Best Public Policy Grants in Minnesota

Minnesota 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, and Tribal Nations working on public policy and social justice can seek rapid response support for urgent organizing needs. Headwaters Foundation for Justice offers up to US $25,000 for time-sensitive efforts like civic engagement, legal defense, coalition work, and community healing around emerging legislative or political developments.

The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded by the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation, supports future leaders in environmental, tribal public policy, and health care fields. With 55 scholarships of $7,000 each expected in 2025, this highly competitive program requires students to participate in their schools' internal competitions. Scholars benefit from networking opportunities and access to the Udall Alumni Network, fostering collaboration and growth in their respective fields.

Ph.D. candidates researching American politics, foreign policy, or related public policy topics, including those based in Minnesota, can apply for Jefferson Scholars Foundation’s National Fellowship to support dissertation completion and early-career scholarly leadership. Fellows receive mentorship, a budget for policy-focused scholarly network activities, and participate in conferences and short residential visits during the fellowship year.

Graduate students in Earth system sciences interested in public policy can receive US $40,000 from the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, plus funded research visits and professional development. Students must be enrolled at a North American university, with public policy track applicants required to be U.S. citizens; Minnesota-based students may be eligible.

Researchers conducting randomized controlled trials of social programs and policies in the U.S., including Minnesota, can seek funding to rigorously evaluate public policy and governance interventions. Arnold Ventures supports RCTs that build evidence on what works across social policy domains, helping inform government decisions and scale effective, evidence-based solutions.

Researchers evaluating public policy and related social programs in Minnesota can apply for Arnold Ventures’ Building Evidence support to conduct rigorous quasi-experimental studies. Grants fund causal research on policies and interventions in areas like higher education, workforce training, infrastructure, reproductive health, and public finance, which may benefit public policy efforts in the state and nationwide.

Grants from Crop Science Society of America help Minnesota public policy professionals with PhDs in agronomy, crop, soil, or related sciences spend a year working in Congress. U.S. citizen fellows receive an annual stipend, relocation support, and intensive orientations on legislative processes and agriculture, natural resources, and environmental issues in Washington, D.C.

Minnesota public policy and early childhood organizations can access funding through Ohio Children’s Foundation to support early learning, development, and advocacy initiatives for children ages 0–5. Grants up to US $20,000 back quality preschool, parent engagement, stress reduction, and policy efforts that expand high-quality early childhood education, including innovative pilots and proven programs.

Minnesota public policy and international affairs nonprofits can access funding through the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission for U.S.-Japan arts, culture, education, public affairs, exchanges, and global challenges projects. Eligible applicants are registered 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. or qualified nonprofits in Japan proposing institutional training, research, or exchange programs that deepen U.S.-Japan understanding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities and research institutions working on pollinator health, public education, and policy can seek up to US $75,000 in funding, including organizations in Minnesota. With a mission to promote pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture, One Hive Foundation supports research, advocacy, and projects connecting science, public understanding, and public policy.

Law students focused on public interest and public policy in Minnesota can receive US $5,000 - US $10,000 in scholarship support to study at accredited U.S. universities. With a mission to increase American Muslim representation, Islamic Scholarship Fund backs U.S. citizens, DACA recipients, and permanent residents committed to improving access to justice for Muslims in America.

Law students in Minnesota focused on public policy and judicial careers can receive a US $3,000 stipend to support unpaid internships with state or federal judges. Islamic Scholarship Fund provides U.S.-based American Muslim 1L and 2L students with funding for at least eight-week judicial internships, helping build skills to advance justice for Muslims in America.

Muslim undergraduate juniors, seniors, and graduate students in film, theater, or public policy fields in Minnesota and across the U.S. can apply for Islamic Scholarship Fund’s film scholarships, awarding US $3,000 - US $5,000 for academic study. Eligible applicants must study an ISF-supported major at an accredited U.S. university and meet GPA and citizenship requirements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups in Minnesota working on food system public policy, farmed animal protection, or food systems transformation can apply for Stray Dog Institute’s grants, typically US $2,500 - US $10,000. Funding may be unrestricted or project-based and can support advocacy, research, movement building, or related policy initiatives in the U.S. and internationally.

Graduate students pursuing public policy, science, or higher education studies in Minnesota can access fellowship support to deepen work in science, technology, and public policy. Grants from Harvard Kennedy School help students extend the impact of the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program at the Belfer Center, with awards based on both merit and financial need.

Harvard Kennedy School provides Minnesota public policy students with fellowship support for the Master in Public Policy program. The John Berger Fellowship supports MPP students who are graduates of Harvard College and plan to work in U.S. or international institutions focused on international affairs, which may benefit those aiming to influence public policy globally or domestically.

Public policy and related graduate students in Minnesota seeking funding for Harvard Kennedy School programs can apply for Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships from Harvard Kennedy School; awards vary based on financial need and merit. U.S. and international students focused on public policy or higher education may be eligible for these opportunities.

Graduate students focused on public policy and higher education in Minnesota and beyond can receive fellowship support for studies addressing LGBT+ community issues. Harvard Kennedy School supports public policy education by offering the Margaret Traub and Phyllis Dicker LGBT+ Graduate Fellowship to candidates demonstrating strong interest in and commitment to LGBT+ concerns.

PPIA Junior Summer Institute alumni pursuing graduate studies in public policy or international affairs can apply for Harvard Kennedy School’s Public Policy & International Affairs Scholarship, which supports higher education costs. This U.S.-based opportunity may benefit Minnesota students preparing for careers in public policy leadership and analysis.

Graduate students focused on public policy and technology in Minnesota can access funding through Harvard Kennedy School’s Robert C. Seamans, Jr. Fellowship, which supports work at the intersection of science, technology, and public policy. The fellowship is merit- and need-informed and open to both U.S. and international students pursuing future leadership in these areas.

The Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students in two-year degree programs focused on addressing societal issues such as homelessness, poverty, and education. Awarded based on merit and financial need, this fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. It encourages studies that explore the causes and solutions to problems affecting vulnerable populations, ensuring that graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The HKS American Service Fellowship provides full scholarships and stipends for mid-career public service leaders to pursue a one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School. Targeting U.S. military veterans, public employees, and alumni of service programs, this fellowship emphasizes skill development and community impact. Participants learn from esteemed faculty and engage with a network of changemakers, equipping themselves to address pressing societal challenges and enhance their leadership capabilities.

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 Municipal Workforce Learning Lab, initiated by the National League of Cities in partnership with the American Institutes for Research, aims to tackle workforce challenges faced by city governments. The program seeks three cities to engage in an 8-month action planning process focused on recruiting, training, and retaining skilled workers. Participants will receive free coaching and technical assistance, helping them enhance their workforce policies and potentially serve as national models for effective local government employment strategies.

The Fiscal Year 2027 National Sea Grant College Program Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship offers an opportunity for students to engage in marine policy through a fellowship funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). With anticipated funding for at least 35 applications, each receiving $97,200, this program encourages applicants to connect with their local Sea Grant program for support. Early registration with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons is crucial for eligibility.

Arnold Ventures

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through evidence-based policy solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We focus on improving systems where outcomes are falling short, incentives are misaligned, and the time is right for change.

To advance this mission, we invest in rigorous research to better understand the root causes of problems and strengthen the evidence base on what works to solve them. Using this evidence, we advocate for policy reforms at all levels of government and help build durable, bipartisan coalitions for lasting change.

Causal Research on the Impacts of Cell Phone Policies in K-12 Schools

The Opportunity

Smartphones are nearly universal among children and adolescents in the United States: 95% of teens reported having access to a smartphone, giving them regular exposure to social media, gaming, and video streaming platforms. While smartphones can support learning and social connection, emerging evidence suggests that using phones during school may also interfere with important educational goals, including student engagement, attendance, and academic performance.

In response, more than 30 states have passed laws restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools in recent years. These policies vary widely, ranging from “bell-to-bell” policies to classroom-level bans on phones only during instructional time. Despite the rapid adoption of these policies, rigorous evidence on academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts remains limited. In the absence of strong research, federal and state policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, lack the information needed to make informed decisions that effectively support student success. Building a robust evidence base is critical for shaping policies and practices that improve learning and well-being in both the short- and long-term.

This RFP seeks to address these gaps by supporting rigorous, causal research on the academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts of cell phone policies in K-12 schools in the United States. We seek studies that generate actionable insights for policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, who are deciding whether and how to implement or refine such policies. This RFP will support both Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Quasi-Experimental Designs (QEDs) that can credibly estimate causal effects. While we are open to a range of research questions, we highlight 2 areas of particular interest below.

What are the overall impacts of policies restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on student-level outcomes, including academic achievement and attainment (e.g., standardized test scores, graduation rates), behaviors (e.g., engagement, attendance, disciplinary actions), and/or mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, loneliness)?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on school-level outcomes, including school safety (e.g., reported incidents), school climate (e.g., bullying, social connections), and administrative factors (e.g., costs, logistics, communications with parents)?

• Do initial impacts persist, fade, or grow as schools refine their practices over time?

What factors explain variation in the impacts of cell phone policies?

• Which students, schools, and districts are most impacted by cell phone policies?

• Which policy design features (e.g., what devices are banned, when devices are banned, how devices are stored/locked) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• Which implementation strategies (e.g., training and supports for school staff, consistent approaches for enforcement) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• How do the resource and operational implications of different policy approaches (e.g., costs, staff time, infrastructure needs) influence their effectiveness? How do these factors affect the scalability and sustainability of effective approaches?