Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

About OJP

The Office of Justice Programs provides leadership and resources to reduce crime, improve the functioning of the criminal justice system and assist crime victims.

Crime victim services grants

Description of the program

Crime victim services are crucial, life-saving resources for victims and a key element of public safety. The Office of Justice Programs’ Crime Victim Services Grants Unit distributes approximately $60 million in state and federal funds annually to 170 agencies throughout Minnesota to provide direct advocacy services to victims of crime. Federal funding in the program includes Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and Family Violence Prevention and Service Act (FVPSA).

2027 Crime Victim Services

Request for proposals (RFP)

The purpose of this Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit applications for funding to provide direct services to crime victims in Minnesota. Funded grantees are expected to be a resource in their community and provide crime victim services as detailed in the Program Standards under which they are funded.

About OJP

The Office of Justice Programs provides leadership and resources to reduce crime, improve the functioning of the criminal justice system and assist crime victims.

Community Crime Intervention and Prevention Grant Program

Description of the program

Community Crime Intervention and Prevention (CCIP) funds community-based crime and violence prevention and intervention programs that provide direct services to community members.

This grant program funds a wide variety of community-based programs to address the factors that contribute to a community’s crime, delinquency, and disorder. Funded program focuses have included:

• Youth-focused
• Elder-focused
• Education
• Internship/Employment services
• Shelter services
• Housing
• Gun violence intervention
• Street outreach
• Truancy Intervention
• Probation services
• Legal services
• Advocacy
• Advocacy services
• Sexual exploitation
• Restorative practices
• Prevention
• Intervention

All programs are encouraged to be innovative, use best and emerging practices, and include substantial involvement by members of the community that is served by the program.

The Food Retail Improvement and Development Grant (FRIDG) Program by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture aims to enhance access to affordable, nutritious food in underserved communities. This program provides up to $50,000 in competitive grants for equipment purchases and facility improvements. Eligible projects include grocery stores and small food retailers, focusing on increasing the availability of culturally appropriate food. The initiative supports sustainable public-private partnerships to improve food access and consumption in low-income areas.

The AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program supports innovative research and demonstrations in sustainable agriculture. It prioritizes projects that enhance profitability, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Eligible projects include practices such as conservation tillage, integrated pest management, and energy-efficient farming. The program encourages participation from farmers and historically underserved communities, aiming to foster diverse agricultural practices and improve marketing opportunities while addressing conservation and profitability.

The Joyce Foundation's Democracy Grants aim to enhance participation and representation in the electoral process across the Great Lakes region. With a focus on combating voter suppression, gerrymandering, and disinformation, the Foundation supports policy changes that protect voting rights and ensure fair representation. Through public engagement and litigation, it seeks to empower communities of color and young voters, fostering a more equitable democracy for all residents.

The Medica Foundation Grant for MN Early Childhood Health supports early intervention programs aimed at the growth and development of children from birth to age 12. With a focus on health equity, the grant prioritizes proposals that serve marginalized communities, including BIPOC, immigrants, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Grants can be up to $100,000 and are awarded to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota. This initiative aims to improve healthcare access and quality through measurable outcomes.

The EDA Chicago FY 2016–FY 2019 Planning Program and Local Technical Assistance Program aims to enhance regional economic development through comprehensive planning and technical assistance. By supporting the development and implementation of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), EDA empowers designated organizations, including Indian Tribes, to create jobs and foster economic resilience in distressed areas. This initiative focuses on strategic investments to facilitate effective economic development practices, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity across regions.

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.

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.

MN Residential Redevelopment Grants

Residential Redevelopment grants assist with demolishing residential structures or full deconstruction of homes for reuse of materials. Projects must eliminate blight, improve property maintenance, promote health and safety, reduce waste or encourage economic development. 

Funding Availability

• Funded at $225,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund.
• The number of grants awarded is variable and dependent upon the amounts awarded to successful applicants.
• A maximum of $4 per building square foot, or 75% of demolition costs including basements, whichever is less.
• A maximum of up to $5,000 for deconstruction.
• Multi-organization collaboration is welcomed.

Minnesota Market Bucks Program

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requests proposals to administer the statewide Market Bucks Program.

The purpose of this request is to provide funding to one organization to administer the Market Bucks Program, which provides nutrition incentives to Minnesotans who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at Minnesota Farmers Markets.

Market Bucks increases the purchasing power of SNAP customers at farmers markets and mobile markets across Minnesota by offering a dollar-for-dollar match (up to $10 per visit) for SNAP purchases made using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. This initiative supports food access and local agriculture while aligning with the broader public health goal of improving nutrition for low-income individuals and families.

The National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

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.

The Minnesota State Arts Board offers the Arts Experiences Grant to support individuals and organizations in creating impactful arts programming for the community. Grants range from $5,000 to $35,000, with no cash match required. Eligible applicants include artists and arts organizations committed to enhancing public engagement in the arts. This pilot initiative aims to enrich the cultural landscape of Minnesota by providing diverse artistic opportunities that resonate with the community's values and experiences.

The Jeffris Heartland Fund Grant, provided by the Jeffris Family Foundation, supports significant historic preservation projects across several Midwestern states, including Iowa and Wisconsin. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, covering 50% of costs for Historic Structure Reports, requiring a dollar-for-dollar match. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and government agencies, focusing on projects with historical significance, architectural merit, and strong community ties. Applications are accepted anytime, with decisions made approximately 30 days after submission.

The Southeast Asian Economic Disparities Relief Competitive Grant aims to alleviate economic disparities within Southeast Asian communities by funding workforce recruitment, development, job creation, and capacity-building initiatives. Targeting individuals of Southeast Asian descent aged 18 and older, including Hmong, Lao, Vietnamese, and other groups, the grant seeks qualified proposals that enhance outreach and support smaller organizations in their efforts to serve these communities effectively.

The Bush Prize: Native Nations honors Native-led organizations committed to innovative solutions in their communities. Grants can reach up to $500,000, covering 25% of the organization’s previous fiscal year expenses. This annual award emphasizes collaboration and resourcefulness, supporting entities that are deeply valued in their communities and have proven success in addressing challenges. The program, a partnership with four community grant partners, aims to empower organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and 23 Native Nations.

The Dental Safety Net Grant, funded by the Minnesota Department of Health, aims to support dental providers serving uninsured patients under 21. Annually, up to $113,000 is allocated based on the number of uninsured patients treated. Each provider can receive between 2% and 30% of the total funding. Grants will be distributed over a three-year period, ensuring that financial assistance reaches those most in need.

The MHS Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Large Grants program, funded by the Legacy Amendment's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, supports projects that preserve Minnesota's history and culture. This competitive grant program, initiated in 2009, aims to enhance access to cultural resources and promote enduring historical projects. Eligible initiatives include history documentation, preservation planning, and education programs, contributing to the state's rich heritage while fostering public engagement and awareness.

The Good Relatives Collaborative Grants, funded by the Bush Foundation, aim to empower grassroots and Native-led organizations across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the 23 Native nations. This initiative provides responsive grants of $50,000 and $100,000 to support community leadership, healing, and cultural revitalization. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the program seeks to address the unique needs of Native communities while promoting accessible philanthropy and sustainable growth.

The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Employee Scholarship Grant provides financial support for HCBS provider organizations to fund employee scholarships and repay educational loans. This initiative aims to enhance workforce development in nursing and health care fields, enabling career advancement for employees within the HCBS sector. Eligible nonprofit and for-profit organizations can apply for these grants, facilitating improved service delivery and employee retention in this essential industry.

The FS Foundation Grant: Building for Better Belonging supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $5 million, aiming to enhance the lives of individuals with profound functional limitations. This funding opportunity encourages innovative projects that foster community engagement through access to adaptive resources, artistic creations, career training, and health initiatives. Grants of $50,000 to $100,000 are available to cover up to half of total project costs, ensuring collaboration with other funding sources to maximize impact.

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 MN State Arts Board's Cultural Expression Grant supports initiatives that celebrate, express, or explore culture through the arts. This program promotes both traditional and contemporary art forms, allowing funds for cultural festivals, performances, and apprenticeships. Eligible applicants can choose to apply for one of several programs, including Creative Individuals and Arts Education, fostering community engagement and preserving cultural heritage. This grant aims to enhance the vibrancy of cultural expressions in Minnesota.

The Skin Lightening Products Public Awareness and Education Grant aims to enhance public knowledge about the health risks linked to mercury-containing skin lightening products. These products, often imported illegally, pose serious health dangers. This grant encourages grantees to implement culturally relevant and community-based educational initiatives to inform the public and promote safer alternatives, thus fostering a healthier environment and informed consumer choices.

The Career & Technical Education (CTE) Impact Funding program aims to enhance career exploration for students in grades 5-12 across a diverse region. By fostering partnerships with local businesses and industries, the initiative supports the development of new CTE programs and pathways. It focuses on equipping students with essential technical skills, increasing awareness of CTE opportunities, and ensuring equitable access to career-connected learning experiences, ultimately preparing them for future success in their careers and higher education.