Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Minnesota

Prevent Sleep-Related Infant Deaths in Minnesota’s American Indian and Black/African American Populations RFP

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) seeks proposals to fund one organization with the capacity and expertise to create, manage, and support Community Action Teams (CATs) to implement culturally appropriate, data driven solutions to reduce sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUIDs) in Minnesota’s American Indian and Black/African American populations. The organization selected for this grant must be uniquely positioned to support the CATs in implementing community prioritized solutions to improve infant sleep safety that align with the American Academy of Pediatrics safe sleep recommendations. The awarded applicant must also be immediately ready, upon being notified about the award, to begin forming the CATs and executing other duties as contractually agreed upon. This RFP aligns with both state and national goals to reduce infant mortality by addressing SUIDs in communities that are disproportionately affected by sleep-related tragedies during infancy.

The source of funding for this grant opportunity is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services, through NU58DP007698. Funding is currently available for $134,000 from July 15, 2026, to Sept. 29, 2027. However, the grant may be extended for an additional year contingent on the availability of funds and the awarded applicant’s performance during the initial project period. Funding will be allocated through a competitive process.

Estimated Amount to Grant

• $134,000

Estimated Number of Awards

• 1

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is granting funding to enhance wildlife disease diagnostics at the National Wildlife Health Center. This initiative aims to strengthen parasitology services, which are crucial for monitoring and managing wildlife health. By improving early detection and surveillance of parasitic diseases, the project supports wildlife conservation, public safety, and ecological balance. This aligns with federal efforts to enhance resource stewardship and reduce regulatory burdens related to endangered species protections.

The AGRI Minnesota Value Added Grant Program supports value-added businesses by providing grants for equipment investments. Aimed at enhancing the production capacity and market access for Minnesota agricultural products, it prioritizes projects that improve food safety and increase hemp fiber production. Applicants must provide a cash match, covering 50% of the first $50,000 and 75% of any additional costs, with a maximum award of $150,000. This initiative fosters economic growth in the agricultural sector.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The External Collaborative Research (ECR) program by Boehringer Ingelheim invites academic and community scientists to propose collaborative studies aimed at protocol development and result publication. This program offers potential drug and financial support, excluding direct salary for the Principal Investigator. Budgets must represent fair market value and will be negotiated further. Research interests span therapeutic areas including Cardio-Renal-Metabolic, Mental Health, Dermatology, and Oncology, encouraging innovative solutions to unmet medical needs.

The MNDNR Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program offers competitive matching grants between $5,000 and $500,000 for projects that restore, protect, or enhance Minnesota's natural resources, including prairies, wetlands, and forests. Grants require a 10% match of non-state funds and are aimed at benefiting habitats for fish and wildlife. Projects must comply with specific statutory requirements, ensuring that funded activities directly contribute to habitat improvement.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offering the Noxious Weed and Invasive Plant Grant, aimed at counties, municipalities, Tribal nations, and weed management entities. Grants up to $150,000 will be awarded for on-the-ground weed management and equipment purchases. The program focuses on financial assistance for controlling priority noxious weeds, with preference for projects that integrate sustainable land management practices in vital ecosystems. Individual project awards range from $500 to $15,000.

The Postdoctoral Grant Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health aims to support the growth and professional development of postdoctoral trainees, fellows, and associates. With funding up to $20,000 for one year, recipients can engage in independent research projects, attend workshops, or cover open-access publication fees. This initiative enhances research capacity and promotes health equity in Wisconsin, addressing critical health challenges while fostering career advancement in the medical field.

STI and HIV Prevention Grant Program

The Minnesota Department of Health aims to identify organizations across the state to implement HIV prevention initiatives centered on HIV testing and PrEP. These programs are designed to reduce HIV transmission by prioritizing populations most affected by the epidemic, ensuring that available state funding achieves the greatest possible impact.

MDH is seeking applications through this RFP to support the development and implementation of innovative program activities that increase people’s knowledge of their HIV status, reduce HIV transmission, prevent new HIV infections, strengthen linkage to care, and improve viral suppression. 

Program Goals

MDH is seeking applications through this request for proposals (RFP) to support the development and implementation of innovative program activities that increase people’s knowledge of their HIV status, reduce HIV transmission, prevent new HIV infections, strengthen linkage to care and improve viral suppression. Collectively, these activities advance the goals of the National HIV/AIDS strategy for the United States (NHAS), Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative – (diagnose, treat, prevent and respond), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s high impact HIV prevention (HIP) approach, which emphasizes a comprehensive whole-person approach, and the legislatively mandated END HIV Minnesota (MN) initiative. The End HIV MN initiative aims to eliminate new HIV infections and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV in Minnesota, with a goal to reduce new HIV infections in Minnesota by at least 75% in 2035 by prioritizing communities most affected by HIV. 

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is inviting applications for its Lake Superior Coastal Program Annual Grants. These grants aim to protect and restore coastal resources while promoting sustainable development in Minnesota's coastal communities. Eligible projects may include community engagement, ecological preservation, and improved access to public coastal areas. This funding provides a vital opportunity for local organizations to address pressing coastal issues and enhance recreational and ecological values along Lake Superior.

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.

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 Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) Team Development and Implementation Grant by the Minnesota Department of Health aims to enhance the state's response to overdose fatalities. This initiative seeks to provide communities with resources, support, and guidance to effectively establish or improve their OFR processes. Collaboration among local public health and safety organizations is essential, and applicants must submit letters of support to demonstrate commitment. This funding aims to reduce overdose deaths and improve overall public health outcomes.

Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant

The intent of the Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant program is to support new farmers in Minnesota to access equipment and develop infrastructure that will be crucial to the future of their farm business.

Through this grant, beginning farmers are able to pay for:

• Agriculture-specific equipment needed to grow crops, raise livestock or store the related farm products
• Farm infrastructure investments related to water access; irrigation; fencing; electricity; walk-in coolers; livestock handling; grain storage; production-related structures such as barns, livestock buildings, and greenhouses; and other farm infrastructure.

Funds available

This program is funded by the Minnesota Legislature.

For the Fiscal Year 2026/2027 program, the MDA expects to award approximately $700,000 through a competitive review process. The maximum award is $10,000 and the minimum award is $1,000. 

For proposals requesting up to $2,000, no match is required, 100% of the costs can be reimbursed. For proposals requesting more than $2,000, grantees may be reimbursed up to 75% of their costs up to $10,000. See Request for Proposals for details.

We expect to award between 70 and 95 of grants; however, the final number depends on the size of the awards and will be determined through the proposal review process.

Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)

The MNRS originally began to provide a place for nurses to collaborate, and collaborate they did! Over time, the founding members began to realize the benefits of having an organization dedicated specifically to nursing research. With some careful attention and a lot of hard work, we have grown into the organization it is today. We're a society where scientists, innovators, and drivers of clinical practice across the career trajectory, come together to share ideas and grow our field through innovative research.

The mission of the MNRS is to generate knowledge, translate evidence into practice, and enhance careers through collaborative engagement, implementation, and dissemination among diverse scholars. Our Vision to be the premier society that advances science, fosters leadership, and drives dissemination to improve health equity for all people.

It is an honor to recognize the important contributions of our nursing colleagues. MNRS accepts nominations for our five very prestigious awards to selected members of the Society who have made significant and notable contributions to the field of nursing through research.

The Excellence in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award

The purpose of the Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award is to recognize the contribution of a member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and made significant contributions to advance equitable health outcomes and reduce health disparities through research, which has enhanced the science and practice of nursing in the MNRS region.  

The W R Berkley Corporation Charitable Grant Program supports local 501(c)(3) organizations in Central Iowa, SW Minnesota, and Eastern Nebraska. With a focus on health, community betterment, youth development, education, and food insecurity, grants are awarded twice a year. There are no limitations on request sizes, but only one grant per organization is accepted annually. Funding decisions prioritize organizations with a proven track record of efficiency and success in serving their communities.

The Indian Health Grant Program aims to provide essential clinical health services, including preventive, medical, dental, and mental health care, to American Indian individuals residing off reservations. Funded by the Minnesota Department of Health, up to $174,000 is available annually through a competitive process for a two-year project period from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026, with no match requirement necessary.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Karen Colina Wilson Foundation Grant supports programs for children, youth, and women, enhancing their health and well-being through education, art, literature, and music. Established in 2006, the foundation aims to make a positive difference in their lives, particularly in Southern and Western Wayne County, Michigan. Grants typically range from $500 to $10,000, often as matching funds, fostering broader fundraising efforts by local nonprofit organizations.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Russell Family Foundation Grant, established in 2007 in Duluth, Minnesota, supports charitable causes in the areas of arts, education, environment, health, human services, public benefit, and religion. This private foundation awards grants exclusively to organizations that qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, with a focus on those primarily located in Duluth. Their mission emphasizes fostering community welfare through diverse initiatives.

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Minnesota Department of Human Services

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Mission is driven by collaboration with community and partners – Counties, Tribes, non-profit and for-profit providers – supporting people to thrive in community and live their healthiest and fullest lives. The DHS Vision is that all people in Minnesota have what they need to thrive in community with no disparities.

Request for Proposals for a Grantee to provide integrated, culturally supportive perinatal care to pregnant Black/African American and American Indian Medical Assistance enrollees who are at high risk for adverse birth outcomes

Objective of RFP

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Health Improvement and Benefit Design Division, is soliciting proposals from qualified responders to provide integrated, culturally supportive perinatal care to pregnant Black/African American and or American Indian Medical Assistance enrollees who are at high risk for adverse birth outcomes. Services must be delivered through qualified integrated perinatal care collaboratives as defined in statutes. The anticipated contract term is two (2) years, from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. The State may extend the contract for up to an additional three (3) years in one-year increments, for a total contract term not to exceed five (5) years.

Funding will be distributed through a competitive review process that includes individuals with relevant subject matter expertise, and, when appropriate, community representatives with regional knowledge. If selected, Responder may only incur eligible expenditures when the contract is fully executed, and the grant has reached its effective date.

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

The Asia-Pacific region, home to over half the world's population, faces challenges due to its development goals, which strain natural resources, communities, and cultural heritage. These issues are exacerbated by adverse environmental changes. While research has shed light on these problems, it's clear that more challenges lie ahead. The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) is well-positioned to generate new knowledge and solutions for these evolving global change and sustainability issues by supporting collaborative research and scientific capacity development activities, particularly those aimed at training the next generation of early career professionals.

APN 2025 Call for Proposals: CRRP 

Through the competitive Collaborative Regional Research Programme (CRRP), we promote regional research that has potential to improve our understanding of global change and its implications while contributing to a sound scientific basis for policymaking in areas affected by global change. Under this pillar, APN supports collaborative research that contributes to the evolving science-policy arena, including the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, IPCC, IPBES, post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the UN Decade of Ocean Science as well as ongoing and new global change and sustainability research programmes.

Activities of interest under the CRRP Programme

APN promotes regional collaborative research that improves understanding of the physical, biological and human dimensions of change in the Earth system and advances actionable science that informs decision-making. APN accepts proposals that engage at least 3 member/approved countries in the region, and prioritise collaboratively designed, actionable research with non-academic stakeholders. Proposals must address one or more of the following activities:

• Collaborative research on global change and sustainability that particularly addresses GAPS, ANALYSIS, SYNTHESIS and ASSESSMENT work.
• Collaborative research that develops PATHWAYS and MECHANISMS to achieve sustainable development, and develop adaptation strategies.
• Collaborative PLACE-BASED INTEGRATIVE RESEARCH, particularly from developing countries.
• Collaborative research that is CO-DESIGNED to contribute to the Paris Agreeemnt, Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030), and the accumulation of scientific knowledge at IPCC, IPBES, etc.

The Drive for 5 Initiative - Job Placement Services Competitive Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), aims to enhance employment opportunities for adults facing barriers. This grant focuses on providing workforce development services, work-based learning, and job placement support in sectors such as technology, labor, and manufacturing. By addressing educational and economic disparities, the initiative seeks to foster long-term, family-sustaining employment for Minnesotans.

RHTP Project ECHO for Maternal and Behavioral Health

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created by H.R.1 (Section 71401 of Public Law 119-21) on July 4, 2025. It is a federal initiative to help states support rural communities in improving health care access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the health care delivery ecosystem. The RHTP focuses on promoting innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and workforce investment in rural communities. The federal program will grant up to $50 billion to states over five budget periods. 

This RFP seeks proposals from applicants to provide Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) on topics that include but are not limited to

• maternal health (inclusive of maternal mental health) and
• mental/behavioral health for primary care audiences.

Project ECHOs are virtual, case-based learning and mentorship programs provided by organization(s) to build the skills and confidence of rural physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician associates who often serve as the main access point for maternal health and behavioral health care in rural communities.

Applicants are expected to provide 12–24 one-hour long sessions (minimum of one time per month) in at least one of the topic areas. Applicants are welcome to apply to provide both mental health and maternal health series.

Project ECHOs should focus on:

• Providing education and networking for participating rural clinicians and their care teams.
• Providing an open participation model.
• Sharing responsive knowledge that is adaptable to rural community and clinician needs in underserved and hard-to-reach patient populations.
• Maintaining a focus on case-based learning that is specific to rural populations. Participants will learn from expert-led didactic presentations and discuss their own patient cases to gain new skills and implement evidence-based recommendations.