Search Through Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota in the U.S.

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 Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program, led by The Minneapolis Foundation, supports community-based nonprofits in the Great Lakes region. With a focus on underserved communities, grants will total $40 million over three years, aiming to enhance environmental health, education, and resilience. The program prioritizes applications from federally recognized tribes and organizations with limited budgets, fostering inclusive community engagement and sustainable development. Eligible projects include environmental assessments, public health initiatives, and job training.

The McKnight Foundation's Arts & Culture Grant Program supports initiatives that empower artists and culture bearers in Minnesota. With a focus on enhancing the visibility of underrepresented groups and fostering community engagement, the program provides both unrestricted and restricted grants. Organizations can apply for funding to develop innovative projects that align with the foundation's commitment to justice and creativity. Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis, with a three-month review period.

The McKnight Foundation's Midwest Climate and Energy Grant focuses on funding initiatives that address the climate crisis while promoting equity in the Midwest. The foundation supports projects that transform energy systems, decarbonize transportation and buildings, and enhance community resilience. It aims to engage diverse populations and foster innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance sustainable practices. Eligible organizations include nonprofits, governmental entities, and those in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, with an emphasis on collaborative, impactful projects.

The Valero Energy Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in communities where Valero operates. With a focus on basic needs, health care, education, and civic initiatives, the foundation prioritizes funding requests from 501(c)(3) organizations. In 2019, it provided approximately $40 million to support disadvantaged children and families, emphasizing a commitment to corporate citizenship and community well-being.

The Community IDEAS Grant Program, managed by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, aims to foster community-led change in Minnesota. With a total of nine grants of $125,000 each available in 2026, this program targets diverse communities, including Greater Minnesota, the Twin Cities Metro Area, and Native-led organizations. Eligible organizations must be nonprofit entities based in Minnesota, committed to using funds for charitable purposes that benefit their communities.

The Elmer L. & Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation Legacy Grants, a part of the Minneapolis Foundation, has been enhancing lives since 1957 through family grantmaking. With a focus on arts, education, and social change, these grants support Minnesota organizations, particularly in the Twin Cities. They prioritize funding for operational projects rather than capital campaigns, ensuring community engagement and sustainability. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits with requests typically between $1,000 and $3,000.

The Jones Family Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the vitality of Red Wing by addressing critical community challenges. It prioritizes equitable access to resources and transformative ideas in areas such as education, economic vitality, and arts & culture. The foundation supports qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits within a 30-mile radius of Red Wing, considering special projects, start-up costs, and program expansions. However, it does not fund ongoing operating expenses or religious/political programs.

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 Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

The Morgan Family Foundation offers Social Equity Grants to support innovative initiatives and projects that promote social equity in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Grants are primarily awarded to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and may also support advocacy efforts and capacity building. The Foundation focuses on reducing disparities faced by marginalized communities, fostering collaboration, and enhancing community leadership, all while adhering to its mission of ensuring equitable outcomes for all individuals.

The Fred C. & Katherine B. Andersen Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the St. Croix Valley of Minnesota and Wisconsin. It supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with priorities in healthcare, education, housing, human services, civic initiatives, and environmental education. While capital requests may be considered, the foundation primarily funds operational and programmatic needs. Organizations outside the geographic area may be considered if they align with the foundation's funding priorities.

The Butler Family Foundation Community Grant provides two-year funding to 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota focused on arts, environment, and human services. Grants support general operations or specific projects, with minimum awards of $30,000 for operating costs and $20,000 for program support. Priority is given to organizations serving urban areas of St. Paul and Minneapolis, promoting community arts, environmental stewardship, and essential services for vulnerable populations, particularly youth and families.

The Northland Foundation offers quarterly grants aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations in Northeast Minnesota and nearby Native nations. These grants provide flexible funding for general operations or specific programs that address community needs such as health, housing, and education. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and local governments. The foundation prioritizes projects that promote equity, community engagement, and sustainable impact, ensuring that resources reach underserved populations.

The Jerome Foundation provides Arts Organization Grants to support nonprofit arts organizations and artists in Minnesota and New York City. Focusing on early-career artists, the foundation funds diverse programs that foster artistic innovation and community engagement. It emphasizes inclusivity, encouraging applications from organizations that serve a wide range of artists, including those from marginalized backgrounds. Grants cover direct program costs, ensuring that at least 75% of funding supports artist development and production activities.

The Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund Grants aim to enhance the well-being of communities in west central Minnesota by providing $350,000 in funding to local organizations. This one-year program targets immediate challenges and supports initiatives in basic needs, community asset-building, health, and emergency services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities focusing on relevant community priorities. Grants range from $10,000 to $75,000, fostering collaboration for a sustainable future.

The Academic & Career Success Grant, offered by the Travelers Foundation, focuses on enhancing educational and economic opportunities in Hartford, Connecticut, and St. Paul, Minnesota. This grant aims to support underrepresented students from middle school through college, ensuring they are prepared for successful careers. By prioritizing initiatives that foster academic achievement and career readiness, the foundation seeks to bridge achievement gaps and develop a skilled workforce for the future.

The C.H. Robinson Foundation's Twin Cities Grants Program, established in 2005, focuses on enhancing local communities through grants that support basic needs such as hunger, shelter, education, and workforce development. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities and serve the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The program prioritizes initiatives that address food insecurity, provide housing solutions, and improve educational opportunities, ultimately aiming to foster a stronger, more resilient community.

The Esther Tomljanovich Strategic Initiatives grant from the Medica Foundation supports transformative projects aimed at advancing health equity. With a funding capacity of up to $200,000 over two to three years, the initiative focuses on innovative proposals in healthcare workforce development, women's health, aging services, dental programs, and housing stability. Grantees are expected to demonstrate measurable outcomes and foster collaboration within their communities, emphasizing the importance of addressing unique health needs.

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 Ciresi Walburn Foundation supports innovative educational initiatives in Minnesota, focusing on eliminating inequities for children and youth. They partner with K-12 schools and nonprofits to enhance educational opportunities, emphasizing early learning, parent engagement, and diverse educator recruitment. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster equitable access to quality education while strategically investing in transformative ideas. However, past funding does not guarantee future support, and technology expenses are only considered if ancillary to broader proposals.

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 Thriving Neighborhoods Grant, offered by the Travelers Foundation, aims to strengthen Hartford and St. Paul communities through support for organizations focused on safety, stability, and economic growth. Prioritizing equity and inclusion, funding is directed towards accessible housing, small business development, and disaster resilience initiatives. This grant is exclusively available for nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status in specific locations, fostering vibrant, culturally enriched neighborhoods and enhancing the lives of historically underrepresented groups.

The Hallett Charitable Trusts aim to strengthen the Cuyuna Lakes Area through financial support to non-profit organizations. Established by E.W. and Jessie Hallett, these trusts have awarded an average of $1 million annually over the past three years. Grants focus on projects that align with the Trusts' mission and support tax-exempt organizations. Priority is given to local initiatives that promote equity, diversity, and inclusivity, ensuring a lasting impact on the community's educational, health, and cultural opportunities.

The WCA Foundation Grant, a part of The Minneapolis Foundation, aims to empower nonprofit organizations that directly serve women, particularly those in the Twin Cities. With a focus on civic participation, inclusion, and upward mobility, the grant supports initiatives fostering strong communities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations responsible for their projects, while grants can be for general operations or specific projects. This initiative reflects a commitment to dismantling barriers and promoting the welfare of women.