Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The NIHCM Foundation's Television and Audio Journalism Award honors outstanding television and audio reporting that contributes to enhancing the affordability, accessibility, and quality of healthcare in the U.S. With a prize of $20,000, the award seeks entries that showcase creativity and originality while providing new insights relevant to health plans, policymakers, and consumers. Eligible entries include stories broadcasted in 2025, focusing on critical healthcare issues.

The BIE Professional Development Funding for STEM Educators and Students, offered by the Native Forward Scholars Fund, supports training opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for TCU faculty, staff, and students. This funding assists with costs related to professional development including continuing education, conferences, and certifications. Eligible applicants include educators at BIE-funded or controlled schools, as well as those at institutions with significant Native American populations, fostering increased representation and support for Native scholars.

The Pediatric Scientist Development Program (PSDP) supports early-career pediatricians committed to research. It emphasizes flexible research proposals, fostering scientific inquiry in pediatrics, particularly in areas like prematurity and health equity. Funded by March of Dimes and other organizations, the program aids scholars in gaining vital training and mentorship while contributing to advancing pediatric health outcomes. Applicants must have completed pediatric residency in the USA or Canada and demonstrate a strong commitment to medical research.

The NINDS Exploratory Clinical Trials for Small Business (R43/R44 Clinical Trial Required) grant supports small businesses in conducting innovative clinical trials relevant to neurological disorders. This funding opportunity encourages investigator-initiated projects evaluating drugs, devices, and therapies aligned with NINDS goals. Applications are accepted only from SBIR Phase II and Fast-Track applicants, with a submission deadline of 5:00 PM local time. Letters of Intent are encouraged 30 days prior to the full proposal deadline.

The Native Forward Scholars Fund Internship Assistance Program empowers Native students by providing financial support for internships in non-STEM fields. This initiative breaks down financial barriers, enabling students to gain practical experience in areas like public policy, education, and cultural preservation. Through this program, students enhance their skills while contributing positively to their Tribal communities. The funding covers essential costs such as travel and living expenses, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial assistance.

The HEAL Initiative's Career Development Awards aim to empower early career researchers and clinicians in implementation science. By providing training and funding, this initiative seeks to address substance use prevention and treatment through research projects that align with the HHS Overdose Prevention Strategy. Focused on vital areas such as opioid prescribing, OUD treatment, and recovery support, the program aspires to cultivate a new generation of experts who will significantly impact addiction clinical practices and mentorship.

About Patient Advocate Foundation

Patient Advocate Foundation is the nation’s most comprehensive nonprofit dedicated to helping patients navigate, access, and afford the care they need—while improving the healthcare system for all.

Who we are and our impact

Patient Advocate Foundation provides financial assistance to help patients afford treatment and cost of living needs, personalized case management to navigate complex healthcare and social needs challenges, and a wide array of resources to empower people to take charge of their health. Since our founding in 1996—and joining forces with the PAN Foundation in 2026—we have helped 3.8 million patients navigate and access care, granted over $7 billion in financial assistance, served 350,000 people through personalized case management and elevated the patient’s voice to drive improvements in the healthcare system.

Eosinophilic esophagitis

Help with healthcare costs for eosinophilic esophagitis

This TotalAssist fund helps you pay for out-of-pocket healthcare costs, including medication copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, health insurance premiums, and other expenses.

About the disease

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a disorder of the esophagus and is increasingly recognized as a major cause of swallowing difficulties in children and adults. It is a chronic disease of the immune system and can be triggered by a food allergy, acid reflux, or an airborne allergy. An allergic trigger causes the immune system to overact which causes many white blood cells, or eosinophils, to collect in the esophagus. This causes the esophagus to become inflamed and not contract properly. The esophagus can also narrow and develop rings or abscesses. This condition can become worse over time.

The AHRQ is inviting proposals for research focused on improving diagnostic safety in ambulatory care settings. This funding opportunity aims to understand the incidence and contributing factors of diagnostic errors that occur across various ambulatory care services. Proposals should address the complexities of diagnostic safety to enhance patient care and outcomes.

The SAF National Awards Program honors individuals in forestry for their innovative contributions to diversity and inclusion. Notably, the Cultural and Community Engagement Award recognizes SAF members who exemplify leadership in these areas. This award not only includes a $500 honorarium but also offers complimentary registration to the SAF convention and additional funds for travel. It highlights the importance of fostering an inclusive culture within the forestry profession.

The Partners in Arts Scholarship, administered by the East Texas Communities Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Smith County who have engaged in performing or visual arts and plan to pursue a related major in college. This scholarship highlights the importance of arts education and aims to empower students to achieve their academic goals. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the arts and meet specific criteria, ensuring that funding is awarded to deserving candidates.

The Juliette Low’s Amazing Girls Scholarship, established in 2011 by the East Texas Communities Foundation, is aimed at female graduating seniors from Smith County who have been active in Girl Scouts. This scholarship supports educational pursuits for students attending any college in the U.S. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum GPA of 3.00. The award amount is $1,000, and preference is given to recipients of the Girl Scout Gold Award. Reapplication is encouraged.

The Imagine Learning Foundation's Signature Grant Program aims to enhance the well-being of learners by supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) initiatives. By bridging classroom and community efforts, it fosters healthier environments for youth, families, and educators. The program prioritizes funding for organizations addressing critical issues like chronic absenteeism and housing insecurity. In 2024, the foundation will allocate over $400,000 to impactful projects, furthering its mission to cultivate supportive learning experiences both in and out of the classroom.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) invites applications for longitudinal cohort studies focusing on HIV and substance use. This initiative aims to foster multidisciplinary research addressing HIV-associated co-morbidities and substance use disorders. The program encourages collaboration with a NIDA-funded Coordinating Center to enhance research agendas that align with NIH-HIV priorities, ensuring impactful policy and practice outcomes in the field of HIV/AIDS and substance use.

Truist Foundation

The Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. The Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses.

Inspire Awards

This year’s Inspire Awards seeks nonprofits supporting the career navigation and workforce development needs of workers across the United States. The challenge seeks applications that help individuals gain the skills, guidance, and support needed to access quality jobs, advance in their careers, and build long-term stability in an evolving world of work.

2026 Truist Foundation Inspire Awards Challenge Question

How are nonprofits providing innovative direct services, training programs, and career navigation supports for adult workers in the age of AI?

Challenge Dimensions

Nonprofit organizations have long been critical advocates and service providers for workers in the United States. Nonprofits provide workers necessary upskilling opportunities, AI literacy training, career navigation support, and wraparound services in conjunction with career pathways programming. All necessary for the modern workforce. Meeting the moment, Truist Foundation and MIT Solve want to hear the ways in which nonprofits headquartered in the Truist operating footprint are providing innovative career pathway programming in the age of AI. Although solutions don’t need to focus on generative AI specifically, teams should demonstrate how their career pathways programming align with the following dimensions:

• Training and Upskilling Programs – Providing holistic, accessible programming that equips workers with essential skills, industry-validated credentials, and technical literacy for the modern workplace.
• AI Readiness and Literacy – Offering high-quality training that helps workers understand generative AI and agentic technologies as augmented intelligence tools, helping to build practical skills like effective prompting, domain expertise application, and ethical use.
• Additional Wraparound Services and Basic Needs Support – Supporting unemployed and underemployed workers on their journey to economic mobility through comprehensive, integrated resources including childcare, transportation support, mentorship, mental health services, benefits navigation, and more.
• Career Navigation in the AI Economy – Enabling workers to navigate career choices with clarity and confidence by providing accessible information about how AI is reshaping job roles and industries, facilitating informed decisions about high-quality career trajectories that align with individual circumstances, and connecting workers to industry-validated credentials or trainings.

Here are the grants for this challenge

• First place: $250,000
• Second place: $150,000
• Runners-up: $25,000
• Audience favorite: $75,000

The CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control invites research proposals aimed at reducing suicide and interpersonal violence among youth aged 10 to 24. This funding opportunity encourages the evaluation of pre-existing primary prevention strategies that have not yet been rigorously assessed. Proposed approaches may include community programs and policies designed to enhance social connectedness, mitigate harmful online behaviors, and address technology-facilitated interpersonal violence.

The Gospel Fest Music Arts Scholarship, established by Vicki Hill of WTLZ-FM, aims to support Saginaw County students pursuing degrees in Musical Arts. This initiative is part of a larger effort by the Saginaw Community Foundation to enhance local education through scholarships and grants. The annual Gospel Fest, attracting up to 2,000 attendees, serves as a vibrant community event promoting peace and cultural unity through music, showcasing both local and national talent.

The NBA Foundation Grants aim to empower Black youth by providing economic opportunities through skills training, mentorship, and career advancement programs. Established by all 30 NBA teams, the foundation focuses on organizations aligned with its mission, specifically those serving Black youth in NBA markets. Applications for 2024 grants are now open, with a review process taking 12-14 weeks. This initiative is crucial for promoting sustainable economic and racial justice in communities.

The Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies Program (Rural MOMS) aims to enhance access to maternity and obstetrics care in rural areas through collaborative networks. Funded by the US HHS: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), this initiative focuses on innovative strategies to improve healthcare delivery for mothers and infants in underserved regions, ensuring that quality care is accessible where it is needed most.

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation offers Social Support Grants aimed at improving the lives of individuals living with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These grants focus on reducing stigma through education and advocacy, fostering a compassionate environment. The foundation prioritizes organizations that provide tangible support and resources, ensuring a meaningful impact on mental health. By addressing the challenges faced by those with mental illness, the foundation strives to create a more inclusive society that recognizes and supports their needs.

The DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellowship (CSGF) supports U.S. citizens and permanent residents pursuing Ph.D. degrees in computational sciences. Established in 1991, it provides a $45,000 annual stipend, full tuition, and a $1,000 professional development allowance over a maximum of four years. The program encourages interdisciplinary research, offering fellows practical experience in DOE laboratories, enhancing their careers in high-performance computing and scientific research across various fields.

The Indigo Oak Fund, a Colorado-based private foundation, focuses on empowering women and children through various initiatives. By funding organizations that address issues such as domestic abuse, food insecurity, and gender equity, the Fund aims to improve lives and foster lifelong learning. Their mission emphasizes recognizing individual potential and ensuring equal opportunity for all, making a significant impact in communities across Colorado and the Bay Area.

The Dr. Alice M. Hudder- Richard T. Molder Post-Secondary Scholarship Fund, established by Richard Molder, supports Erie County high school seniors pursuing post-secondary education. In 2023, the Erie Community Foundation awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to deserving students. Two awards will be granted: one for students focusing on science, math, or business, and another for those studying art or music, emphasizing financial need and a strong work ethic.

The SAF National Awards Program recognizes exceptional student leaders in forestry. The Student Leadership Award honors an SAF student member demonstrating leadership skills at various levels. Recipients receive a $200 honorarium, complimentary convention registration, and up to $500 for travel expenses. Additionally, the recipient's faculty advisor and SAF Student Chapter benefit from $150 each. This award aims to encourage student engagement and excellence in sustainable forestry and resource management.

The Carl Alwin Schenck Award, presented by the Society of American Foresters, honors exemplary contributions in forestry education. This prestigious award recognizes individuals with at least ten years of professional experience who demonstrate outstanding teaching abilities and commitment to forestry. Awardees receive a $500 honorarium, complimentary registration for the SAF national convention, and up to $500 for travel expenses. This award underlines the importance of effective education in advancing sustainable forestry practices.

The PERF: Career Development Grants - CNS Shields Research Grant supports early-stage investigators in pediatric neurology research. Offered by the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation and the Child Neurology Society, this grant provides $150,000 over two years. Eligible applicants must be within 10 years of completing their terminal degree and have not received independent funding. The grant emphasizes clinical research, fostering advancements in the treatment of pediatric neurological conditions.

The Benton Telecommunications Foundation offers small grants under $2,000 to support initiatives in healthy living, basic human needs, educational development, and community improvement. The foundation emphasizes values, ethics, and character formation, aiming to make a positive impact on communities, particularly in Benton County, Minnesota. Applications are reviewed monthly, focusing on the potential benefits of proposed activities and the financial need of individuals affected by disasters.

The PERF: Career Development Grants - CNS Elterman Research Grant, established by the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation in partnership with the Child Neurology Society, supports early-stage investigators in pediatric neurology. Eligible candidates can receive $150,000 over two years to conduct clinical or basic science research. This initiative aims to foster the development of researchers focused on pediatric epilepsy and related conditions, enhancing the field through innovative studies and collaboration.