Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Minnesota

Community-based nonprofits, tribal governments, local governments, and educational institutions in Minnesota can seek funding for environmental and public health assessment and engagement projects in disadvantaged communities, with awards up to US $150,000. The Minneapolis Foundation supports public infrastructure-related efforts such as air, soil, and water quality monitoring, healthy homes, stormwater and green infrastructure, and disaster resilience across EPA Region 5.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Minnesota working on climate and energy systems change can apply for McKnight Foundation’s Midwest Climate and Energy grants to support operating or project work. Funding may benefit public infrastructure efforts such as clean energy grids, transit and mobility, building decarbonization, and other equitable, low-carbon community initiatives.

Accredited educational institutions in Minnesota partnering with in-state businesses can apply for Minnesota Job Skills Partnership grants of up to US $500,000 to design and deliver customized worker training. Funding covers training-related costs and educational infrastructure that support high-quality jobs, which may benefit organizations improving public-serving facilities and workforce capacity.

Minnesota public infrastructure and environmental policy organizations can access funding through the Joyce Foundation to advance climate solutions and Great Lakes and drinking water initiatives. Eligible national and environmental justice groups working in Minnesota on carbon-free power, clean drinking water, or Great Lakes protection may be supported, with an invite-based process and emphasis on impacted communities’ leadership.

Public and charter schools in Minnesota counties served by this program can apply for Project Lead The Way’s PLTW Computer Science New Program grants; awards US $20,000 for launching and expanding PLTW computer science courses. Funding covers participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs for two years.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

Public and charter schools in eligible Minnesota counties can access funding to launch new PLTW Engineering programs, including courses in the 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 school years. Minnesota schools serving at least 40% free and reduced-price lunch students may receive US $40,000 for PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training costs.

Public and charter middle schools in eligible Minnesota counties can receive US $20,000 to launch new PLTW Gateway STEM programs, covering fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training costs. Project Lead The Way and Burns & McDonnell support schools serving at least 40% free/reduced-price lunch students, which may strengthen future public infrastructure talent pipelines.

Public and charter middle schools in eligible Minnesota counties with at least 40% of students on free or reduced-price lunch can apply for Project Lead The Way’s PLTW Gateway expansion grants, offering US $10,000 to grow STEM programs. Funds may cover PLTW fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and teacher core training.

Minnesota public schools and charter schools offering PLTW Launch can access funding through Project Lead The Way to expand elementary STEM programs. Grants of US $5,000 may cover PLTW participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and teacher training for the 2027–2028 year in eligible high-need districts, which include multiple Minnesota counties on this list.

Focused on climate resilience and water infrastructure, small Minnesota communities under 10,000 residents can seek planning grants to address stormwater, wastewater, and community health impacts. Administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, this US $1,100,000 program supports vulnerability assessments and adaptation planning that may strengthen local public infrastructure and services statewide.

The Fluoridation Grant by the Minnesota Department of Health aims to enhance community water fluoridation, a pivotal public health measure recognized by the CDC. This initiative assists Public Water Systems in upgrading their infrastructure to align with federal and state standards, ensuring optimal fluoride levels of 0.7 mg/L. With a total funding of $29,000, the program is designed to support communities lacking resources for necessary improvements, ultimately promoting better oral health for all residents.

Minnesota local governments seeking support for public infrastructure, housing, or commercial rehabilitation projects can access funding through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Small Cities Development Program. Eligible non-entitlement cities, counties, and townships may receive US $600,000 - US $1,400,000 for housing rehabilitation, water and wastewater systems, and broader community development benefiting low- and moderate-income residents.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is offering $1.6 million in planning grants for climate resilience projects across Minnesota. These funds aim to help communities assess vulnerabilities related to stormwater management, wastewater systems, and public services in the face of climate change. This initiative supports local efforts to enhance resilience, reduce flood risks, and adapt to changing environmental conditions, ensuring healthier communities and sustainable natural resources.

Nonprofit and community-based organizing groups in Minnesota can seek funding to build democratic participation, narrative infrastructure, and long-term movement capacity across issues such as economic justice, climate, racial justice, immigration, Indigenous sovereignty, and LGBTQIA+ rights. Grants from the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation provide up to US $500,000, which may support civic and community infrastructure efforts connected to public infrastructure priorities.

The Biodiversity Fund Grant, offered by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to enhance biodiversity in the Duluth-Superior region. It supports projects focused on habitat restoration, species protection, and addressing climate change impacts. Eligible applicants include charitable organizations that serve specific counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. This initiative seeks to promote ecological health and engage local communities in conservation efforts, ensuring the preservation of vital ecosystems for future generations.

Grocery stores and small food retailers in Minnesota seeking to improve infrastructure and equipment for affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food access can apply for competitive grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $75,000. Minnesota Department of Agriculture supports equipment purchases and physical improvements that boost healthy food sales in underserved low- and moderate-income communities.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and Minnesota Section PGA members in Minnesota running established golf instruction or player development programs can apply for the George Waters Grant, which supports teaching, infrastructure, and special assistance needs. Programs serving junior golfers, disabled golfers, or Special Olympics athletes may benefit, including those offering accessible, community-oriented golf opportunities.

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.

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: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

Estimated Number of Awards: 5

Estimated Maximum Award in Budget Period 1: $1,900,000

Applicants may request up to the maximum award.

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: Hospitals

Estimated Number of Awards: 94

Estimated Maximum Award in Budget Period 1: $1,400,000

Applicants may request up to the maximum award.

MN Public Works - Broadband Infrastructure Grant

Broadband Infrastructure grants assist projects that help households and businesses reach the State of Minnesota broadband speed goal. 

Funding Availability

• Funded at $1,000,000 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.
• 1:1 match per project required.
• In-kind materials and/or labor are not eligible towards the project match.
• Consideration will be given to projects that leverage greater amounts of funding for a project from other sources.
• Architectural and engineering fees in excess of 10% of the total project costs are ineligible for reimbursement.
• Applications should be submitted within nine months of the project construction start date.

About Us

The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation was established in 1983 by visionary community leaders. We are a collection of hundreds of endowed funds established by individuals, families, private foundations, and businesses to enhance the quality of life in our region. Since our inception, we have distributed more than $40 million in grants and scholarships and currently administer over 360 different funds, each with its own charitable purpose. The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation promotes private giving for the public good.

Community Opportunity Fund

The Community Opportunity Fund is at the heart of our work at Boreal Waters Community Foundation. It’s how we connect generosity with possibility to support bold ideas, local leadership, and long-term solutions across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Each year, this fund helps nonprofits tackle critical challenges, strengthen communities, and ensure that everyone in our region can thrive.

A Grant Program Rooted in Community and Collective Generosity

As our region’s permanent civic endowment, the Community Opportunity Fund helps nonprofits and community groups respond to challenges, create solutions, and build a better future. In 2023, we restructured the fund to offer larger, more flexible grants—supporting not just programs, but long-term vision and systems change.

We focus on these interconnected areas:

Community Opportunity Fund: Resilience Grant Focus

Projects must enhance the ability of organizations, families, or communities to anticipate, adapt to, and recover from challenges, creating sustainable, long-term solutions that reduce risk and promote resilience.

Examples include:

• Leveraging partnerships and resources to implement scalable, lasting solutions that strengthen community resilience.
• Expanding access to knowledge, training, and tools that improve economic, social, or environmental stability for individuals and families.
• Developing community-driven solutions that address housing stability, food security, workforce resilience, or climate adaptation.
• Applying innovative or proven strategies that increase a community’s ability to prepare for and respond to systemic challenges (e.g., disaster preparedness, economic shifts, public health crises).

Community Opportunity Fund: Belonging Grant Focus 

Community Opportunity Fund: Opportunity Grant Focus

What We Fund

We support a wide range of community-driven, equity-centered work. Funding can be used for:

• Program or Project Support: To launch, expand, or sustain work in Opportunity, Resilience, or Belonging
• General Operating Support: To build strength and stability
• Capacity Building: To grow organizational effectiveness or leadership
• Community-Led Solutions: Especially those involving lived experience and cross-sector collaboration
• Systems Change and Upstream Impact: Projects that address root causes—not just symptoms

Background

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

This RFP supports the planning and development of regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiatives. These initiatives will serve as a mechanism for regional collaboration to build effective community-based mental health services for children and adolescents across Minnesota. Based on the work of the Minnesota Adult Mental Health Initiatives, this activity brings counties and consortia of counties together to regionally coordinate mental health crisis services and support child and adolescent mental health. While Minnesota has a model of Adult Mental Health Initiatives, the needs of children and adolescents are different from those of adults, and this model should reflect these unique needs. Notably, this activity must be shaped for the needs of children and adolescents.

Minnesota organizations developing rural community telehealth access points can apply for US $50,000 - US $75,000 to create dedicated spaces for virtual health appointments. Focused on telehealth infrastructure, the Minnesota Department of Health supports TAPs in sites like schools, libraries, clinics, and Tribal facilities to expand health care access in rural communities.

The Four Cedars Environmental Fund, supported by the Boreal Waters Community Foundation, offers financial assistance for programs that protect and educate about the unique natural resources of the western Lake Superior watershed. Eligible applicants include charitable organizations and those serving specific counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. The fund aims to enrich local environmental initiatives through capital requests, start-up costs, and technical support, fostering sustainable practices within the community.

Nonprofits, public entities, Tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups in Minnesota’s Boreal Waters Community Foundation service area can apply for Boreal Waters Community Foundation’s Wirtanen Family Fund, with awards up to US $4,000 for social justice and community awareness projects. Funding may support anti-discrimination efforts, civic participation, cross-cultural understanding, and related public infrastructure for community engagement.