Best Renewable Energy Grants in Minnesota

Nonprofits and educational programs offering agricultural education, leadership, or career training for high school students through young professionals in Minnesota can apply; projects may also span multiple eligible states. With a mission to build agricultural leadership and cooperative education, CHS Foundation provides support that may benefit initiatives connected to renewable or sustainable energy in agriculture.

Focused on economic and community development, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Minnesota can seek funding for workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture initiatives. Organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars of work, home, and play, may be competitive applicants through the US Bancorp Foundation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human and social service solutions can seek support for new or expanded programs from the Creag Foundation; applications are by invitation, starting with a letter of inquiry. Minnesota organizations working on renewable or sustainable energy within these broader social issues may be eligible if they offer creative approaches to current social problems.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Minnesota educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can seek funding for safety, education, and community development projects that fit State Farm’s focus areas. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help organizations that may also work on renewable or sustainable energy within broader community safety and development efforts.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million, including those in Minnesota, can apply for the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant; awards more than US $100,000 for arts and science programs. Funding may support program, capital, or limited general and endowment needs, including arts education and STEAM-focused initiatives.

Minnesota nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations can seek funding for health, education, and community initiatives that may intersect with renewable or sustainable energy efforts. Focused on community health and welfare, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites programs such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives to apply during its March and September review cycles.

Nonprofit and social enterprise programs improving education, health, or family economic stability for children in poverty in Minnesota may be eligible for more than US $50,000 to support projects or scaling efforts, as part of the foundation’s U.S. focus. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports work benefiting urban low-income youth across the U.S., India, and South Africa.

Charitable organizations in Minnesota and worldwide can seek funding for humanitarian, education, community, environmental, and contemporary arts projects that promote sustainable development and engage Roche employees. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities deliver high-quality local programs, with country-level requests managed by the relevant Roche affiliate office under a common global framework.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Minnesota renewable and sustainable energy policy organizations can access funding through the Joyce Foundation to advance climate solutions and clean power in the Great Lakes region. Eligible national and environmental justice groups working in Minnesota on carbon-free electricity, energy justice, and related climate policy may be supported, with grants primarily focused on Great Lakes states including Minnesota.

Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for environmental conservation, community services, and peacebuilding projects. Organizations advancing renewable or sustainable energy within these broader environmental priorities may be eligible to apply for support that strengthens their impact and long-term initiatives.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Farmers market vendors seeking support for education, marketing, or technology upgrades in Minnesota can apply for Compeer Financial’s Farmers Market Grant Program, with awards up to US $500. Eligible applicants must be Compeer Financial clients actively using a booth at a bona fide farmers market; funds can cover branding, websites, mobile payment tools, and display equipment.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations working in renewable and sustainable energy or related conservation fields can seek storytelling support to showcase their impact. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds media and communications projects that help highlight work in preservation, education, wellness, and environmental initiatives, which may include renewable energy efforts.

Minnesota students pursuing ecological or environmental degree programs, including renewable energy and natural resources management, can receive scholarship support for tuition, books, and transportation. Grants from Izaak Walton League of America help Minnesota learners in fields like environmental law, wildlife management, water resources science, and other environmental sciences who demonstrate financial need and have completed at least one year of college.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief in Minnesota communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports programs serving underserved and underrepresented individuals and families, including hunger, homelessness, literacy, and mental health services.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal governments, public agencies, and fiscally sponsored groups in rural Minnesota can apply for Blandin Foundation’s Community Wealth Building Grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $150,000 for multi-year projects. Funding supports rural community development, including affordable housing, local business growth, workforce pipelines, equitable access to capital, and energy-efficient, climate-resilient initiatives that reduce disparities.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit organizations in Minnesota with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors collaborations addressing significant social issues. U.S. nonprofits working on renewable or sustainable energy initiatives through cross-sector partnerships may be eligible for recognition and support.

Agricultural and rural electric cooperatives in Minnesota can apply for the Green Fertilizer Grant Program, with awards of US $250,000 - US $3,800,000 to invest in in-state green fertilizer production facilities using renewable energy and green hydrogen. Eligible projects must meet strict production, location, and timeline requirements and provide member training on fertilizer best practices.

Rural volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments in Minnesota collaborating across adjacent jurisdictions can access funding through Compeer Financial for specialized emergency response equipment, with awards up to US $7,500. Multi-department projects that enhance regional response capacity may be eligible, which can indirectly support safer operations for communities pursuing renewable and sustainable energy development.