Best Job Creation Grants in Minnesota

Grants for Brownfield Investigation

Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or underused properties where reuse is complicated by actual or suspected contamination. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has grant money from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) available to pay for assessment of contaminated properties to support redevelopment and reuse. The work is overseen by the MPCA Brownfield Program and performed by MPCA contractors at no cost to the recipients. 

Available funds

Typical funding requests range from $10,000 to 50,000 but any request is considered provided it meets eligibility requirements.

The MPCA has two sources of funding available from the U.S. EPA for environmental assessment of brownfield properties:

• approximately $90,000 per year, made possible by national brownfields legislation enacted in 2002
• $2 million for 2025 to 2030 from a competitive U.S. EPA Brownfields Assessment grant for States & Tribes

The Development Partnership Grants, offered by the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, fund initiatives aimed at fostering long-term economic growth in northeastern Minnesota. Applications are open from July 1, 2025, until May 29, 2026, or until funds are allocated. These grants support research, planning, and education projects that align with community development goals, helping to strengthen the region's economy and enhance local resources.

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.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

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 Southeast Asian Economic Disparities Relief Competitive Grant aims to alleviate economic disparities within Southeast Asian communities by funding workforce recruitment, development, job creation, and capacity-building initiatives. Targeting individuals of Southeast Asian descent aged 18 and older, including Hmong, Lao, Vietnamese, and other groups, the grant seeks qualified proposals that enhance outreach and support smaller organizations in their efforts to serve these communities effectively.

The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) Board, through the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), invites grant applications for training programs aimed at new and incumbent workers. The Partnership and Pathways Programs focus on developing cooperative training projects that cater to business needs and support individuals in need, particularly those below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. This initiative aims to strengthen Minnesota's workforce and economy.

The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership, managed by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), offers pre-development grants to support planning for large-scale training projects. Aimed at enhancing workforce skills in high-demand sectors, these grants provide up to $50,000 for institutions to expand their training capacity. This initiative encourages collaboration between businesses and educational entities to address skill gaps and improve job opportunities across Minnesota.

The Huntington Impact Investment Philanthropy Grant Program aims to strengthen communities by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance self-sufficiency and social equality. With a focus on areas such as community revitalization, affordable housing, and economic development, the program prioritizes initiatives that serve low- and moderate-income individuals. Organizations with IRS tax-exempt status can apply for funding to address critical community needs, fostering a more equitable environment for all.

The MPPEP Phase 3 program aims to enhance processing capabilities for invasive, wild-caught catfish, benefiting both processors and fishers. By increasing processing capacity and volume, the initiative seeks to create fair wages and stable job opportunities, fostering economic growth in rural areas. This grant will support innovative strategies that ensure sustainable practices and elevate incomes within the community, thus contributing to the overall development of the meat and poultry sector.

The Community Development Block Grant Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages aims to foster viable communities by providing funding for decent housing, suitable living environments, and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals. Notably, the program also includes Imminent Threat Grants to address urgent public health or safety issues. These competitive grants are essential for enhancing community welfare and addressing immediate challenges faced by tribal residents.

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Opportunity

About RSVP

Established in 1971 and now one of the largest senior volunteer programs in the nation, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP engages people ages 55 and older in a diverse range of volunteer activities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers tutor children, help prepare simple taxes, assist victims of natural disasters, provide nutrition/food support, facilitate opioid and substance abuse education workshops, and serve in their communities in many other ways. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to a maximum of 40 hours per week. While serving, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers improve their own lives by staying active and civically engaged. 

Funding Priorities

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP programming is designed to meet community needs. Applicants may propose activities intended to address community needs by thoroughly explaining the unmet need and activities to be completed by volunteers to address that need. In addition, AmeriCorps is interested in programming that addresses agency priorities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP priorities for this funding opportunity are:

• Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers: Provide respite, support groups, system navigation, care coordination, and resources for older adults, including custodial grandparents, and caregivers.
• Helping Older Adults Re-enter the Workforce: Offer job readiness, mentoring, training, and remove barriers to employment for older adults (volunteers provide services, not seek jobs).
• Building Strong Families: Support parents in helping children succeed, mentor parents, connect families to resources, and strengthen community partnerships.
• Preventing and Mitigating Fraud and Scams: Use digital navigators and other strategies to protect older adults from financial fraud and exploitation, including emerging AI-driven scams.
• Reducing Homelessness: Develop or renovate affordable housing, assist people experiencing homelessness in finding and maintaining permanent housing, and address housing needs for vulnerable populations.
• Supporting Behavioral Health Initiatives: Improve mental health, reduce isolation, prevent substance use, provide harm reduction tools (Naloxone, fentanyl test strips), peer support, and recovery services.

Award Funding Requirements

Applicants must construct the budget in the following manner. The federal share of the budget must not exceed $75,000 plus up to $350 for every unduplicated volunteer, whether or not they serve in an outcome-based work plan. 

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) was created in July 2003 with the merger of the former Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) and the Minnesota Department of Economic Security (MDES). DEED is the state's principal economic development agency. The Department's programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

Go MN! Service Provider Grant

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DEED-VRS) is requesting proposals from VRS Community Partners with a VRS Professional and Technical (P/T) contract to partner on VRS’s Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grant model demonstration project titled Go MN! and provide Progressive Employment services to individuals currently working in subminimum wage employment or who may be contemplating subminimum wage employment in our Apple Valley, Faribault/Owatonna, Rochester, Winona and Woodbury locations. This grant will provide funding to qualified responders to attend “Jobsville” team meetings twice per month as part of implementing the Progressive Employment model, as well as to attend Progressive Employment training and other related meetings and trainings. These funds will be provided to qualified responders to supplement the provision of work-based learning activities and employment services to participants of the Go MN! program.

Request For Proposal: Woodbury

The purpose of this grant is to provide services to adults currently working or contemplating work in subminimum wage employment and for youth who are considering subminimum wage employment to explore careers with businesses in the Woodbury service area. This grant will be limited to working with individuals in the pilot area and the Go MN! project will help participants explore employment opportunities across different industries.

Up to 3 qualified responders are eligible for up to $10,000 for up to 2 staff members per responder who would work under this grant at $5,000 per staff member. 

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) was created in July 2003 with the merger of the former Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) and the Minnesota Department of Economic Security (MDES). DEED is the state's principal economic development agency. The Department's programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

Go MN! Service Provider Grant

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DEED-VRS) is requesting proposals from VRS Community Partners with a VRS Professional and Technical (P/T) contract to partner on VRS’s Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grant model demonstration project titled Go MN! and provide Progressive Employment services to individuals currently working in subminimum wage employment or who may be contemplating subminimum wage employment in our Apple Valley, Faribault/Owatonna, Rochester, Winona and Woodbury locations. This grant will provide funding to qualified responders to attend “Jobsville” team meetings twice per month as part of implementing the Progressive Employment model, as well as to attend Progressive Employment training and other related meetings and trainings. These funds will be provided to qualified responders to supplement the provision of work-based learning activities and employment services to participants of the Go MN! program.

Request For Proposal: Winona

The purpose of this grant is to provide services to adults currently working or contemplating work in subminimum wage employment and for youth who are considering subminimum wage employment to explore careers with businesses in the Winona service area. This grant will be limited to working with individuals in the pilot area and the Go MN! project will help participants explore employment opportunities across different industries.

Up to 3 qualified responders are eligible for up to $10,000 for up to 2 staff members per responder who would work under this grant at $5,000 per staff member. 

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) was created in July 2003 with the merger of the former Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) and the Minnesota Department of Economic Security (MDES). DEED is the state's principal economic development agency. The Department's programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

Go MN! Service Provider Grant

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DEED-VRS) is requesting proposals from VRS Community Partners with a VRS Professional and Technical (P/T) contract to partner on VRS’s Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grant model demonstration project titled Go MN! and provide Progressive Employment services to individuals currently working in subminimum wage employment or who may be contemplating subminimum wage employment in our Apple Valley, Faribault/Owatonna, Rochester, Winona and Woodbury locations. This grant will provide funding to qualified responders to attend “Jobsville” team meetings twice per month as part of implementing the Progressive Employment model, as well as to attend Progressive Employment training and other related meetings and trainings. These funds will be provided to qualified responders to supplement the provision of work-based learning activities and employment services to participants of the Go MN! program.

Request For Proposal: Rochester

The purpose of this grant is to provide services to adults currently working or contemplating work in subminimum wage employment and for youth who are considering subminimum wage employment to explore careers with businesses in the Rochester service area. This grant will be limited to working with individuals in the pilot area and the Go MN! project will help participants explore employment opportunities across different industries.

Up to 3 qualified responders are eligible for up to $10,000 for up to 2 staff members per responder who would work under this grant at $5,000 per staff member. 

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) was created in July 2003 with the merger of the former Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) and the Minnesota Department of Economic Security (MDES). DEED is the state's principal economic development agency. The Department's programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

Go MN! Service Provider Grant

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DEED-VRS) is requesting proposals from VRS Community Partners with a VRS Professional and Technical (P/T) contract to partner on VRS’s Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grant model demonstration project titled Go MN! and provide Progressive Employment services to individuals currently working in subminimum wage employment or who may be contemplating subminimum wage employment in our Apple Valley, Faribault/Owatonna, Rochester, Winona and Woodbury locations. This grant will provide funding to qualified responders to attend “Jobsville” team meetings twice per month as part of implementing the Progressive Employment model, as well as to attend Progressive Employment training and other related meetings and trainings. These funds will be provided to qualified responders to supplement the provision of work-based learning activities and employment services to participants of the Go MN! program.

Request For Proposal: Faribault/Owatonna

The purpose of this grant is to provide services to adults currently working or contemplating work in subminimum wage employment and for youth who are considering subminimum wage employment to explore careers with businesses in the Faribault/Owatonna service area. This grant will be limited to working with individuals in the pilot area and the Go MN! project will help participants explore employment opportunities across different industries.

Up to 3 qualified responders are eligible for up to $10,000 for up to 2 staff members per responder who would work under this grant at $5,000 per staff member. 

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) was created in July 2003 with the merger of the former Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) and the Minnesota Department of Economic Security (MDES). DEED is the state's principal economic development agency. The Department's programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

Go MN! Service Provider Grant

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development-Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DEED-VRS) is requesting proposals from VRS Community Partners with a VRS Professional and Technical (P/T) contract to partner on VRS’s Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grant model demonstration project titled Go MN! and provide Progressive Employment services to individuals currently working in subminimum wage employment or who may be contemplating subminimum wage employment in our Apple Valley, Faribault/Owatonna, Rochester, Winona and Woodbury locations. This grant will provide funding to qualified responders to attend “Jobsville” team meetings twice per month as part of implementing the Progressive Employment model, as well as to attend Progressive Employment training and other related meetings and trainings. These funds will be provided to qualified responders to supplement the provision of work-based learning activities and employment services to participants of the Go MN! program.

Request For Proposal: Apple Valley

The purpose of this grant is to provide services to adults currently working or contemplating work in subminimum wage employment and for youth who are considering subminimum wage employment to explore careers with businesses in the Apple Valley service area. This grant will be limited to working with individuals in the pilot area and the Go MN! project will help participants explore employment opportunities across different industries.

Up to 3 qualified responders are eligible for up to $10,000 for up to 2 staff members per responder who would work under this grant at $5,000 per staff member. 

The Municipal Workforce Learning Lab, initiated by the National League of Cities in partnership with the American Institutes for Research, aims to tackle workforce challenges faced by city governments. The program seeks three cities to engage in an 8-month action planning process focused on recruiting, training, and retaining skilled workers. Participants will receive free coaching and technical assistance, helping them enhance their workforce policies and potentially serve as national models for effective local government employment strategies.

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.

NIFA requests applications for grants under the RCDG program for FY 2025 to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping nonprofit organizations who in turn provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas. This notice is being issued to allow applicants sufficient time to leverage financing and prepare and submit their applications. This notice identifies the goals and objectives, eligibility criteria, and application forms and instructions.

The purpose of the RCDG program is to enable nonprofit institutions to establish and operate centers for rural cooperative development (Center). The primary objective of the program is to improve the economic condition of rural areas by helping nonprofit organizations who in turn provide technical assistance to start, expand, or improve cooperatives and mutually owned businesses in rural areas.

The goals of a Center funded under this subsection shall be to facilitate the creation of jobs in rural areas through the development of new rural cooperatives, value added processing, and rural businesses.

The Family & Neighborhood Stability Grant by the McNeely Foundation aims to enhance the economic vitality and stability of youth and low-income families in East Side St. Paul. The foundation prioritizes organizations that provide financial literacy, supportive housing services, and employment training. It welcomes applications from tax-exempt non-profits and public agencies, focusing on programs that foster community development and individual empowerment. Grants are awarded primarily for program support, with a strong emphasis on data-driven strategies and community partnerships.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Grant supports the Armenian community in Armenia and the U.S., focusing on Monmouth and Ocean Counties, New Jersey. The Foundation prioritizes education, healthcare, arts, and youth development through grants to registered non-profits. Proposals should demonstrate sustainability and community impact, with favorable consideration given to projects that engage local stakeholders and foster collaboration. Applications are accepted year-round, with a maximum funding limit of $10,000 for operational expenses.

The Big Bets Fellowship: Economic Opportunity in the United States is a transformative 4-month program designed to empower emerging leaders to tackle economic challenges head-on. With a focus on innovative solutions for job creation, affordable housing, and equitable access to resources, the fellowship equips participants with essential skills and a supportive network. The initiative aims to drive systemic change and promote sustainable economic prosperity, addressing inequalities while fostering resilient communities across the nation.

The Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award, offered by the ADA Foundation, aims to support emerging leaders in oral health. This award grants $5,000 to individuals demonstrating commitment to enhancing access to dental education and employment opportunities. Eligible applicants include dental students, early-career dentists, and those under 40. Selection criteria focus on leadership potential and contributions to the profession, emphasizing community engagement and public health advancement. Visit ADAF.org for application details.

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 Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.