Best Mental Health Grants in Minnesota

Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies improving physical, mental, and social well-being can apply for US $2,500 - US $49,999 in core contribution grants to support community health initiatives, including in Minnesota. Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation’s Thriving Community Impact Fund backs programs addressing poverty, economic stability, and neighborhood environments within its 21-county Western Wisconsin, Southeast Minnesota, and Northeast Iowa service region.

Minnesota Department of Health

Mission: Protecting, maintaining and improving the health of all Minnesotans.

Vision: The vision of MDH is for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving and all people have what they need to be healthy.

Rural Health Transformation Program Funding 

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. Minnesota has outlined their initiatives online (learn more about Minnesota's Rural Health Transformation Program).

Grant recipients will select activities from broad RHTP initiatives designed to advance the overarching goals of improving health outcomes and access to care for rural Minnesotans, sustainably expanding the rural health care workforce, strengthening partnerships between providers to expand service delivery in rural communities, and stabilizing rural provider financial health through strategic investments. 

Entity Type: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) and Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs)

Estimated Number of Awards: 16

Estimated Maximum Award in Budget Period 1: $240,000

Applicants may request up to the maximum award.

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 Esther Tomljanovich Strategic Initiatives grant from the Medica Foundation supports transformative projects aimed at advancing health equity. With a funding capacity of up to $200,000 over two to three years, the initiative focuses on innovative proposals in healthcare workforce development, women's health, aging services, dental programs, and housing stability. Grantees are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes and foster collaboration within their communities, emphasizing the importance of addressing unique health needs.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public/government agencies, and Tribal Nations can seek funding for behavioral health programs addressing serious mental illness and substance use disorders. Grants from Medica Foundation help Minnesota mental health providers expand services, integrate physical and mental health care, and reduce health disparities, with awards up to US $200,000 over two years.

Minnesota mental health providers serving uninsured children and youth under 21 can access funding through the Minnesota Department of Health to support safety net mental health services in Minnesota. Awards up to US $394,000 are allocated annually over a three-year period, proportionally based on the number of uninsured young patients served, with no match required.

Minnesota organizations providing clinical and mental health services to American Indian people living off reservations can apply for funding to expand culturally informed care. Focused on preventive, medical, dental, and mental health services, the Minnesota Department of Health offers competitive grants of up to US $100,000 for projects running January 2025 through December 2026.

Support Innovation in Community Based Mental Health Services

DHS, though its Behavioral Health Administration, is seeking to innovate and improve accessibility and quality of community-based, outpatient mental health services and reduce the number of clients admitted to regional treatment centers and community behavioral health hospitals.

DHS is seeking to Support Innovation in Community Based Mental Health Services.

DHS, though its Behavioral Health Administration, is seeking to innovate and improve accessibility and quality of community-based, outpatient mental health services and reduce the number of clients admitted to regional treatment centers and community behavioral health hospitals.

The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be for two years, from January 1, 2027 until December 31, 2028. STATE may extend the contract up to a total of five (5) years, subject to the availability of funds and contract performance. 

Funding Availability

Approximately $2,225,000 is available to qualified grantees; $1,112,500 will be awarded to qualified grantees covering rural Minnesota and $1,112,500 will be awarded to qualified grantees covering metro Minnesota. An applicant may apply for, and the commissioner may award grants for two-year periods. The commissioner may reallocate underspending among grantees within the same grant period. The mental health innovation account is established under Minnesota Statutes, section 246.18 for ongoing funding.

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 Community Clinic Grant, funded by the Minnesota Department of Health, aims to enhance mental health services for all ages, improve oral health programs, and provide clinical services for at-risk youth up to 25 years old. This initiative emphasizes collaborative practice among dental hygienists in community settings to expand access to essential health services, thereby addressing critical healthcare needs in vulnerable populations. Funding is available for projects that meet these objectives.