Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Minnesota

The Connie Celeste Sherman Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by family, supports students from Hampden County. Managed by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, the fund assists those enrolling in accredited U.S. post-secondary schools. Eligible applicants include undergraduates and graduates, with awards up to $3,000. Students should verify the potential impact on financial aid and can use scholarships for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses, while considering tax implications.

Rare Organic Acidemias Research (ROAR) Consortium Early Career Fellowship

The overall mission of the ROAR career enhancement core is to recruit and retain a cohort of physicians, physician-researchers, and other researchers with clinical research expertise in rare metabolic disorders, specifically organic acidemias.

 Annual funding of $50,000 (total cost, including indirect costs) is available to support a postdoctoral trainee or early career faculty member (within 5 years of residency or fellowship training as of proposed start date of either June 1, 2026 or October 1, 2026) for a one-year period. The ROAR Consortium intends to fund 1-2 awards this cycle with one award starting by June 1, 2026 and another starting by October 1, 2026. 

Trainees are expected to complete the following:

• Design and complete a clinical research project focusing on organic acidemias. This project can leverage existing projects within the ROAR consortium or can be a new project unrelated to existing projects in the consortium. Of note, funds cannot be used to support research projects involving animal models. 
• Meet monthly with their project mentor and periodically with the ROAR Career Enhancement Core leadership to discuss progress.
• Provide a progress report within 30 days of completing the program.
• Attend ROAR consortium activities including the monthly ROAR team calls and annual ROAR consortium in-person meeting.
• Present their project at the annual ROAR consortium in-person meeting or monthly ROAR team call.
• Acknowledge the ROAR consortium support on manuscripts published upon completion of the project.
• Trainees are expected to participate in the RDCRN Rare Disease Research Training Program.
• Trainees are encouraged to budget funds for travel to one conference relevant to the organic acidemia and/or rare disease community to present their work. 

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Linda K. Freeland Early Childhood Education Scholarship

For High school senior from Saline County, KS, with an intended major of early childhood education.

Applicant must submit an essay that states why they have chosen to major in early childhood education.

Renewals

• This award is not renewable.

The CIRI Foundation offers the Higher Education Scholarship to support Alaska Native students pursuing post-secondary education. Scholarships provide $200 per credit hour for undergraduates and $400 for graduates, with a maximum of $9,000 per year. Eligible applicants must be CIRI shareholders or descendants, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be enrolled in accredited institutions. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and promote cultural heritage.

Foundation

The Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation was established in 1991 by members of the Bureau County Farm Bureau. The mission of the Farm Bureau Foundation is “To carry out charitable, scientific, literary and educational work that benefits Bureau County farm families and agriculture.”

The Foundation supports agricultural programs aimed at:

• Scholarship
• Education
• Leadership
• Research

Bureau County High School Senior Agricultural Scholarship

To provide for persons studying agriculture and agriculture-related fields including but not limited to education, vet medicine, and leadership development.

The Player Foundation Grant, offered by the NFL Foundation, supports the charitable initiatives of current and former NFL players through their nonprofit organizations. Eligible applicants must be vested under the Bert Bell/Pete Rozelle NFL Retirement Plan and operate a tax-exempt organization. This grant does not guarantee funding and should not be relied upon in annual budgeting. Organizations must have been established for at least three years and be capable of functioning without NFL Foundation support.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Coach Russ Morrell Memorial Scholarship

To provide financial support in assisting aspiring South Dakota students in their efforts to achieve degrees from institutions of higher learning.

For high school athletes, coaches are a part of daily life, but it is a rare privilege when that daily interaction grows into mutual respect and admiration. Coach Russ Morrell inspired that type of relationship with young people over the 40 years he taught and coached in the communities of Irene, Burke, Bon Homme and Wagner. The scholarship’s goal is to assist South Dakota students in their efforts to earn degrees from post-secondary institutions. 

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

South Dakota Highway Superintendents Association

To provide financial support to charitable and nonprofit purposes at the recommendation of the donor.

The Excellence Annual Scholarship, offered by the CIRI Foundation, supports full-time undergraduate and graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.5. This merit-based scholarship recognizes academic excellence and community service, providing up to $10,000 for one academic year. Funding covers direct educational expenses and personal expenses, ensuring Alaska Native beneficiaries can pursue their educational and career aspirations while preserving their rich cultural heritage.

The EMF SAMFund Financial Assistance Grants support young adult cancer survivors facing financial hardships due to their diagnosis. With 80,000 young adults diagnosed with cancer each year in the U.S., these grants provide critical assistance for essential living expenses like rent, car payments, and education. By prioritizing applicants who demonstrate financial need and articulate how the grant will aid their recovery, the program aims to alleviate financial toxicity and empower survivors to move forward with their lives.

The Raven Fund Career Technical Education Scholarships, offered by the CIRI Foundation, aim to support CIRI voting shareholders pursuing technical skill training. With awards up to $9,000 per year, eligible applicants must be enrolled in recognized programs and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. The scholarships cover essential educational expenses, including tuition and fees, and also allow for personal expenses under certain conditions. This initiative fosters economic self-sufficiency and educational advancement among Alaska Native beneficiaries.

The Raven Fund Jump Start Award, established by the CIRI Foundation, provides scholarships of up to $2,000 per year for CIRI voting shareholders who are high school students. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a recognized post-secondary education program, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0. The funding covers direct educational costs such as tuition, books, and housing. The award allows for multiple applications within the year, encouraging ongoing educational pursuits.

South Dakota Community Foundation

As a statewide community foundation, we work with donors, nonprofits and community leaders to strengthen philanthropy in South Dakota every day.

Scholarships

At South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), we proudly manage more than 350 scholarship funds in partnership with generous donors who are committed to supporting students. These scholarships offer countless opportunities to help ease the financial burden of continuing their education.

Witzleben Scholarship

To provide financial support to high school graduate(s) residing on the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota and North Dakota

The Witzleben twins are proud to be descendants of people who lived on the land now known as the Standing Rock Reservation. Their father, Camillus Witzleben, was born in South Dakota to parents who both worked in education. He became a medical doctor and later taught at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. Camillus inherited land on the Standing Rock Reservation from his father, and he passed it on to his daughters, including the twins. Through the establishment of this scholarship, the sisters aim to support a resident of the Standing Rock Reservation in pursuing their education. This scholarship is a way to honor their ancestors and celebrate their own native heritage.

The Andy and Carol Hilger Pro-Life Scholarship, offered by CommunityGiving, supports high school seniors and college students from the St. Cloud Diocese area who advocate for pro-life causes. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and plan to enroll full-time in a two or four-year college. This scholarship reflects the Hilgers' commitment to empowering individuals and fostering community connections through education.

The Arthur A. Cater Scholarship, administered by CommunityGiving, aims to empower high school seniors pursuing full-time education at St. Cloud Technical and Community College. This scholarship supports students from various high schools in the region, emphasizing the importance of local philanthropy and community engagement. By fostering educational opportunities, it helps create a lasting impact on students' lives and encourages future generations to give back to their communities.

This funding opportunity aims to foster innovative mechanistic research on precision probiotic therapies, utilizing a phased R61/R33 award mechanism. The goal is to identify and understand individual variations influencing probiotic responses, thereby enhancing clinical outcomes. The R61 phase focuses on uncovering unique biological patterns over two years, while the R33 phase applies findings to improve probiotic responsiveness through rigorous studies. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to overcome barriers in personalized probiotic interventions.

The PFF Research Fund to Cure Pulmonary Fibrosis aims to support innovative research that enhances understanding and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. The PFF Scholars Program provides $100,000 over two years to early-stage researchers, encouraging them to pursue independent funding opportunities. Eligible applicants include post-doctoral trainees and early Assistant Professors committed to interstitial lung disease research. This initiative fosters mentorship and collaboration, ultimately advancing the field and improving patient care.

Greater Salina Community Foundation

Our mission is to build permanent endowment funds and meet charitable community needs. The Foundation achieves its mission by:

• Enabling donors to fulfill their charitable desires
• Increasing the capacity of nonprofit organizations to fulfill their individual missions
• Facilitating prudent management and care of funds
• Promoting community philanthropy through education
• Providing affiliate services to neighboring communities
• Meeting needs through grants, scholarships, and pass-through funds

Scholarship Program

The community foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships for students, provided by the generosity of local donors. Whether you are a high school senior, a current college student, or a non-traditional student we work with donors to help you take the next step in your education.

Marcella Dowling Oakes Art Scholarship

For students qualifying for graduation from a high school within the service area of GSCF or its affiliates with an intended major in an art field, including, but not limited to, visual arts, fine arts education, digital/graphic arts, architecture, or design.

 Applicants must submit a personal statement about how they will utilize their drawing skills to accomplish their future career goals.

Renewals

• This award is not renewable.

The Bernick Family Foundation Scholarship, provided by CommunityGiving, aims to support high school seniors in their pursuit of higher education. This scholarship recognizes well-rounded students from the Bernick Service Area who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better. With 10 scholarships available, each worth $2,000, the foundation seeks to inspire philanthropy and empower local communities through education. Applications are accepted online, and candidates must have or create a Scholarship Management System account to apply.

The First International Nutritionist/Dietitian (FIND) Fellowship supports foreign nationals pursuing postgraduate studies in the USA, with a clear plan to return to their home country. Offered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation, this fellowship is part of a broader awards program that recognizes achievements and provides stipends to dietetic professionals and students. Applications are accepted annually, with award numbers varying based on funding and investment activities.

The Raven Fund Scholarships, offered by the CIRI Foundation, support educational aspirations for CIRI voting shareholders who are not original shareholders or descendants. Award amounts include $200 per credit for full-time students, up to $3,000 per term, and similar support for part-time students. Funds cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and housing. Applicants must have a high school diploma, be enrolled in an accredited program, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify.

The Forensic Pathology Advanced Training Grant, supported by the College of American Pathologists Foundation, aims to address the physician shortage in pathology by providing CAP Junior Members with a four-week rotation at an ACGME Accredited Forensic Fellowship Training Program. This initiative offers hands-on experience, mentorship, and training in forensic pathology, while funding up to $5,000 for eligible expenses. The program is open to all CAP Junior Members in accredited US residency programs who have completed their first year.

The Medical Student Travel Award aims to support medical students interested in pathology by providing up to $1,200 for travel expenses to the CAP Annual Meeting in Las Vegas (October 3-6, 2026). This award facilitates valuable learning experiences through networking opportunities and insights into the pathology field, enhancing the awardees' understanding of residency training and the role of pathologists in healthcare.

The Flavorful Futures Scholarship, established by Talking Rain Beverage Company, offers a $5,000 award to high school seniors pursuing higher education. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a minimum GPA of 2.5, graduating between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026. This scholarship aims to support students who are passionate about contributing to their communities while pursuing vocational or academic programs.

The Equus Veterinary Research Fellowship, established by the Equus Foundation and The Foundation For The Horse, offers a $5,000 scholarship and a $500 travel stipend to support equine research. Open to graduates of AVMA-accredited veterinary schools nearing residency or doctoral completion, this fellowship encourages innovative research in horse health care. Applications are accepted from mid-July to August, promoting the advancement of equine veterinary practices and the training of future researchers.

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation/NASPGHAN IBD Young Investigator Award supports early-career researchers in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This three-year grant offers mentorship and funding up to $60,000 annually, plus additional support for research-related expenses. Eligible applicants must hold an MD or PhD, demonstrate relevant research experience, and commit at least 65% of their time to the project. The award also facilitates access to IBD Plexus resources, enhancing research capabilities in the field.

About YouthBridge

We are the bridge between donors, nonprofits and the potential of our region.

At YouthBridge Community Foundation, caring for the future of St. Louis is at the heart of everything we do. We help charitably-minded individuals, families and businesses support causes that serve children and their families in our region. We work with professional advisors to offer philanthropy planning to their clients. And above all, we are building the bridge to a stronger, more vibrant community.

Child Welfare Capacity Building Grant

The Child Welfare Capacity Building Grant will aid and support nonprofits whose primary mission is to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children by addressing child abuse and neglect through foster/adoption care, prevention, and treatment of child abuse.

This grant will provide resources for organizations to build strong staff and boards, plan for their futures, evaluate programs, improve finances, support critical indirect staff positions, and update technology so they can serve the community with a sense of confidence. Award amounts will generally be $10,000.

Guidelines

YouthBridge Community Foundation will award grants to child or youth serving nonprofit organizations that are located in and primarily serve the St. Louis metropolitan area.