Best Public Policy Grants in Minnesota

The McKnight Foundation's Midwest Climate and Energy Grant focuses on funding initiatives that address the climate crisis while promoting equity in the Midwest. The foundation supports projects that transform energy systems, decarbonize transportation and buildings, and enhance community resilience. It aims to engage diverse populations and foster innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance sustainable practices. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, governmental entities, and those in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, with an emphasis on collaborative, impactful projects.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The SEMAC: School Residency Grant supports artist residencies in K-12 public or non-religious private schools, providing students with direct arts experiences. This grant enhances artists' professional development through unique employment opportunities. Residencies last from one to five full school days and culminate in a public capstone event. Applications are due thirty days prior to the residency, and no matching funds are required, making this an accessible opportunity for artists in the southeastern Minnesota region.

The Coastal Program's Capacity Grants for Technology Upgrades support local and Tribal governments in Minnesota to enhance coastal management through technology. Grants up to $4,500 can be used for equipment, software, and training aimed at improving water quality, habitat restoration, and community resilience. Eligible applicants must match 10% of the funds. Priority will be given to rural or Tribal communities with limited funding, ensuring equitable access to resources for sustainable coastal development.

The Vibrant & Equitable Communities Grant by The McKnight Foundation aims to foster shared prosperity in Minnesota through strategies like economic mobility, community wealth building, fair housing, and democratic participation. This grant supports organizations that enhance employment opportunities for underrepresented communities, strengthen community-focused financial institutions, and promote equitable access to housing and civic engagement. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a focus on systemic improvements for individuals and communities.

The Gun Violence Prevention & Justice Reform Grant by The Joyce Foundation aims to create safer communities in the Great Lakes region. It focuses on reducing gun violence, addressing racial disparities in the justice system, and promoting violence intervention strategies. The foundation invites innovative proposals that support these goals, emphasizing research, policy advocacy, and community engagement to effectively address the challenges of gun violence and promote racial equity.

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 Joyce Foundation's Education & Economic Mobility Grants aim to close income and race disparities in college and career success. The foundation prioritizes equitable access to high-quality education, supporting policies for effective educators, high school graduation, and affordable college credentials. Focused on racial equity and economic mobility, it addresses the needs of historically underserved young people in the Great Lakes region and invests in research, policy development, and advocacy to help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Joyce Foundation's Environment Grants focus on addressing critical environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region, such as climate change and water safety. The foundation prioritizes equitable, carbon-free energy solutions and clean water access for all communities. Grants are awarded to organizations committed to environmental justice and innovation in climate policy, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, ensuring that the voices of affected communities guide project development.

The Needmor Fund for Social Justice aims to promote social justice by supporting community organizing efforts in the Midwest. With a focus on low- and moderate-income communities, BIPOC groups, and other marginalized populations, the fund provides grants for up to three years to organizations committed to long-term empowerment and advocacy. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive participation in democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping policies affecting their lives.

The Morgan Family Foundation offers Social Equity Grants to support innovative initiatives and projects that promote social equity in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Grants are primarily awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and may also support advocacy efforts and capacity building. The Foundation focuses on reducing disparities faced by marginalized communities, fostering collaboration, and enhancing community leadership, all while adhering to its mission of ensuring equitable outcomes for all individuals.

The Northland Foundation offers quarterly grants aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations in Northeast Minnesota and nearby Native nations. These grants provide flexible funding for general operations or specific programs that address community needs such as health, housing, and education. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and local governments. The foundation prioritizes projects that promote equity, community engagement, and sustainable impact, ensuring that resources reach underserved populations.

The Jerome Early Career Printmakers Residency at Highpoint Center for Printmaking offers emerging Minnesota printmakers a year-long opportunity to develop their artistic skills. Selected artists receive access to a state-of-the-art printshop, technical support, a $3,500 stipend, and the chance to exhibit their work. This program aims to support those with significant potential in their craft while emphasizing innovation and community engagement. Applications are encouraged from underrepresented artists in the field.

The Minnesota Department of Health seeks proposals to implement policies banning the sale of menthol and flavored tobacco products. This initiative aims to prevent youth initiation, encourage adult cessation, and promote health equity by addressing disparities in tobacco-related health issues. By increasing local and Tribal regulations, the project supports the goals of the CDC's Tobacco Control Program, which focuses on protecting public health and reducing tobacco use across Minnesota.

The Rapid Response Fund, managed by Headwaters Foundation for Justice, offers grants up to $25,000 to support emergent grassroots organizing in Minnesota. With eight funding cycles annually, the fund prioritizes urgent social justice initiatives and allows organizations to address unexpected legislative changes or community needs. Eligibility requires organizations to be legally incorporated and based in Minnesota, emphasizing work led by marginalized communities. This fund is crucial for timely responses to pressing social issues.

The Hallett Charitable Trusts aim to strengthen the Cuyuna Lakes Area through financial support to non-profit organizations. Established by E.W. and Jessie Hallett, these trusts have awarded an average of $1 million annually over the past three years. Grants focus on projects that align with the Trusts' mission and support tax-exempt organizations. Priority is given to local initiatives that promote equity, diversity, and inclusivity, ensuring a lasting impact on the community's educational, health, and cultural opportunities.

The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, established in 1994, aims to enhance the quality of life in the Greater Itasca Area through philanthropic efforts. Governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, the foundation awards grants to nonprofits addressing local needs across various sectors, including education and the arts. With over 30 years of experience, it connects generous donors with community needs, fostering collaboration and compassion to create lasting, positive change.

Minnesota Department of Transportation

In creating the Department of Transportation in 1976, the Legislature determined that MnDOT would be the principal agency to develop, implement, administer, consolidate and coordinate state transportation policies, plans and programs (Minn. Stat. Ch. 174).

MnDOT makes special efforts to consider the social, economic and environmental effects of its decisions and aggressively promotes the efficient use of energy resources for transportation purposes. It also maintains close working relationships with the many public and private individuals, groups and associations involved in transportation.

Greater Minnesota Transportation Alternatives Solicitation

The Transportation Alternatives Solicitation is a competitive grant opportunity for local communities and regional agencies to fund projects for pedestrian and bicycle facilities, historic preservation, Safe Routes to School and more. Minnesota will be soliciting projects for approximately $12.5 million in available grant funding across the state where the total is sub-targeted to the seven area transportation partnerships (ATPs).

Greater Minnesota applicants must submit a letter of intent describing the key components of their project. A regional representative will contact applicants to help review the project proposal and the steps necessary for delivering a federally funded project prior to local communities and regional agencies submitting a full grant application. 

The Rural Hospital Planning and Transition Grant, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health, aims to support small, nonprofit rural hospitals in developing strategic plans and implementing transition projects. This initiative enhances access to healthcare for underserved communities in Minnesota, ensuring they receive necessary services. Grant recipients will create sustainable plans to address community health needs and improve service delivery, fostering equity and inclusion in healthcare access.

The Ashton Cuckler New Investigator Award, established in 1924 by the American Society of Parasitologists, recognizes emerging researchers in parasitology. Eligible candidates must have earned a Masters or Doctoral degree within the last two years and demonstrate significant research contributions. The award includes travel expenses, a cash prize, and a plaque, presented during the Society's Annual Meeting. This honor promotes excellence in parasitology research and encourages new talent in the field.

Minnesota Department of Transportation

In creating the Department of Transportation in 1976, the Legislature determined that MnDOT would be the principal agency to develop, implement, administer, consolidate and coordinate state transportation policies, plans and programs (Minn. Stat. Ch. 174).

MnDOT makes special efforts to consider the social, economic and environmental effects of its decisions and aggressively promotes the efficient use of energy resources for transportation purposes. It also maintains close working relationships with the many public and private individuals, groups and associations involved in transportation.

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) District Coordinator Grants 

We support coordinator positions in individual schools or districts. Coordinators will help communities with existing SRTS plans or other comprehensive approaches to promote non-infrastructure projects to keep students walking and bicycling to school.

Funding for the coordinators to support three full school years starts in the summer of 2024 and goes through June 2027.

The Mac Hyde Brownfield Scholarship Program honors the legacy of environmental law pioneer Maclay Hyde by supporting students pursuing studies related to brownfield redevelopment. This $2,000 scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students at accredited Minnesota institutions, focusing on fields like engineering, public policy, and environmental sciences. Recipients also receive recognition at the ReScape Awards and a student membership with Minnesota Brownfields, encouraging future leaders in community revitalization and environmental quality.

The Minnesota Division Scholarship, offered by the Izaak Walton League of America, provides up to $1,000 annually to support undergraduate students pursuing careers in environmental protection and conservation. Eligible applicants must be Minnesota residents, U.S. citizens, and at least in their second year of college, demonstrating financial need. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship and education, aligning with the League's mission to conserve outdoor America for future generations.

The Small Communities Grant Program by the Blandin Foundation aims to empower Minnesota's smallest, most diverse, and economically challenged communities by providing essential funding for projects that enhance community well-being. By fostering collaboration and trust among residents, the program seeks to drive meaningful economic, social, and physical changes. Grant awards typically range from $25,000 to $150,000, with a focus on sustainable initiatives that build local capacity and pride.

The Blandin Foundation's Community Wealth Building Grants aim to empower rural communities in Minnesota by addressing economic disparities and fostering sustainable growth. Targeting low-income, diverse populations, the grants focus on collaborative projects that enhance affordable housing, promote local businesses, and improve access to resources. With funding ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the foundation seeks innovative solutions to strengthen community ties and support marginalized populations, ensuring a robust future for rural Minnesota.

About Bush Prize: Minnesota

The Bush Prize program identifies and honors extraordinary organizations that consistently engage and lead their community toward creative solutions, provides them with flexible support to keep doing that work, and supports them to amplify their story to inspire others.

In 2026, two organizations will be selected as Bush Prize: Minnesota honorees. Honorees will receive an award of $250,000. The award is unrestricted and can be used for any charitable purposes in the state of Minnesota, including operating costs, program-related expenses, capital expenditures or whatever else would best support the organization's ongoing work.

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation was selected as the community grant partner for Minnesota and began implementing Bush Prize: Minnesota in 2024. The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation operates Bush Prize: Minnesota as a Community Grant Partner of the Bush Foundation.

History of Creative Solutions

Bush Prize: Minnesota honors organizations which have at least three years of history using innovative approaches that offer real solutions for the challenges and issues affecting their community. Bush Prize finalists will be able to identify specific examples of processes, programs or projects that use creative approaches, technologies, collaborations, and methods to drive sustainable change and solve problems more effectively.

Community-led Solutions

Bush Prize: Minnesota honors organizations which understand that communities are best positioned to articulate and effectively respond to today's challenges. Bush Prize finalists will show a consistent commitment to listen, engage and involve the community to ensure the people they serve inform, form and benefit from the organization’s impact.

• Benefits - The community served realizes significant impact and change for the issues and challenges they identify as most critical to them.
• Informs - Work should be shaped by input from the community itself. This means the organization listens to the experiences, needs, and feedback from the community it serves to align its goals and initiatives with the actual needs and priorities of the community.
• Forms - Beyond being informed by the community, the community has an active role in shaping the work. The community is directly involved in designing and implementing programs and solutions, and the organization’s work reflects the values, culture, and strengths of the community.

Culture of Creative Problem Solving

Bush Prize: Minnesota honors organizations that exemplify a culture of innovation and creative community problem solving. Bush Prize finalists will articulate how their organization’s values, policies, practices, people and partnerships allow them to innovate and utilize community assets and resources in creative ways to develop sustainable solutions to community issues.

Transformational Impact

Bush Prize: Minnesota honors organizations which have created meaningful, long-lasting change to address the challenges and issues affecting their community. Transformational impact can happen through ideas of all sizes, within communities of all sizes, and through organizations of all sizes. Bush Prize finalists will have approaches and outcomes that:

• Challenge the status quo and address the root causes of significant community issues and systemic challenges.
• Create sustainable and equitable solutions for community, particularly for communities which have been historically underserved.
• Inspire others in the region and serve as a model for future success.

The Minnesota Rural Hospital Flexibility Program Quality and Population Health Grant aims to enhance rural healthcare delivery through innovative strategies. Funded by HRSA, it assists critical access hospitals (CAHs) in improving quality, implementing MBQIP, and advancing population health initiatives. The next funding cycle is anticipated in 2029, providing an opportunity for rural communities to enhance healthcare services and build capacity in emergency medical services and health professional collaboration.