Best Polk County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing healthcare, housing, education, human services, civic, or environmental programs in the St. Croix Valley region, including parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin, can apply for the Fred C And Katherine B Andersen Foundation’s grants. Polk County, Minnesota nonprofits serving this region and addressing these priorities may be eligible for general operating, program, project, or limited capital support.

Polk County, Minnesota nonprofits and local government units planning rural community projects can access funding through the Laura Jane Musser Fund; awards up to US $25,000 for planning or implementation. Eligible efforts include economic development, business preservation, arts and humanities, education, and public space improvements that engage diverse residents and show measurable results within 18 months.

With a mission to support environmental projects, this program provides Polk County, Minnesota nonprofits and local governments with up to US $35,000 to implement ecosystem restoration in publicly owned open spaces. Eligible projects must enhance ecological integrity, expand public access and use, engage community members and youth, and show measurable outcomes and long-term sustainability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local governments planning publicly owned open space projects in Polk County, Minnesota can seek up to US $8,000 for community-based environmental planning. With a mission to enhance ecological integrity, the Laura Jane Musser Fund supports projects that engage residents, promote public access, and prepare for sustainable habitat restoration and public use.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit organizations and local governments in Polk County, Minnesota can receive US $500 - US $10,000 for arts projects such as theater, public art, festivals, and community workshops. Northwest Minnesota Arts Council requires at least a 10% cash match, with 25% for repeat sponsorships or larger projects across its seven-county region.

The Omdahl Conservation Fund, managed by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, invites applications for environmental projects in the Northwest Minnesota region. With a total funding of $50,000 and a maximum award of $25,000, the fund aims to support 501c3 nonprofits focused on preserving natural resources. This includes areas inhabited by Red Lake and White Earth Nations, covering 12 counties. Grant applicants will help foster sustainability and conservation efforts in the community.

Polk County, Minnesota students seeking higher education scholarships in medical fields can access funding through Samaritan Health Services’ Linn County–Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship, which awards US $1,000. Eligible applicants must already be enrolled in an accepted medical program and meet Linn County, Oregon residency, schooling, or parental residence criteria.

Students pursuing associate, bachelor’s, or technical/vocational degrees who live in select Texas or Florida counties can receive US $2,000 for tuition, fees, and books through the Rapier Education Fund. Polk County, Minnesota nonprofits may share this scholarship opportunity with eligible youth they serve who plan full-time study at accredited U.S. institutions.

Students pursuing funeral service education in Polk County, Minnesota may be eligible for the Asheville Wilbert Vault Service Scholarship, which supports post-high school study leading to funeral service employment. The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina offers this US $4,000 award to residents of Western North Carolina’s 18 westernmost counties, including the Qualla Boundary.

Nonprofit organizations with North Dakota tax-exempt status planning public arts projects in Grand Forks, Walsh, or Polk Counties can receive up to US $20,000 for specific, time-bound events and activities. With a mission to support arts access and creativity, Community Foundation of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, and Region particularly welcomes projects, including musical performances, that benefit Polk County, Minnesota residents.

Students with an Individualized Education Program in Polk County, Minnesota can receive up to US $500 to support enhanced learning, outdoor, or recreational experiences. Focused on educational enrichment, the Bethany's Butterflies Scholarship from St. Croix Valley Foundation serves Wisconsin students age 21 or younger attending school in Polk, St. Croix, or Pierce County.

The Polk County Tech Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $2,000 award for eligible high school seniors from select schools. This scholarship is renewable for a second year if a 2.5 GPA is maintained while enrolled in an accredited two-year or vocational program. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and submit an essay detailing their work experience and academic goals, ensuring support for those pursuing careers in technical fields.

Students pursuing higher education in a human medical field can apply for Samaritan Health Services’ Samaritan Albany General Hospital Volunteer Services Scholarship, awarding US $1,000 for tuition, books and required supplies. Eligible applicants must be college students with a permanent residence in specific Linn County communities served by Samaritan Albany General Hospital and Samaritan Physicians.

Students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in health care fields, including those from Polk County, Minnesota, can seek funding for medical education and professional training. Grants from Samaritan Health Services help higher education students with more than US $1,000 for health-related studies, with preference for current health workers, U.S. military members or veterans, and specified Oregon institutions.

Students pursuing medical or paramedical degrees who live in Lincoln County can access funding through Samaritan Health Services’ Mary Decker Scholarship for accredited health education programs. Polk County, Minnesota nonprofits that support local students entering health careers may help them pursue this US $1,500 scholarship opportunity.

Polk County, Minnesota students and current medical workers pursuing nursing, diagnostic imaging, laboratory sciences, or other medical or technical training can access funding through Samaritan Health Services’ North Lincoln Hospital Foundation Medical Training Scholarship. Awards up to US $1,500 help cover tuition for certification programs or degree studies in health care fields and medical education.

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Nursing Excellence Scholarship

The Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Nursing Excellence Scholarship was established in 2013 in honor/memory of outstanding Registered Nurses (RNs) at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis, Oregon.

The Nursing Excellence Scholarship is available to eligible students pursuing RN, BSN or MSN degrees who show leadership and clinical expertise and excellence. At least one scholarship is awarded for tuition, books and school fees.

High school seniors and college or graduate students pursuing medically related careers in hospital settings can apply for the Virginia Welch Scholarship, supporting health education from Samaritan Health Services. Students in Polk County, Minnesota planning healthcare careers may be eligible for this higher and professional medical education funding opportunity.

Nonprofit arts organizations with 100% arts-focused budgets in Polk County, Minnesota can use these general operating grants to support ongoing arts activities and programming. With a mission to develop the arts in northwestern Minnesota, Northwest Minnesota Arts Council provides operating support to incorporated arts centers, theater organizations, and similar groups in its seven-county Region 1 service area.

Medical students pursuing an MD with a primary residence in designated east Linn County, Oregon communities can access funding through Samaritan Health Services’ Frank Girod, MD, Medical Scholarship, with awards of approximately US $5,000 for medical education costs. Nonprofits in Polk County, Minnesota may share this opportunity with eligible local students planning medical careers.

Caregivers and certified nursing assistants pursuing continued nursing education can receive approximately US $1,000 for tuition and related college expenses, with funds paid directly to the school. Grants from Samaritan Health Services help students in areas it serves; Polk County, Minnesota nonprofits may share this with eligible staff or program participants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local governments planning new intercultural exchange projects can seek up to US $25,000 for planning or implementation costs. With a mission to foster cross-cultural understanding, Laura Jane Musser Fund provides support for community, youth, or arts initiatives in select areas, including Polk County, Minnesota–serving eligible Texas counties such as Polk County as well.

Older adult learners in nursing who need help paying for accredited training may be eligible for the Gribler Loving Trust Nursing Education Scholarship, offering US $3,000 for nursing education. Samaritan Health Services supports higher and adult nursing education; while based in Oregon, this opportunity may interest similar students beyond Polk County, Minnesota.

Individuals pursuing midwifery or doula education who reside in Benton, Linn, or Lincoln counties can receive up to US $1,000 for accredited training programs through the Jeanne Hazleton Scholarship. Polk County, Minnesota nonprofits working with aspiring birth professionals from these Oregon counties may help eligible students access this Samaritan Health Services funding.