Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Minnesota

The Herbek Humanitarian Award honors a CAP member pathologist for significant contributions to the See, Test & Treat® program, which offers free cancer screenings to underserved women. Established in 2011, it commemorates Gene N. Herbek, MD, FCAP, who pioneered this initiative for Native Americans. Nominees must have led or significantly contributed to the program, with submissions due by May 3, 2024. Self-nominations or incomplete entries will not be accepted, ensuring high standards in recognition.

The Jonathan Sherman Spradling Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2023, honors the legacy of Jonathan Sherman Spradling, a dedicated New Mexico resident committed to education and community service. This scholarship provides financial assistance to high school seniors who demonstrate a strong commitment to volunteerism. With a focus on applicants from Valencia County, NM, the fund aims to support students pursuing higher education at accredited institutions while encouraging continued involvement in community service.

The R. Don Cowan Music & Performing Arts Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in music and performing arts, including musical theater and dance. Applicants must be graduating seniors or current college students from Smith County, with no specific financial need requirement. This scholarship is available for one year and allows recipients to major in any subject while continuing their performing arts education.

The Les Paul Foundation Grant supports innovative music education and medical research related to hearing loss. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based public charities under 501(c)(3) and avoid religious, political, labor, or business affiliations. The foundation prioritizes projects that enhance music production, performance, and STEM/STEAM initiatives, particularly those benefiting individuals in challenging situations. Proposals must detail how they will share Les Paul's legacy in their work.

The Teresa and David R. Schmidt, M.D. Scholarship Fund, managed by the San Antonio Area Foundation, supports high school seniors pursuing careers in the medical field. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain full-time enrollment at accredited institutions. This renewable scholarship assists with tuition, fees, and books for students from specific Texas counties, fostering community growth and educational opportunities in healthcare since 1964.

The James Ledwith Memorial Scholarship Fund, established in 2011 by the Albuquerque Community Foundation, supports high school graduates from the Albuquerque Metro Area who have faced extraordinary challenges. This scholarship awards up to $2,000 to those pursuing post-secondary education while demonstrating hope, faith, and courage. Applicants must submit letters of reference and a personal essay outlining their life dreams and challenges. One to two scholarships are awarded annually, promoting resilience and personal growth in the face of adversity.

The Retail Merchants Association of Tyler Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors planning to major in Business. Eligible students must be from specific Smith County high schools and demonstrate financial need through FASFA. This scholarship, amounting to $1,000, can be used for tuition, fees, and educational supplies. The unique application process matches students with scholarships, ensuring they apply only once and receive consideration for multiple opportunities.

Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

At Syndax, we are determined to realize a future in which people with cancer live longer and better than ever before. We believe that it takes a community to build a great medicine, and that is why we are working to set the new standard for developing medicines in the field of oncology – one that revolves around collaboration, shared learning, and excellence.

Syndax’s mission is to obtain regulatory approval and commercialize drugs that extend and improve the lives of cancer patients by drawing on the newest scientific research and advances, collaborating with determined problem solvers, and identifying value in overlooked aspects of science.

Educational Funding

At Syndax, we are committed to the goal of supporting objective, balanced and scientifically rigorous education that furthers improvements in science, medicine, and patient care. We accomplish this goal, in part, by providing grants for independent medical education (IME) programs. These can include live, online, and/or enduring programs that educate healthcare providers (HCPs), patients, or caregivers. Programs that are funded via Syndax medical education grants must be primarily dedicated, in both effort and time, to medical, health or scientific topics that are objective, balanced, unbiased, and scientifically rigorous. Medical education grants must never be made with the intent to directly or indirectly reward, influence or encourage the recipient to prescribe, purchase, sell or arrange for any Syndax product.

Danny Did Foundation

The Danny Did Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized in the state of Illinois and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization. 

Founded by Chicagoans Mike and Mariann Stanton in January 2010 after the death of their four-year-old son Danny, the Danny Did Foundation works toward its mission to prevent deaths caused by seizures with these main goals in mind: advancing public awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), enhancing SUDEP education and disclosure between medical professionals and families afflicted by seizures, and the mainstreaming of seizure detection and prediction devices that may assist in preventing seizure-related deaths.

Danny Did Foundation Hardship Grant

The Danny Did Foundation (“Foundation”) strives to assist individuals and families living with seizures. With an approved Request for Funding, the Foundation will provide monetary funding to the Grantee so they may gain access to a particular device or technology (“Device”) that the Grantee, in collaboration with the Grantee’s medical providers and professionals, independently deem appropriate. This money shall be defined as “Funds” and the spending of any Funds shall be at the sole discretion of the Grantee. The Foundation does not direct, limit, participate, or manage the decision-making or purchase of any specific Device.

While no Device has been proven to prevent epilepsy-related mortality (including SUDEP), the Danny Did Foundation is devoted to seeking out resources that may assist families living with epilepsy.

Hardship Grant: I am unable to make a purchase for the epilepsy related resource I seek therefore I am requesting a hardship grant. If I am approved for funding, I agree to provide a receipt for the resource I purchase to the Danny Did Foundation within 14 days of receiving the grant check, or I will return the funds to the Danny Did Foundation. 

Danny Did Foundation

The Danny Did Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation organized in the state of Illinois and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization. 

Founded by Chicagoans Mike and Mariann Stanton in January 2010 after the death of their four-year-old son Danny, the Danny Did Foundation works toward its mission to prevent deaths caused by seizures with these main goals in mind: advancing public awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), enhancing SUDEP education and disclosure between medical professionals and families afflicted by seizures, and the mainstreaming of seizure detection and prediction devices that may assist in preventing seizure-related deaths.

Danny Did Foundation Reimbursement Grant

The Danny Did Foundation (“Foundation”) strives to assist individuals and families living with seizures. With an approved Request for Funding, the Foundation will provide monetary funding to the Grantee so they may gain access to a particular device or technology (“Device”) that the Grantee, in collaboration with the Grantee’s medical providers and professionals, independently deem appropriate. This money shall be defined as “Funds” and the spending of any Funds shall be at the sole discretion of the Grantee. The Foundation does not direct, limit, participate, or manage the decision-making or purchase of any specific Device.

While no Device has been proven to prevent epilepsy-related mortality (including SUDEP), the Danny Did Foundation is devoted to seeking out resources that may assist families living with epilepsy.

Reimbursement Grant: Danny Did will consider partial reimbursement for device purchases made in the last 30 days. I have already purchased the epilepsy device. I am seeking reimbursement and will provide receipt of purchase to the Danny Did Foundation to be considered for funding.

The Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services (NANH) program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), aims to support Native American Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, and organizations serving Native Hawaiians. It focuses on preserving heritage and culture through educational services, workforce development, capacity building, community engagement, and effective collections stewardship. This initiative is crucial for sustaining the rich cultural heritage of Native communities.

The AHRQ Improving Diagnostic Safety in Ambulatory Care (R18) program invites proposals aimed at enhancing diagnostic safety within the diverse ambulatory care landscape. This funding initiative seeks to support the development, testing, and evaluation of interventions designed to improve diagnostic quality and safety, addressing the complexities of outpatient care. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, emphasizing the importance of timely submission.

Multiplex Platforms to Assess Indicators of Micronutrient Status, Inflammation and Infectious Disease

The Challenge

Although combined immunological measurement of several micronutrient biomarkers has been demonstrated, current methods still have important limitations. These include heterogeneity in the composition of standards and controls; inconsistent batch-to-batch performance of analyte-binding molecules; variable reactivity for some analytes, especially soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR); and a functional analytical range that is too narrow to cover the physiological values of some analytes, such as CRP. It would also be valuable to add bioindicators for vitamins B1, B2, B9 and B12, which may require binding molecules that recognize metabolites or proteins associated with deficiency, a specific vitamer (plasma methyl-tetrahydrofolate without reacting with folic acid), comparable reactivity across vitamers (several folate forms in red blood cells), or a specific carrier-protein form (holo-transcobalamin rather than apo-transcobalamin or haptocorrin for vitamin B12).

The improved assays must combine high analytical specificity, sensitivity and robustness with a functional analytical range matched to the physiological values expected in the target populations (women of reproductive age, including during pregnancy and lactation, preschool-age children and older adults). Assays must remain low-cost (no more than US$20 for all analytes measured in duplicate) and require very small sample volumes, preferably less than 10 µL of plasma or serum). The tests are intended for population surveillance rather than local clinical (point-of-care) use. They should be designed to run many samples in a single batch in a small number of national or regional reference laboratories. The goal is to reduce dependence on expensive, infrequent population surveys and on export of samples to specialized laboratories in high-income settings.

This challenge is structured around two alternatives, a minimum-scope approach and an optimistic-scope approach. Targets are aligned with the candidate Target Product Profile for this platform, and applicants will be held to the relevant performance, cost and instrument targets.

Multiplex Platforms to Assess Indicators of Micronutrient Status, Inflammation and Infectious Disease

The Challenge

Although combined immunological measurement of several micronutrient biomarkers has been demonstrated, current methods still have important limitations. These include heterogeneity in the composition of standards and controls; inconsistent batch-to-batch performance of analyte-binding molecules; variable reactivity for some analytes, especially soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR); and a functional analytical range that is too narrow to cover the physiological values of some analytes, such as CRP. It would also be valuable to add bioindicators for vitamins B1, B2, B9 and B12, which may require binding molecules that recognize metabolites or proteins associated with deficiency, a specific vitamer (plasma methyl-tetrahydrofolate without reacting with folic acid), comparable reactivity across vitamers (several folate forms in red blood cells), or a specific carrier-protein form (holo-transcobalamin rather than apo-transcobalamin or haptocorrin for vitamin B12).

The improved assays must combine high analytical specificity, sensitivity and robustness with a functional analytical range matched to the physiological values expected in the target populations (women of reproductive age, including during pregnancy and lactation, preschool-age children and older adults). Assays must remain low-cost (no more than US$20 for all analytes measured in duplicate) and require very small sample volumes, preferably less than 10 µL of plasma or serum). The tests are intended for population surveillance rather than local clinical (point-of-care) use. They should be designed to run many samples in a single batch in a small number of national or regional reference laboratories. The goal is to reduce dependence on expensive, infrequent population surveys and on export of samples to specialized laboratories in high-income settings.

This challenge is structured around two alternatives, a minimum-scope approach and an optimistic-scope approach. Targets are aligned with the candidate Target Product Profile for this platform, and applicants will be held to the relevant performance, cost and instrument targets.

The Ruth M. Cogan Foundation Trust Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports students from Stark County, Ohio pursuing college education in music. This fund aims to help graduating seniors or current college students who demonstrate a passion for music and embody the spiritual qualities exemplified by Ruth. Since 1963, the Foundation has evolved from a grantmaker to a community leader, transforming lives through philanthropy.

A. Wlock and E. Woodruff Scholarship

The A. Wlock and E. Woodruff Scholarship was created by Emilee Woodruff and Autumn Wlock’s family and the W2 Foundation in loving memory of Emilee and Autumn. Emilee and Autumn passed away in February 2020 when a fire destroyed their home. Emilee was diagnosed with epilepsy as a preteen. Autumn was Emilee’s first child and love of her life. Emilee was a great mother and Autumn was a happy baby. This scholarship is aimed to help students attend college that have been affected by a fire or who have been diagnosed with epilepsy.  

Ben & Rose Schwabenbauer Educational Scholarship

Established by Ben and Rose Schwabenbauer, former long-time teachers in the Olean City School District, this fund awards scholarships for graduating seniors from Olean High School, Otto-Eldred High School, Portville Central School or Bradford Area High School who will be attending a 4-year college with a preference for students majoring in education, particularly elementary education; criminal justice or a law enforcement-related field; or healthcare-related fields of study. 

The Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation offers six Master's Degree scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing advanced studies in Environmental Engineering or related fields. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a strong academic record with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be accepted into an accredited graduate program. This initiative aims to support future leaders in environmental engineering and science.

The Omdahl Conservation Fund, managed by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, invites applications for environmental projects in the Northwest Minnesota region. With a total funding of $50,000 and a maximum award of $25,000, the fund aims to support 501c3 nonprofits focused on preserving natural resources. This includes areas inhabited by Red Lake and White Earth Nations, covering 12 counties. Grant applicants will help foster sustainability and conservation efforts in the community.

The Substance Abuse Prevention, Treatment, and Aftercare program aims to combat substance abuse in American Indian and Alaska Native populations. It focuses on enhancing care coordination, expanding culturally competent behavioral health services, and implementing early intervention strategies for at-risk youth. By supporting Tribal and community-led initiatives, the program fosters collaboration among families, youth, and community partners to create effective prevention, treatment, and recovery solutions.

The Master's Degree Scholarship Program for Under-Represented Minority Students, offered by the Environmental Engineering and Science Foundation, provides three scholarships of $2,500 each. These scholarships aim to support students from diverse backgrounds who are pursuing a Master's Degree in Environmental Engineering or a related field. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must identify as part of specific under-represented groups.

The EMF EMRA Resident Research Grant, funded by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Foundation, aims to enhance research in emergency medicine by providing up to $10,000 for residents in accredited programs. This grant promotes the development of future researchers, improves patient care, and supports effective health policy through rigorous scientific inquiry. Eligible applicants must be ACGME-approved residents and secure a faculty preceptor's support, ensuring a robust educational experience in research methodologies.

Peer support services in Todd County aim to assist individuals recovering from substance use and mental health conditions, especially those transitioning from incarceration. With overdose rates significantly higher among released individuals, targeted recovery supports are vital. This initiative, funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, emphasizes the importance of daily peer support and specialized sessions to empower these individuals, helping them to set goals and build fulfilling lives.

The O'Jays Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports Stark County seniors graduating high school or residents with a GED pursuing higher education. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. This initiative reflects the Foundation's long-standing commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and addressing community challenges since its inception in 1963. The program aims to empower students to achieve their academic goals and improve their futures.

The Sundance Collab's Cultural Impact Residency, honoring Michael Latt, is a six-month online program supporting early-career, underrepresented storytellers focused on social impact. Running from March to August 2026, it offers mentorship, feedback sessions, and resources to eight selected fellows in screenwriting, directing, and documentary filmmaking. This opportunity is designed for works-in-progress, fostering a supportive creative community to inspire and develop impactful narratives.

The Big 33 Academic Scholarship Fund, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, offers financial assistance to Pennsylvania high school seniors planning to pursue higher education. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and demonstrate academic achievement, community service, and leadership. Since its inception in 1985, the fund has awarded over $3.9 million in scholarships, helping countless students achieve their academic goals and overcome obstacles.

The John D. Dixon and Louise A. Dixon Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of its namesakes by supporting graduating seniors from Cedar Cliff and Northern York High Schools. This scholarship aims to assist students with a minimum GPA of 2.5 who demonstrate financial need and a commitment to volunteerism or extracurricular activities. It is a one-time award intended to help students pursue higher education at colleges or technical schools.