community engagement and inspire the next generation of leaders.

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.

Special Education Teacher (SPED) Pathway Program

The Minnesota Department of Education has funding available under Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 122A.77, for grants under the Special Education Teacher (SPED) Pathway Program to develop trained and licensed Tier 3 or Tier 4 special education teachers.

Grant recipients must prioritize using grant funds to support participants who are employed by the grant recipient (or any joint applicants) as Tier 1 or Tier 2 licensed special education teachers. If funding is available, the funds may also be used to support other employees who wish to become special education teachers and who demonstrate a willingness to enter the field after completing the program.

Funding

This grant opportunity estimates $9,825,000 available to fund 10-20 grants under Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 122A.77. Most grants will not exceed $750,000 per grant request; however, there is no maximum grant award.

For larger applicants (including joint applicants), funding needs may exceed the suggested $750,000 maximum amount. For smaller applicants (less than 1,000 students) funding needs are generally under less than $250,000.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers grants for schools to implement the PLTW Computer Science program from 2025 to 2028. Schools must provide at least one PLTW course in the first year and two courses in the second year. The total grant is $14,000, covering participation fees and training costs. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the U.S., with special encouragement for those serving low-income or minority-majority populations.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

Federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grant

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) received a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to increase charter school quality and authorizer accountability. The three objectives identified in MDE’s application to ED are designed to support a landscape of high-quality/high-performing charter schools that all parents from all communities can access by making informed decisions about the best education choices for their children through empowered access to information.

Ethnic Studies 5-12 Courses: Community-Centered Knowledge Competitive Grant

Under Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 120B.251, legislation passed requiring all districts and charters to offer ethnic studies, including offering a high school ethnic studies course and integrated K-8 ethnic studies instruction. The purpose of the grant is to support districts and charters in the development, evaluation, and implementation of new 5-12 ethnic studies courses.

Minnesota School Districts, Charter Schools, Tribally Controlled Schools, Intermediate School Districts, and Cooperative Units are eligible for funding. Fiscal Year 2025 Ethnic Studies grant recipients are not eligible to apply for this round of funding.

All proposed grant projects must align with Minnesota’s definition of ethnic studies as stated in Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 120B.25.

The grant will provide three levels of support:

• Grant requests of up to $50,000 to support inter-district, co-op, or tribal school collaborations to develop new ethnic studies courses, which could include charter schools and their geographic district LEA.
• Grant requests of up to $50,000 to support district-level applicants to develop new ethnic studies courses, including charter and tribal schools which are independent LEAs.
• Grant requests of up to $50,000 to support school-level applicants to develop new ethnic studies courses, which could support individual or teams of educators working with their building administration.

Total amount available: approximately $665,000.00 per fiscal year

Maximum grant request amount: $50,000.00

ServeMinnesota provides annual grants to support nonprofits, local governments, institutes of higher education, and Indian Tribes in hosting AmeriCorps programs. Grantees must use research-based measures of program outcomes to generate valid and reliable data that are available to ServeMinnesota for evaluation and public reporting purposes.

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteerism. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities and those serving.

AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits. After successful completion of their service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education  Award they can use to pay for higher education expenses or apply to qualified student loans.

For this funding opportunity, AmeriCorps will prioritize consideration from organizations that:

Serve Communities:

•  Serve communities with concentrated poverty, rural communities, tribal communities, and historically underrepresented and underserved individuals. These may include people of color, immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with arrest or conviction records, religious minorities, etc.;
• Implement programs for or expand access to high-quality youth mental health and substance use recovery services and prepare AmeriCorps members to enter behavioral health careers. These may include individuals with lived experience with substance use and mental health challenges to support youth mental health efforts and continued AmeriCorps work on the opioid epidemic;
• Focus on improving the quality of life for veterans, active-duty members of the Armed Forces, and their families by recruiting veterans, military spouses, and their older children into national service;
• Promote environmental stewardship to help communities (especially underserved households and communities) to be more resilient by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving land and water, increasing renewable energy use and improving at-risk ecosystems;
• Support civic bridgebuilding programs and projects to reduce polarization and community divisions; and providing training in civic bridgebuilding skills and techniques to AmeriCorps members;

The Automation Training Incentive Program, offered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), provides grants up to $35,000 to small businesses in manufacturing or skilled production. This initiative supports training for incumbent workers on new automation technologies. Eligible businesses must be located outside the seven-county metropolitan area or in specific cities. The program aims to enhance workforce quality and job creation in Minnesota.

The Loft Mentor Series supports twelve early career writers in Minnesota to collaborate with eight acclaimed mentors in poetry and prose. This prestigious program, established in 1979, offers a year of intensive workshops and individual guidance, culminating in public readings. Funded by the Jerome Foundation and NEA, fellows receive $2,800 to assist with program costs, ensuring they can focus on refining their craft and connecting with the literary community.

The Job Training Incentive Program, operated by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), offers grants to businesses in Greater Minnesota for workforce training. Eligible companies can receive up to $200,000 to train new employees, provided they create at least three jobs that pay above federal poverty guidelines. This initiative aims to enhance economic growth and improve job quality in the region.

The Low Income Worker Training Program, offered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, provides essential job-specific training grants of up to $200,000 for entities helping low-income individuals. This initiative aims to enhance workforce development by enabling individuals earning at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines to acquire skills necessary for higher-paying jobs. The program supports training-related materials and certification fees, promoting economic self-sufficiency in Minnesota.

The Health Care Workplace Safety Grant program, established by Minnesota's 2023 Session Law, aims to enhance safety in health care environments by funding initiatives that train staff in de-escalation and support services. With a total of $1.5 million available through 30 grants, each grant may provide up to $50,000 to improve workplace safety and prevent violence, ensuring a secure atmosphere for both staff and patients.

The University of Minnesota, in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Health, offers the BRIIDGE program to prepare international medical graduates (IMGs) for residency. This competitive nine-month program includes comprehensive training through inpatient, outpatient, community, and classroom experiences. Participants are selected based on eligibility criteria and personal motivations, ensuring readiness for residency. Accepted applicants must maintain personal health insurance and may not enroll if they match for residency in mid-March. Multiple applications are permitted.

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.

The Federally Qualified Health Center Subsidy Grant, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health, supports Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) and FQHC Look-Alikes in improving services for low-income populations. Empowered by legislation from the 2007 MN Legislative session, this grant aims to enhance health equity across Minnesota, ensuring that all communities have access to essential healthcare services.

The McKnight Foundation's Midwest Climate and Energy Grant focuses on funding initiatives that address the climate crisis while promoting equity in the Midwest. The foundation supports projects that transform energy systems, decarbonize transportation and buildings, and enhance community resilience. It aims to engage diverse populations and foster innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance sustainable practices. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, governmental entities, and those in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, with an emphasis on collaborative, impactful projects.