Best Higher Education Grants in Minnesota

The Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, led by The Minneapolis Foundation, supports community-based nonprofits in the Great Lakes region. With a focus on underserved communities, grants will total $40 million over three years, aiming to enhance environmental health, education, and resilience. The program prioritizes applications from federally recognized tribes and organizations with limited budgets, fostering inclusive community engagement and sustainable development. Eligible projects include environmental assessments, public health initiatives, and job training.

The Grotto Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the well-being of individuals and families through community-led initiatives in Minnesota. Organizations can apply if they address at least three of four key areas: Youth Development, Postsecondary Success, Community Safety & Neighborhood Development, and Mentoring. The Foundation invites selected organizations to apply, with grant decisions made three times a year, fostering sustainable solutions for local challenges.

The Nordson Corporation Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in communities across the U.S., particularly through education. Since 1989, it has awarded over $60 million, prioritizing grants for tax-exempt organizations in areas where Nordson operates. The foundation emphasizes long-term community needs, supporting initiatives in education, human welfare, civic affairs, and the arts. Its commitment includes funding general operating support for nonprofits, ensuring they can measure program effectiveness and foster self-sufficiency.

The Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) offers a Partnership Grant Program aimed at enhancing workforce training and development in high-demand sectors. Grants of up to $400,000 are available for accredited educational institutions partnering with businesses to create tailored training programs. These funds can cover essential training costs, ensuring that Minnesota's workforce remains competitive and skilled. The initiative aims to foster collaboration between businesses and educational entities, addressing the state's evolving workforce needs effectively.

The Rupert Dunklau Foundation Grant supports organizations with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on Lutheran Higher Education, Health and Human Care, and Faith Strengthening. Since its establishment in 1968, the foundation has aimed to provide financial resources to ministries within the Lutheran tradition, particularly in Nebraska and surrounding states. Eligible projects must align with the foundation's mission to promote the welfare of mankind through educational and health initiatives.

The Ciresi Walburn Foundation supports innovative educational initiatives in Minnesota, focusing on eliminating inequities for children and youth. They partner with K-12 schools and nonprofits to enhance educational opportunities, emphasizing early learning, parent engagement, and diverse educator recruitment. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster equitable access to quality education while strategically investing in transformative ideas. However, past funding does not guarantee future support, and technology expenses are only considered if ancillary to broader proposals.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

The Otter Tail Corporation Foundation Grant Program focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations in communities across Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Priorities include early childhood education, health services for families in need, community development, and environmental sustainability. While the 2025 budget is fully allocated, they encourage applications for 2026, emphasizing collaborative projects that create measurable impacts.

The Joyce Foundation's Education & Economic Mobility Grants aim to close income and race disparities in college and career success. The foundation prioritizes equitable access to high-quality education, supporting policies for effective educators, high school graduation, and affordable college credentials. Focused on racial equity and economic mobility, it addresses the needs of historically underserved young people in the Great Lakes region and invests in research, policy development, and advocacy to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minnesota Pediatric Mental Health Access Program aims to enhance the capacity of pediatric primary care providers by promoting consultation, training, and support to meet children's mental health needs. The initiative focuses on improving the Psychiatric Assistance Line, increasing screening capacities, and coordinating centralized resources to ensure trauma-responsive care. Targeting community-based organizations, government agencies, and healthcare institutions, the program strives to foster collaborative leadership and culturally relevant mental health responses.

The Minnesota Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides essential technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses, fostering startup growth and economic development. As a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration and various local stakeholders, the SBDC offers no-cost consultations and educational resources to ensure businesses can secure necessary funding and thrive. This network emphasizes collaboration with higher education institutions to enhance service delivery and support diverse business needs across Minnesota.

The Season/Series Arts Support Grant is designed to assist arts organizations in Minnesota's Beltrami, Hubbard, Clearwater, Lake of the Woods, and Mahnomen counties. It allows for a single application to fund multiple arts activities, aiming to save time and resources for nonprofits. Eligible proposals include public arts projects, educational performances, and community engagement initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to expanding arts programming and removing barriers to access.

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 Central Minnesota Women's Fund, established in 2002, aims to empower women and girls within a 30-mile radius of St. Cloud. By collaborating with local nonprofits, the Fund focuses on enhancing self-esteem, educational opportunities, and economic independence for women of all ages. It prioritizes initiatives that support diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the resources they need for a better quality of life.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

 What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually. Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.

• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
• Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

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 Inga M. Johnson Endowment Fund Grant, supported by West Central Initiative, aims to enhance the quality of life in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. This grant is intended for nonprofit organizations, schools, or government units that promote educational, charitable, scientific, literary, and religious projects. The fund reflects Inga Johnson's community spirit and philanthropic legacy, emphasizing neighborliness, generosity, and empowerment to foster collective action and sustainable growth in the region.

The R2AC Arts Access Grant provides funding for high-quality arts activities aimed at enhancing community engagement and accessibility. This grant encourages organizations to reach wider audiences by offering new or expanded arts programming, ensuring that activities are accessible to the public. Eligible applicants include arts organizations, schools, and local governments within designated counties. Projects must begin within a year and may not exceed two grant awards per organization annually.

The ARAC Art Project Grant offers up to $5,000 for arts activities that benefit local communities in Minnesota. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, colleges, schools, and tribal governments that have operated for at least one year. Projects should engage the public and occur within specified counties. Funds can support various arts initiatives, including performances, exhibitions, and workshops, but cannot be used for general operating costs or activities primarily for private benefit.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is inviting proposals for the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Program, aimed at enhancing agricultural practices and environmental health. With a funding opportunity of up to $1,200,000, eligible applicants can include farmers, research institutions, and non-profits. The program focuses on research related to fertilizer application, soil amendments, and best management practices to safeguard water quality. This initiative supports innovative projects that align with updated legislative priorities for the 2024 cropping season.

The George Family Foundation's Authentic Leadership Grants aim to foster transformative leadership by supporting organizations that align with their mission. The foundation focuses on developing authentic leaders who demonstrate integrity and commitment to social change. They prioritize funding for programs that encourage leadership development across diverse sectors and ensure equitable access to opportunities in higher education, particularly in Minnesota and select areas. Their approach is rooted in building compassionate communities and addressing systemic challenges.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The C.H. Robinson Foundation's Twin Cities Grants Program, established in 2005, focuses on enhancing local communities through grants that support basic needs such as hunger, shelter, education, and workforce development. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The program prioritizes initiatives that address food insecurity, provide housing solutions, and improve educational opportunities, ultimately aiming to foster a stronger, more resilient community.

The Small Communities Grant Program by the Blandin Foundation aims to empower Minnesota's smallest, most diverse, and economically challenged communities by providing essential funding for projects that enhance community well-being. By fostering collaboration and trust among residents, the program seeks to drive meaningful economic, social, and physical changes. Grant awards typically range from $25,000 to $150,000, with a focus on sustainable initiatives that build local capacity and pride.

The Blandin Foundation's Community Wealth Building Grants aim to empower rural communities in Minnesota by addressing economic disparities and fostering sustainable growth. Targeting low-income, diverse populations, the grants focus on collaborative projects that enhance affordable housing, promote local businesses, and improve access to resources. With funding ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the foundation seeks innovative solutions to strengthen community ties and support marginalized populations, ensuring a robust future for rural Minnesota.

Teacher Mentorship and Retention Grant (TMRG) – FY27 – State Funds

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to Minnesota School Districts, Tribally Controlled Schools, Charter Schools, Cooperative Units, and Coalition of Teachers for the purpose of developing, sustaining, and expanding mentorship programs in order to increase retention and effectiveness of teachers in their first three years of teaching, especially teachers from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.

Total amount available:

• $3,395,000

The Rural Business Development Grants in Minnesota aim to provide essential technical assistance and training for small rural businesses with fewer than 50 new workers and under $1 million in gross revenue. Funding is available for projects benefiting rural areas, focusing on enhancing economic development, offering training, and supporting community initiatives. With no maximum grant amount, priority is given to smaller funding requests, encouraging innovative projects that uplift rural economies.