Best Neuroscience Grants in Minnesota

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs, including those in Minnesota and neuroscience-related fields, may be eligible for support. Creag Foundation considers proposals from organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and are pioneering new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social issues.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through health, education, development, or welfare programs in Minnesota and beyond can seek up to US $15,000 for direct services and enrichment. The Dan Paul Foundation supports efforts such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, environmental education, refugee enrichment, and related workshops or scholarships, which may include neuroscience-focused initiatives.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Minnesota and other priority regions can seek up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building to scale solutions for underserved communities. Focused on bold, scalable social and environmental innovation, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation invites ventures that can integrate with existing systems and grow to reach tens of thousands of people.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Minnesota and worldwide can seek Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving mostly economically underserved communities, which may include neuroscience-related initiatives that build skills, resilience, or economic opportunity.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Minnesota can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, and K–12 and higher education programs.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Minnesota offering arts, culture, or science programming can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, with awards of More than US $100,000 for program, capital, or limited general support. Organizations incorporating arts or STEAM elements into neuroscience-related education or outreach may be eligible if they meet the national U.S. 501(c)(3) and size requirements.

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 Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on early childhood education or community economic development can receive support for programs serving low- and moderate-income children, families, and neighborhoods. PNC Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as early learning, workforce development, affordable housing, small business support, arts and culture, and neighborhood revitalization in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

Minnesota health and human services nonprofits serving marginalized communities can access funding through the Semnani Family Foundation to support health care access, disease prevention, and related social services. Organizations whose neuroscience or brain health work overlaps with areas like children’s health, women’s health, or medical education may be eligible within the foundation’s broader global and U.S. portfolio.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or inclusion can seek sponsorship support for programs and events. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and shelter, and strengthen economic and social vitality, which may benefit neuroscience-related community programs.

Early-career assistant professors running independent biomedical research labs at nominated institutions can apply for Pew Charitable Trusts’ Pew Biomedical Scholars awards, offering US $75,000 - US $300,000 for high-impact human health research. Minnesota neuroscience investigators at eligible institutions may be nominated through their campus’s limited-submission process to support creative basic, translational, or applied projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can seek large storytelling grants to showcase the impact of preservation, education, or wellness work in Minnesota. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds media and narrative projects that highlight efforts such as environmental conservation, mental health, early education, and historic preservation; wildlife conservation nonprofits may submit unsolicited applications.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Southern communities with medical assistance, health, or related humanitarian programs can seek support from the Robinson Foundation; eligible applicants must be active for over three years and request single-year funding. Minnesota neuroscience organizations working in this Southern region may be eligible if their programs address health or medical needs.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking support for community services or fundraising events may be eligible for philanthropic grants or event sponsorships, including those with neuroscience-related programming. Insperity supports charities that engage its employees, are Insperity clients, or serve communities where its employees live and work, with applications reviewed in about 45 days.

Minnesota neuroscience organizations and related 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek funding for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding projects. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides support to tax-exempt charitable organizations whose work may intersect neuroscience, such as programs addressing community well-being, environmental impacts on health, or peace-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Minnesota working on environmental or human services programs can apply for Lawrence Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support program or operating needs. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help Minnesota neuroscience-related organizations if their work fits these priorities and funding interests.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including those in Minnesota, can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs and facilities. Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports museums, cultural and performing arts, education and skills training, youth and senior services, disability programs, environmental and wildlife efforts, health clinics, and life skills or job readiness initiatives, which may include neuroscience-related services.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven programs. U.S.-based organizations focused on hunger, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, community development, or cultural enrichment may be eligible, with preference for communities near Ameriprise employee centers such as Minneapolis.

Minnesota nonprofits improving community health, economic stability, workforce readiness, or disaster relief can seek project, operating, or capital support from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations serving underserved and underrepresented people, including those offering mental health, basic needs, literacy, or job readiness programs, may be eligible if they operate where O’Reilly Auto Parts has a business presence.

Minnesota neuroscience and health-related nonprofits can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities serving Union Pacific–served Minnesota communities may receive US $5,000 - US $30,000 for direct services or capacity-building efforts prioritizing diverse and underrepresented populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota working on youth education, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs serving underserved young people and their families, including leadership development and community-based initiatives, may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations in Minnesota with strong, multi-sector community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors exemplary collaborative initiatives. U.S. nonprofits addressing significant social issues, including neuroscience-related community programs, may be recognized for impactful, replicable partnerships that improve lives and demonstrate innovative approaches to social challenges.

Nonprofit organizations working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s humanitarian and social services grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help Minnesota neuroscience organizations that address poverty, disability, or social exclusion as part of their work, as well as similar groups worldwide.