Best Mower County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant supports modernization projects for eligible rural hospitals in Minnesota. Grant funding will enable hospitals to update or replace aging facilities and equipment, ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services in communities with populations below 15,000. With an estimated total of $1,755,000 available, hospitals can receive awards ranging from $45,000 to $125,000, provided they match at least 25% of the grant request from non-state sources.

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 Edina Realty Foundation, established in 1996, is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless individuals and families in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. With over $12 million raised, the Foundation supports non-profits that provide housing, food, and emergency services, ensuring that more than 95% of funds directly aid those in need. Their mission highlights the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home, reinforcing community investment for a better tomorrow.

The RCU Foundation Grant supports capital projects in the arts, education, and health sectors, having awarded over $10 million since 2012. Prioritizing community benefit and sustainability, it evaluates requests based on demonstrated need and organizational capacity. The foundation focuses on areas served by Royal, ensuring a significant impact on local communities in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. It does not fund direct grants to individuals or certain operational expenses, encouraging diverse financial support for projects.

The SEMAC Rural Arts Grant aims to foster arts initiatives in rural communities of southeastern Minnesota with populations under 7,500. It supports diverse artistic projects including visual arts, music, and performance, encouraging local engagement and collaboration with community partners. Grants range from $3,000 to $6,000, and eligibility includes individual artists and nonprofit organizations within the SEMAC region. This initiative seeks to enhance cultural experiences and strengthen community ties through accessible arts programming.

The Small Town Grants Program, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, aids communities with populations of 10,000 or less by providing grants up to $10,000. This initiative encourages projects that enhance the quality of life and foster community engagement. Eligible projects must be innovative, and a 25% cash match is required. Excluded from funding are for-profit entities and general operating expenses, ensuring that resources directly benefit community growth.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.

Biofertilizer Innovation and Efficiency Pilot Program

The Biofertilizer Innovation and Efficiency Pilot Program provides incentive payments to farmers for reducing the application rate of commercial nitrogen fertilizer when using a qualifying biofertilizer product and incorporating innovative technologies into their crop nutrient management. The program is available for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons. 

The program is open for all agricultural crops that have a recommended nitrogen fertilizer rate published by the University of Minnesota. Recommended rates can be found by crop, Crop-specific nutrient needs | University of Minnesota. 

Payment Rate and Crops

Farmers meeting program requirements will receive a payment of $15 per acre.

The maximum amount of land each farm entity can enroll is up to 3,000 acres. The MDA reserves the right to limit the number of acres enrolled per applicant based on the number of applications received.

Qualifying Biofertilizer Products

The biofertilizer product(s) used is at the discretion of the farmer when the following requirements are met:

• The product must be registered as a specialty fertilizer, soil or plant amendment, or licensed as a fertilizer with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and
• The product label must specify that the product provides a source of nitrogen or nutrients supplied by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.

Visit the Registered Product Search to find products holding a current registration in Minnesota.

The intent of the program is to improve nitrogen management and incorporate innovative technologies, so compost or a continued use of legume inoculants will not be eligible under the program. 

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The Community Responsive Grants, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust, aim to support organizations addressing critical community needs in south central and southeastern Minnesota. Grants of up to $75,000 will be awarded to eligible nonprofits focusing on areas such as literacy, children's health, and mental health. Applicants must have a 501(c)(3) designation and a proven operational history of at least five years.

The Early Literacy Grants by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation aim to enhance school readiness for children from birth to age eight by providing access to books. This program encourages organizations working with young children to apply for funding to distribute books to families, fostering a love for reading at an early age. Partnerships with local publishing companies ensure a steady supply of quality reading materials, with book pickups scheduled for June in Owatonna.

Greater Minnesota Public Infrastructure

The Greater Minnesota Business Development Infrastructure Grant Program helps stimulate new economic development, create new jobs and retains existing jobs through investments in public infrastructure.

It provides grants to cities of up to 50% of the capital costs of the public infrastructure necessary to expand or retain jobs in the area, increase the tax base, or expand or create new economic development.

Award Amounts

Applicants wills be awarded 50% of eligible, capital costs for eligible projects, pending availability of funds. Applicants may receive no more than $2,000,000 in two years for one or more projects. If after five years the project has not proceeded in a timely manner and is unlikely to be completed, the grant will be cancelled and grant money awarded to the city must be returned.

Greater Minnesota Housing Infrastructure Grant Program

Grant funds can be used to cover up to 50% of capital costs of physical public infrastructure necessary to support a qualifying housing development. This may include sewers, water supply systems, utility extensions, streets and more, necessary to support single-family, multifamily, homeownership and rental housing development.

Grants are generally limited to:

• $40,000 per lot for one to four units
• $180,000 per lot for multifamily housing (five or more units/building)
• $60,000 per manufactured housing lot
• No more than $500,000 to any grantee or project over a two year period.

Applicants’ matching funds may include in-kind contributions, such as donation of land.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) will offer Economic Development Grants starting in Fall 2025. These grants aim to enhance local economies by supporting initiatives in entrepreneurship and community development within a 20-county region. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public institutions in SMIF's area. Grants of up to $20,000 will be available, making it a valuable opportunity for organizations focused on economic growth.

The AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant Program, managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, promotes urban youth agricultural education and community development in urban areas. With a total funding of $1.87 million available this fiscal year, grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 can help organizations obtain necessary resources. Eligible projects must support urban agriculture initiatives and can be located in cities with populations over 5,000 or on tribal lands, fostering resilience in local agricultural economies.

The County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Program aims to support rural communities within Compeer Financial’s territory by providing funding for upgrades and repairs to county fair facilities. Eligible organizations can receive up to $4,000 to enhance livestock buildings, 4-H buildings, and judging arenas. This initiative not only improves facilities but also fosters community engagement and agricultural education, ensuring that fairs continue to thrive in delivering memorable experiences for all ages.

The SMIF Early Literacy Grant, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, aims to enhance school readiness for children from birth to eight years old by providing books. With over $1.5 million invested annually in early childhood development, the program fosters collaboration to ensure that children in 20 counties across south central and southeastern Minnesota have access to essential literacy resources. This initiative is vital for nurturing future leaders and promoting community vitality.

The SMIF Paint the Town Grants aim to foster community pride and collaboration by funding mural, welcome sign, or historic structure painting projects in communities with populations under 10,000. Administered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation in partnership with local Ace Hardware stores, these grants encourage volunteer participation and visual impact. Eligible projects must demonstrate public use and community engagement, ensuring that at least half of the painting work is conducted by volunteers.

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to support organizations enhancing services at farmers markets. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for marketing efforts, technology upgrades, and vendor education. Eligible applicants must be bona fide farmers markets with at least three vendors of locally-produced products and must operate in the designated 144-county area. Priority is given to markets that have not previously received funding.

The Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to bolster rural communities by providing funding for essential emergency response equipment for volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments. With grants up to $4,000, this initiative ensures that first responders have the necessary tools to protect and serve their communities effectively. Eligibility is limited to rural departments in the 144-county territory, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.

The Agriculture Education Grant, funded by Compeer Financial, aims to enhance high school agriculture programs by providing up to $4,000 for classroom equipment and educational initiatives. This grant promotes hands-on learning and modern technologies, ensuring students are well-equipped to explore the evolving agricultural landscape. Eligible applicants include high school agriculture departments within a specified 144-county territory, with a focus on schools that have not received funding in the past two years.

Building resilient rural communities.

Supporting communities across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.

The mission of the Taylor Family Farms Foundation is to collaborate with knowledgeable and trusted philanthropic partners to build resilient rural communities.

We believe that strong partnerships and local insight are essential to creating lasting impact. By working alongside experienced organizations, we ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.

Fall 2026 Grant Cycle Details

Grant Guidelines and Eligibility

Reliable emergency services are essential to every community. In rural areas, those services are often provided by volunteers who step forward when their neighbors need them most.

The Taylor Family Farms Foundation is now accepting grant applications from emergency services providers serving rural communities.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, schools, and municipalities that are eligible to receive funding from a public foundation.

Hormel Foods Corporation is dedicated to making a positive impact through its charitable initiatives, primarily focused on food security, community support, and educational programming. The Hormel Foods Charitable Trust provides financial support to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations that align with these giving pillars, ensuring access to nutritious and affordable meals while promoting sustainable practices. By emphasizing social responsibility, Hormel Foods aims to improve the quality of life in communities and address pressing social issues.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) provides essential funding to cities, townships, and counties for housing, public infrastructure, and commercial rehabilitation projects. Aimed at benefiting low-and-moderate income households, SCDP enhances community viability by facilitating economic opportunities and improving living conditions. Administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), this program offers competitive grants for diverse development needs, with funding caps of $600,000 for single-purpose projects and $1.4 million for comprehensive initiatives.

The Medica Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing rural health in Minnesota by funding community-led initiatives that address health equity. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, it supports projects that improve healthcare access and quality, particularly in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government agencies, and Tribal Nations, while emphasizing measurable outcomes and culturally-focused care.

The SEMAC Individual Artist Grants support artists in the SEMAC Region by providing financial assistance to foster original artistic work. Grants ranging from $2,000 to $6,000 are available for various disciplines including Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens aged 18 and over, who are full-time residents of the SEMAC Region. The program encourages diverse artists, including those from underrepresented communities, to apply and showcase their work in public events.

The SEMAC: General Operating Support Grants invite nonprofit arts organizations in the SEMAC region, with operating expenses under $174,000, to apply for funding aimed at enhancing their stability through administrative support. Grants of up to $5,000 annually (totaling $10,000 over two years) are available, with recipients required to submit an interim report after the first year. Applications are accepted until funds are depleted, with specific deadlines for notifications.