Best Volunteer Grants in Minnesota

Focused on community support, the Amcor Cares Foundation invites Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions to apply for grants over US $1,000. Funding may support volunteer-driven efforts in Blue Earth County addressing hunger and homelessness, disaster relief, STEM education, life skills, health and wellness, arts and culture, and scholarships.

Minnesota nonprofits planning community events, fundraisers, or special activities can access funding through Old National Bank to support initiatives that improve quality of life. Sponsorships prioritize programs serving underrepresented groups and low-to-moderate income communities, especially those focused on economic development, workforce development, affordable housing, small business services, and financial education.

The Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations Grant, funded by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, supports projects that promote environmentally sustainable practices for local lakes and watersheds. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and community groups within Hubbard County. Projects can involve invasive species prevention, water quality research, and educational initiatives. A matched funding requirement ensures community engagement, making it a vital resource for preserving local natural resources and enhancing community resilience.

The Chosen Valley Community Foundation

The Chosen Valley Community Foundation works to strengthen our community through meaningful philanthropy. Donations made to the Foundation stay in our community and are distributed through our Grants, Scholarships, and Special Projects programs.

An affiliate of the Rochester Area Foundation and serving the Chatfield School District area, The Chosen Valley Community Foundation is a Minnesota non-profit corporation recognized as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization by the IRS.

Fall Community Grants

The Chosen Valley Community Foundation welcomes grant applications that serve the Chatfield community and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. Grants are awarded annually as funding permits.

Grant Criteria:

• Project must have a timeline and clearly stated, measurable goals and outcomes.
• Organization must complete final report within 30 days of the end of project. The final report form is available on the website.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups seeking technical assistance or training can access funding for management and capacity-building projects through the Management Improvement Fund, with awards up to US $15,000. Organizations working with volunteers or strengthening community service, especially BIPOC-led groups and those serving BIPOC communities, may be prioritized by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Minnesota’s Chisago or Washington counties, and neighboring Wisconsin counties, can apply for up to US $10,000 to support leadership and staff learning experiences. Focused on nonprofit growth and development, St. Croix Valley Foundation backs coaching, training, peer cohorts, and similar opportunities that may benefit organizations engaging volunteers.

Established 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Minnesota’s Chisago or Washington counties can access planning grants up to US $25,000 to strengthen organizational capacity, strategy, and systems. Grants from St. Croix Valley Foundation help volunteer-driven and philanthropic organizations invest in assessments, strategic or succession planning, technology or financial evaluations, and fundraising or communications strategies.

With a mission to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure, St. Croix Valley Foundation provides Minnesota and western Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations with up to US $250,000 for system-wide capacity building. Eligible nonprofits in its six-county service area can fund shared tools, data or referral systems, joint training platforms, back-office services, and collaborative networks that support volunteers and community service.

The Youth In Philanthropy Grant, offered by the Northland Foundation, invites youth in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis Counties, as well as Superior, Wisconsin, to apply for up to $1,000. Projects must be initiated and executed by young people with adult support, addressing community needs while fostering youth leadership. This initiative encourages engagement with local schools and organizations, empowering youth to make a positive impact in their communities.

Minnesota nonprofits with education-focused programs can seek US $5,000 - US $20,000 to expand opportunities for learners who otherwise might lack access, including scholarships and local education initiatives. Donaldson Foundation supports tax-exempt organizations in the Bloomington/Minneapolis–St. Paul area and other company communities, which may include volunteer-driven projects and community engagement efforts.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Minnesota nonprofits focused on volunteer engagement with funding for basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven causes. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must serve U.S. clients, show measurable outcomes and financial stability, and may receive priority if they engage Ameriprise employees or advisors as volunteers, especially near Minneapolis.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government entities in Kandiyohi County can apply for CommunityGiving’s WACF Community Impact small grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000 for general operations and programs. Grants from CommunityGiving help Minnesota groups support youth achievement, productive aging, and inclusive, connected communities, including volunteer-driven and community-led initiatives.

Students pursuing firefighting-related studies at Lake Superior College in Minnesota can apply for the Chief John Raaflaub Memorial Firefighter Scholarship, awarding up to US $5,000 for education costs. High school graduates or nontraditional/GED students with volunteer or community involvement may be especially competitive, including those engaged in local volunteer service or fire department ride-alongs.

Minnesota high school seniors interested in STEM or business majors can access funding through the American Association of Blacks in Energy, with awards ranging from US $3,000 - US $5,000. This national scholarship supports students pursuing energy-related careers and may benefit those engaged in volunteerism or community service as part of their leadership profile.

Graduate students at the University of Minnesota in Minnesota can receive up to US $900 to present original work at academic conferences through this conference grant. Focused on higher education and educational access, the University of Minnesota supports travel and related professional development expenses for COGS-represented graduate students, which may include volunteer-focused presentations or service-learning work.

Minnesota conservationists, educators, media professionals, and Izaak Walton League chapters can be nominated for recognition awards honoring volunteer leadership and natural resource stewardship in Minnesota. With a mission to protect outdoor America, Izaak Walton League of America provides Minnesota volunteerism and philanthropy efforts with multiple awards celebrating service, education, conservation media, watershed work, and chapter-based community projects.

Focused on animal welfare, this program invites managed open admission humane organizations in Minnesota and the upper Midwest to request up to US $3,000 for shelter animals’ food, supplies, infrastructure, and veterinary costs. Grants from the St. Croix Valley Foundation can also support spay/neuter programs and other priority needs that engage volunteers and improve adoption outcomes.

High school seniors in Minnesota with at least 30 extracurricular volunteer hours and a 2.75+ GPA can apply for the Driving a Stronger Community Scholarship, awarding US $1,000 toward post-secondary education. The Walser Foundation selects one student from each participating high school in communities served by Walser Automotive Group.

Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal governments, and public agencies 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 affordable housing, community-based economic development, workforce and talent systems, and equitable access to capital, with emphasis on small, low-income, and diverse communities including Itasca County and nearby areas.

Minnesota rural volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments collaborating across adjacent jurisdictions can access funding for specialized emergency response equipment through Compeer Financial. Eligible partnerships may receive up to US $7,500 toward items like chest compression systems, fit testing machines, or hydraulic rescue tools to better serve rural communities within Compeer’s designated territory.

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.

Worthington Area Community Foundation

A one-stop community organization for charitable contributions that benefit the place we call home. It is a permanent resource for the community that provides leadership and financial resources to meet community needs. It also offers a variety of giving options to help donors meet their unique philanthropic goals. It is managed by a volunteer board of directors, who are connected to the community and who understand local issues and opportunities that arise.

The Worthington Area Foundation (WAF) helps make the community an even better place to live and work by awarding grants to worthy organizations and projects through its own general endowment and related funds.

Mission Statement: The mission of Worthington Area Foundation is to promote charitable giving by assisting donors in the establishment of funds and memorials, which will provide lasting benefits to the Worthington, Minnesota area.

The WAF Endowment Fund:

• Was established in 1991
• Is a permanent community resource because the principal is permanently retained
• Enables the board to award grants annually to meet community needs

Foundation Grants

Foundation grants are made to non-profit and non-political groups. Priority areas include: arts & culture, environmental causes, youth development & education, recreational or civic activities essential to building and strengthening our community.

The Worthington Area Community Foundation is a tax-exempt, non-profit philanthropic organization funded by large and small donations from generous contributors. 

Medical students pursuing primary care, psychiatry, or general surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin–Central Wisconsin Campus can receive up to US $175,000 in tuition scholarships in exchange for a service commitment in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan communities. Aspirus Health Foundation prioritizes applicants connected to Aspirus facilities or communities.

Graduate students seeking up to US $900 for career development expenses in Minnesota, such as professional workshops, skills training, or internship travel, may be eligible. With a mission to support graduate education, University of Minnesota provides COGS-represented students with grants based on academic merit, financial need, and a strong personal statement with faculty recommendation.

Focused on rural community development, the Laura Jane Musser Fund invites Minnesota nonprofits and local governments to seek up to US $25,000 for planning or implementing new, collaborative projects. Initiatives that engage volunteers and diverse residents in areas like economic development, arts, education, or public space improvements may be especially competitive.

The Environmental Initiative Grant Program by the Laura Jane Musser Fund aims to support public and nonprofit entities in enhancing the ecological integrity of open spaces. It promotes community involvement in planning and implementing projects that improve quality of life and public health while protecting ecosystems. Grants range from $8,000 for planning to $35,000 for implementation, targeting projects in specific states, fostering sustainability, and ensuring active local participation.