Best Higher Education Grants in Minnesota

The UMN Thielen Family Scholarship Fund provides renewable scholarships to part-time students at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, who demonstrate financial need and are employed. Created by J. Peter and Jan Thielen, this fund recognizes the vital role of higher education for career advancement. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, have junior or senior status, and register for 1 to 11 credits during the fall and spring semesters.

The Gary & Mary Malmquist Scholarship, administered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, offers $20,000 ($5,000 annually for four years) to a graduating senior from Stillwater Area High School with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship prioritizes applicants demonstrating strong financial need and is aimed at supporting students attending public colleges in Minnesota or Wisconsin. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in local communities.

Alex Pretti Honor Scholarship

Up to $5,000

Students who are living the ideals lived by Alex Pretti and who are an MNA member or associate member or a child, grandchild or dependent of an active or retired MNA member in good standing are eligible to apply for the Alex Pretti Honor Scholarship.

The Gisle A. Johnson and Eva M. Johnson Education Fund, administered by Scholarship America, supports students from the Owatonna, MN School District. It aims to eliminate financial barriers for current high school seniors or graduates under 35. Eligible applicants can enroll in accredited colleges or vocational schools for the upcoming academic year. Scholarship America has awarded over $5.7 billion to millions, ensuring equitable access to education. This fund exemplifies their mission to empower students through financial support.

The Elam Baer and Janis Clay Epilepsy Scholarship, administered by Scholarship America, aims to eliminate financial barriers for students with epilepsy. This scholarship is open to residents of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, or Iowa, who are high school seniors or current college students. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to enroll in accredited institutions. The program reflects a commitment to accessibility and support for underrepresented students.

The MN AWWA Advanced Degree Scholarship offers up to three $3,500 scholarships annually to students enrolled in water-related Bachelor's or Graduate degree programs. Applicants must be juniors or seniors at accredited institutions and submit necessary documentation, including transcripts. The scholarship is awarded directly to the educational institution, and winners are recognized at the MN AWWA Annual Conference, typically held in Duluth, MN each September.

The MN AWWA Community College Scholarship offers up to two $2,000 awards annually to students enrolled in technical or community college programs that support the water industry. Applicants must have completed at least one semester in a water-related program and provide a current transcript. Preference is given to MN AWWA members and those involved in related activities. The scholarship will be awarded directly to the college, and winners are encouraged to attend the MN AWWA Annual Conference.

The Jennie-O Scholarships: Higher Education Scholarship offers a one-time payment of $1,000 to high school seniors who are children of Jennie-O team members or team members themselves. With up to 50 scholarships available, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including maintaining at least 10 credits per semester. This initiative aims to support the education of young individuals who will impact their communities positively in the future.

The Jennie-O Scholarships: Golden Excellence Scholarship offers $6,000 to graduating high school seniors who are children of full-time Jennie-O team members in the Supply Chain Operations Division. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 and plan to attend a U.S. four-year college. This scholarship aims to empower young individuals to pursue higher education and contribute positively to their communities. Apply now for an opportunity to secure your educational future.

The Kandiyohi County Farm Bureau Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, supports local high school seniors in Kandiyohi County pursuing education in agriculture-related fields. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and plan to enroll full-time in a U.S.-based college. Although Farm Bureau family membership is not required, preference will be given to members. This scholarship aims to empower future leaders in agriculture by providing essential financial support for their education.

The Miller Architects & Builders Industry Scholarship, initiated by CommunityGiving, supports high school seniors from Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne Counties pursuing careers in architecture, construction management, drafting/CAD, and related fields. This scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to students with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, enabling them to attend a two or four-year college in the U.S. It emphasizes the importance of education for the future leaders of our communities.

The Alan Peterson Agricultural Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, aims to support Minnesota residents pursuing agricultural studies at accredited universities. This scholarship respects natural resources, promotes innovation in agriculture, and encourages research while advocating for the agricultural sector at all levels. Eligible applicants must be entering their junior or senior year in a four-year college, with no GPA requirement. The program seeks to empower future leaders in agriculture and foster community engagement.

The Alice L. Schubert Medical Scholarship, provided by CommunityGiving, supports high school, college, and graduate students pursuing a career in the medical field. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and reside in specific Minnesota counties. This scholarship honors Alice Schubert, a dedicated community member who served during WWII and contributed significantly to her local community. It aims to empower future healthcare professionals by alleviating financial burdens while they pursue their education at accredited Minnesota institutions.

The St. Cloud Builders Exchange Legacy Scholarship Fund supports local students pursuing careers in construction trades. Established to honor the Builders Exchange, it aims to provide educational opportunities for high school seniors from Benton, Stearns, or Sherburne counties with a minimum GPA of 2.0. Eligible students can apply for full-time enrollment at St. Cloud State University or St. Cloud Technical and Community College, ensuring a brighter future for the building industry.

The L.B. Research and Education Foundation Grant Program supports U.S.-based nonprofits focusing on innovative education and health solutions for underserved populations. Eligible organizations can apply by submitting a 400-word concept paper, and selected applicants may receive funding ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. The Foundation prioritizes projects that foster critical thinking and creativity, address health disparities, and encourage collaboration. There are no application deadlines, promoting year-round engagement.

The Minnesota Chapter Peter Potvin Scholarship is available for full-time undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students enrolled in institutions within the Minnesota Chapter's geographic boundaries. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or be in the top 30% of their class, with additional criteria for program accreditation. This scholarship supports students pursuing degrees that prepare them for careers in the HVAC&R field, contributing to sustainable building practices.

The Sterbenz-Ryan Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports graduating seniors and non-traditional students facing financial hardship. It provides funding for any public college in Wisconsin or Minnesota, including technical, community, and universities, as well as Century College and Metropolitan State University. This initiative aims to empower students to achieve their educational goals by alleviating financial barriers and fostering academic success in the St. Croix Valley region.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of different scholarships for students in and around Kansas City.

Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants Scholarship Fund

The Kansas Association of Independent Crop Consultants created this scholarship fund to award to a qualified individual majoring in an agricultural field.

The Evelyn Lenander Education Scholarship, established in 1989, supports college students majoring in elementary education at Minnesota institutions. Funded by CommunityGiving, the scholarship honors Evelyn Lenander, a dedicated teacher who believed in nurturing future educators. Applicants must be Minnesota residents, enrolled in their 3rd or 4th year of college, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This initiative aims to empower local communities by investing in the next generation of educators.

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 University of Minnesota's Co-Sponsorship Grants Program offers funding up to $2,000 to support events that enhance training for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Eligible activities must align with the Graduate School's mission and be accessible to students across various colleges. Preference is given to initiatives demonstrating potential for sustainable impact. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted, so timely submission is crucial for consideration.

The Harold Leonard Memorial Fellowship in Film Study supports doctoral students at the University of Minnesota focusing on film history, criticism, theory, or aesthetics. Awardees receive a $25,000 stipend, tuition for up to 14 credits per semester, and health insurance for one year. Eligible candidates include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students who are PhD students in good standing, having completed at least one year of graduate studies.

The University of Minnesota offers the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellowship (IDF) for mid-career Ph.D. students engaged in interdisciplinary research. This fellowship provides a $25,000 stipend, tuition coverage for up to 14 credits per semester, and subsidized health insurance for one academic year. Eligible applicants must be Ph.D. students in good standing with a graduation term no earlier than Spring 2028. This fellowship encourages collaboration across diverse fields, fostering innovative research and academic growth.

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 UMN Graduate School offers Research Travel Requests (RTR) for graduate students aiming to enhance their thesis or dissertation through research travel. Award amounts vary: up to $3,000 for doctoral candidates, $1,500 for pre-candidates, and $500 for master’s students. Applications are reviewed monthly from October to April, with a lottery system if demand exceeds funding. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a research-based graduate program and meet specific travel criteria.

The 3M Science & Technology Graduate Fellowship supports outstanding incoming PhD students in science and engineering at the University of Minnesota. This multi-year fellowship includes a $25,000 stipend in the first year, covering tuition for up to 14 credits per semester, and subsidized health insurance. In subsequent years, fellows receive an $8,000 stipend, which complements a 50% assistantship from their department. The program fosters diversity and innovation among scholars.

The UMN Graduate School offers Professional Development Funding to support graduate students engaged in opportunities that enhance their academic pursuits. Eligible activities include attending workshops, conferences, or learning new techniques. Funding amounts vary based on travel distance, with a maximum of $500 available. Applicants must be enrolled in research-based graduate programs and in good standing. This funding is available from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, with applications accepted monthly.