Best Olmsted County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Ashley and Sarah Abel Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Abilene, honors two sisters who cherished their bond and creativity. Designed for graduates or undergraduates from Region 14 high schools pursuing careers in English, literature, or communications, this scholarship reflects the sisters' dedication to education and artistic expression. It aims to support students in achieving their college dreams, continuing the legacy of Ashley and Sara Abel's passion for learning and community involvement.

The Community Foundation of Abilene, established in 1985, aims to enhance community philanthropy by empowering donors and providing scholarships. The 'Another Step Forward' scholarship assists single parents, like Kaye, who have faced challenges in pursuing education. This initiative supports individuals returning to school, ensuring they receive financial help to achieve their academic goals. By offering these opportunities, the Foundation fosters resilience and growth within the Abilene community.

The Gilbert W. Mead III Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, supports students from Southeastern Connecticut who show talent in the Arts and have financial need. Offering an award of $500, the scholarship aims to assist these students in pursuing their educational goals. Priority is given to those with physical limitations or disabilities, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to inclusive education since 1983.

The Gunvor Lund Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, awards between $500 and $2,000 to students from Southeastern Connecticut pursuing studies in engineering or the sciences. Since 1983, over $11.9 million has been distributed through various funds to support students in their educational journeys. Scholarship awards are paid directly to colleges by August 1, aiding students in achieving their academic and career goals.

The Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Alexandra Hallock by supporting small nonprofits focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and LGBTQ+ causes. This grant offers a one-time $20,000 unrestricted funding along with pro-bono capacity building support. It aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance, ensuring impactful community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits with revenue under $400,000, operating for at least one year, and based in the U.S.

The Technology Initiative Grant (TIG) program by the Legal Services Corporation aims to enhance legal services for low-income populations through innovative technology. It encourages partnerships with justice organizations and supports projects that improve service delivery and efficiency. With a minimum funding request of $40,000, the program seeks to implement new strategies or enhance existing technologies to provide high-quality legal assistance. The initiative fosters replication of successful methodologies from previous projects and other sectors.

LSC’s Basic Field Grants aim to enhance access to civil legal services for low-income individuals across the U.S. and territories. These grants support eligible organizations for up to three years through a competitive application process. The funding is allocated to specific service areas, which change annually, and focuses on providing comprehensive legal assistance. The program includes three types of service areas, ensuring diverse populations, including agricultural and Native American communities, receive necessary legal support.

The Vilcek Foundation's 2026 Prizes for Creative Promise in Fashion & Design and Fashion & Culture will award six $50,000 prizes to young immigrant professionals. This initiative recognizes early- and mid-career creatives in fields such as fashion design, writing, and styling, highlighting the vital contributions of immigrants to the arts in the U.S. Eligible applicants must have at least five years of experience and intend to pursue their careers in the country.

The Disaster Grants Program by LSC provides vital funding to organizations aiding survivors of government-declared emergencies. It empowers legal aid groups to deliver essential services to low-income disaster survivors, ensuring access to legal assistance during crises. The program also educates communities on disaster legal services and prepares them for future emergencies, enhancing resilience and response capabilities. By supporting various grant types, the initiative addresses immediate needs and fosters long-term recovery strategies.

The Samuel "Eric" Storm Memorial Scholarship Fund offers $2,500 to students pursuing advanced degrees in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Speech Therapy. Established in honor of Eric Storm, a dedicated physical therapist, the fund aims to support students in accredited programs. Eric's legacy includes his commitment to mentorship and community service, reflecting his belief in health care as a calling. This scholarship honors his impact on many lives and encourages future health professionals to follow in his footsteps.

The Booker T. Jones Scholarship Fund offers $5,000 to students graduating from MINACT-run Job Corps programs who plan to attend college. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens with a high school diploma or GED, accepted at a four-year historically Black college or university, and have completed technical training at a MINACT Job Corps Center. This scholarship honors the legacy of Booker T. Jones, who dedicated his life to empowering disadvantaged communities through education.

The Bettye Smith Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund honors a dedicated advocate for education, offering two $10,000 scholarships annually to high school seniors in Warren County, MS. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens with strong academic records and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship celebrates the legacy of Ms. Brown, who inspired many to pursue their educational dreams, ensuring her commitment to academic excellence continues to impact future generations.

The Congressional Science Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for Ph.D. holders to work at the intersection of science and government in Washington D.C. This prestigious fellowship, sponsored by ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, allows participants to apply their expertise as special assistants to Congress members. The fellowship begins in September 2025 and concludes in August 2026, providing an annual stipend and relocation expenses. Ideal for early to mid-career scientists, it encourages the use of scientific knowledge in public policy.

Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship

The Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship (supported by the George W. Bush Foundation) provides one or more annual scholarships for up to $10,000 to lawful permanent residents of the United States, U.S. citizens or refugees who were born in North Korea pursuing an educational program in the United States or its possessions. North Korean-born individuals pursuing a degree in accredited colleges and universities in the United States with South Korean citizenship are eligible to apply.

This scholarship may be renewed on an annual basis by completing the scholarship application in full. Renewal applications will be reviewed alongside first-time applicants.

The Remote Biomarker Measurements in Microphysiological Systems Grant seeks innovative proposals to enhance remote biomarker analysis technologies for microphysiological systems, crucial for deep space missions. It prioritizes non-invasive, adaptable methods that allow for continuous monitoring of biomarkers without sample return. This initiative aims to advance personalized healthcare and biological research, addressing astronaut health in challenging environments. Eligible entities include U.S. institutions and collaborations with foreign entities under specific conditions.

The Lady Suzanna P. Tweed Scholarship, administered by the Coral Gables Community Foundation, honors Lady Tweed's legacy of supporting education and volunteerism. Aimed at students from Coral Gables Senior High, it requires excellence in academics and community involvement. Awards are based on financial need and can be one-year or renewable. Over $2.9 million in scholarships have been granted in the past decade, helping deserving students further their education at various institutions.

The Kerdyk Family Trust Music Scholarship, administered by the Coral Gables Community Foundation, honors students with a passion for music. Established in memory of Commissioner William H. Kerdyk, Sr., this annual scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors who demonstrate musical interest and academic success. Key eligibility factors include residing in Coral Gables and planning to pursue music studies in college. The scholarship supports students aiming for a career in music, fostering future talent in the arts.

The Jeannett Slesnick Community Spirit Scholarship offers up to four years of college tuition assistance for graduating seniors from Coral Gables High School, Miami Senior High School, or ISPA. Applicants should demonstrate an interest in communications, journalism, leadership, or historic preservation, and must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Established in 2022 by Jeannett and Don Slesnick, this scholarship honors Jeannett's commitment to community service and education, supporting local high school graduates in their academic pursuits.

The ANR Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship offers financial support to researchers focusing on arthritis and related autoimmune diseases. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders in the field by providing fellowships that foster innovative research and exceptional training opportunities. Open to various research areas, including osteoarthritis and lupus, the fellowship seeks to empower physicians to advance their work and make impactful contributions to understanding these conditions.

Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless offers the Community Impact Grant aimed at supporting organizations that assist individuals and families facing food and housing insecurity in Minnesota. The grant focuses on providing necessary tools and infrastructure to crisis service providers, particularly those helping the homeless. Agencies with 501(c)3 status located in Minnesota are eligible to apply, ensuring that resources are effectively directed to those in immediate need.

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science celebrate outstanding contributions by women in STEM fields. These awards recognize early-career female researchers who demonstrate exceptional achievements, face challenges, and inspire the next generation through outreach. Winners receive prizes totaling $50,000, mentorship opportunities, and invitations to prestigious ceremonies. This initiative promotes inclusivity and aims to enhance the representation of women in science, thereby supporting a diverse and equitable scientific community.

The Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science, particularly in the Science Outreach category, honors initiatives that empower girls and young women in STEM fields. With a focus on engagement and retention, the awards aim to celebrate projects that encourage participation in natural sciences, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. Winners will receive significant cash prizes and opportunities for mentorship, creating pathways for future generations of women in science.

The Cannabis Industry Training Program (CanTrain) is a grant initiative by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) aimed at enhancing workforce training for adults facing employment barriers. The program targets racial disparities and economic gaps by providing essential educational services and support. By equipping individuals with the skills necessary for high-growth jobs, CanTrain promotes long-term family-sustaining wages and fosters greater literacy among Minnesotans.

The Civic Experiment Grant by the Trust for Civic Life supports innovative, community-driven projects aimed at enhancing civic engagement. It focuses on rural areas, empowering local leaders to tackle challenges collaboratively. Grants up to $25,000 are available for organizations that are non-partisan and primarily serve rural communities, emphasizing inclusivity and sustainable impact. The next nomination period begins in early 2026, following a closed cycle for 2025. This initiative fosters long-term civic infrastructure and community resilience.

The HRE USA 2025 Edmonds Summer Fellowship honors the legacy of Kirby Edmonds by offering young leaders hands-on experience in human rights education. This fellowship provides mentorship and learning opportunities to engage youth in creating human rights-friendly schools and communities. Supported by the Dorothy Cotton Institute, it aims to nurture future leaders committed to human rights advocacy. Eligible candidates must be 18 or older, reside in the U.S., and commit to 100 hours of work between June and August 2025.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The Jack and Jill of America Foundation offers STEM Grants aimed at supporting 501(c)(3) organizations that enhance opportunities for African American middle and high school students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The grants focus on creating a pipeline of talent for college readiness, aligning with the foundation's mission to invest in programs that benefit children and families. Eligible organizations must adhere to specific funding priorities and are encouraged to submit impactful proposals.