Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Community Innovation Grants, funded by the Bush Foundation, aim to support transformative ideas that enhance the lives of people in Minnesota and surrounding areas. These grants foster collaboration among organizations and leaders to develop and spread effective solutions to community challenges. By removing funding caps and focusing on the needs of communities, the program empowers individuals and organizations to create lasting change, ensuring that innovative ideas reach their full potential.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Old National Bank Foundation provides sponsorships to enhance community initiatives in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Their mission focuses on social responsibility, supporting underrepresented groups, and aligning with the Community Reinvestment Act. Sponsorships cover events such as fundraisers and sporting events, emphasizing active engagement and measurable impact. The Foundation aims to improve quality of life through strategic partnerships and meaningful contributions.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Management Improvement Fund Grant supports small to midsize nonprofits in Minnesota by providing up to $15,000 for technical assistance aimed at enhancing organizational capacity and nurturing BIPOC leadership. With a history of distributing $7 million to over 470 organizations since 1991, the fund prioritizes initiatives that benefit low-income communities and address pressing operational needs, fostering sustainable growth and community impact.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is offering the Promise Act Grant, providing $1.1 million to support small businesses in south central and southeastern Minnesota. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 will help businesses facing economic challenges such as lack of access to capital or population decline. This program aims to stimulate regional economic recovery and diversification, funded by a one-time allocation from the Minnesota Legislature.

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.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The WACF Community Impact Grant aims to empower local organizations in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, by providing funding between $5,000 and $20,000 for initiatives that address community needs. This grant supports projects focusing on youth development, enhancing community connections, and promoting productive aging. Organizations that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, innovation, and sustainable community impact are encouraged to apply. The foundation prioritizes grants that foster collaboration and improve the quality of life for residents.

Mount Sinai Community Foundation Grant

Our Mission

The Mount Sinai Community Foundation is a collective giving circle whose members come together to support initiatives that improve health, enhance well-being, or otherwise advance medical care in the Jewish and larger communities, honoring the history and legacy of the Mount Sinai Hospital.

MSCF seeks to fund innovative grant proposals from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for one-time grants up to $10,000 that fulfill MSCF’s mission to improve health, enhance well-being, or otherwise advance medical care for Minnesota residents. 

Through the generosity of the Frances & Samuel Finkelstein/Janice Finkelstein Mattison Memorial Fund, one of the grantees may receive funding in the area of: cancer research and education; mental health or cancer treatment; medical ethics and quality assurance; or patient advocacy programs.

Funding Priorities

• MSCF seeks to fund innovative programs and/or essential equipment that have a meaningful, direct, and high impact on the target population.
• MSCF is especially interested in discrete projects that can be identified as MSCF funded efforts. These projects or items may be funded by MSCF funds alone or with a limited number of other funding partners.
• Applicants with unique grant requests who may be unable to secure funding elsewhere are encouraged to apply.
• Funding sought for information technology or equipment and/or software upgrades will not be considered unless they are integral to the delivery of the health or medical services provided.
• Grant requests where MSCF grant dollars are only a small component of the overall project budget are unlikely to be funded.
• Through the generosity of the Frances & Samuel Finkelstein/Janice Finkelstein Mattison Memorial Fund, one of the grants may receive funding for cancer research or education; medical ethics/patient advocacy programs; or treatment for children, seniors, disabled, or the homeless.

The Old National Bank Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations for community impact initiatives across Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Focused on four key areas—Affordable Housing, Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Financial Empowerment—the foundation prioritizes programs that support underrepresented communities. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the foundation’s funding priorities to qualify for grants, which can be applied for every two years.

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.

The Central Minnesota Arts Grant supports small to medium-sized arts organizations in Central Minnesota, aiming to enhance accessibility to the arts for local residents. Offered in even years, this grant prioritizes initiatives that foster artistic appreciation, education, and engagement in visual and performing arts. The grant is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities, with a focus on building community connections and inspiring philanthropy across generations.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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.

Ramsey County Violence Prevention Grant

Ramsey County, in partnership with Youthprise, seeks to expand access to culturally responsive and community-based supports for youth and young adults through a violence prevention grantmaking process. This request for proposal will fund small programmatic grants to community-based organizations delivering services that promote healing, stability, academic success, and long-term wellbeing for youth and young adults. Priority will be given to projects that serve participants who are system-impacted, marginalized, or disproportionately affected by inequities. Priority services identified by Ramsey County include mentoring and relationship-based supports, school-based and education aligned supports, licensed alcohol and drug counseling, and holistic healing and mindfulness practices. Funded projects will operate for a minimum of six months and a maximum of fifteen months and will serve youth and young people in Ramsey County or involved in Ramsey County systems.

Funding Available:

• $236,250

Number of Awards:

• 8 to 10 awards anticipated ranging from $15,000 to $25,000

Grant Term:

•  6 to 14 months, services must be concluded on or before August 1st, 2027

Funding Use:

• Programmatic services to include direct service delivery, staff time, materials, facilitation, program-related costs, and administrative costs

Grant funds may be used for:

• Program staff or facilitator stipends/salaries
• Direct service delivery costs
• Supplies, curriculum, and materials
• Space rental for program activities
• Participant supports (e.g., food, transportation, incentives)
• Program-related administrative costs

The Family & Neighborhood Stability Grant by the McNeely Foundation aims to enhance the economic vitality and stability of youth and low-income families in East Side St. Paul. The foundation prioritizes organizations that provide financial literacy, supportive housing services, and employment training. It welcomes applications from tax-exempt non-profits and public agencies, focusing on programs that foster community development and individual empowerment. Grants are awarded primarily for program support, with a strong emphasis on data-driven strategies and community partnerships.

The Target Foundation's Hometown Racial Equity Grant aims to advance racial equity for underserved communities in the Twin Cities. With over a century of commitment to social responsibility, the Foundation addresses systemic barriers by investing in entrepreneurship, workforce development, housing, and asset building. By supporting BIPOC-led organizations, the Foundation seeks to create equitable economic opportunities, ensuring that all families can thrive and contribute to a vibrant community. Grants range from $25,000 to $200,000, focusing on sustainable impact.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Minnesota aim to provide essential technical assistance and training for small rural businesses with fewer than 50 new workers and under $1 million in gross revenue. Funding is available for projects benefiting rural areas, focusing on enhancing economic development, offering training, and supporting community initiatives. With no maximum grant amount, priority is given to smaller funding requests, encouraging innovative projects that uplift rural economies.

The Little Falls/Morrison County Grant, established by the Laura Jane Musser Fund, aims to enhance community access and sustainability through support for nonprofit organizations in Morrison County, MN. Eligible organizations can apply for General Operating Support or Small Grants, with funding up to $10,000 for various projects. The grants prioritize measurable impacts in community engagement and organizational strength, ensuring that assistance is directed towards fostering meaningful community improvements.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Best Life Community Awards, funded by Altra Foundation Inc, invites nominations for nonprofit organizations that have made a significant impact in their communities. Altra members can nominate eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits they support with their time, talents, or financial contributions. The selected nonprofit will receive a $10,000 grant, aimed at fostering initiatives in education, health, and community services across specific counties in the U.S. Nominate today to help recognize outstanding contributions!