Best Ramsey County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

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 Immigrant & Refugee Grant Program by Marbrook Foundation aims to empower and educate immigrants and refugees in the Twin Cities. It focuses on initiatives that foster intercultural learning, create safe learning environments for youth, and promote financial independence. The foundation supports programs that blend cultures and address the challenges faced by new immigrants and refugees, ultimately contributing to community well-being. Applications are accepted for various types of grants, with a focus on inclusivity and empowerment.

The Butler Family Foundation's Community Grants Program focuses on supporting vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, through two-year grants. These grants, ranging from $30,000 for general operating support to $20,000 for specific projects, prioritize housing services, addiction support, and domestic violence prevention in urban areas of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with substantial annual budgets.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The John Mondati Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations that promote holistic and alternative medicine, empowering patients in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. Established in 2007 by John Mondati, the foundation has awarded over $920,000 to various health programs. It emphasizes an integrated approach to healing, fostering public education on alternative health options. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations committed to enhancing wellness through innovative health practices.

The McNeely Foundation, established in the 1960s, focuses on enhancing youth development through enrichment programs aimed at middle-grade youth in East Side St. Paul, Minnesota. The foundation supports organizations that provide community-based life skills and enrichment activities, ensuring that youth can realize their potential and transition successfully into adulthood. It also considers innovative projects from outside the area that can be replicated locally, promoting a vibrant and sustainable community.

The Stevens Square Foundation Grant focuses on supporting programs for financially vulnerable seniors in the Twin Cities metro area. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $30,000 and are available for existing programs that help seniors remain in their homes, as well as new initiatives aimed at improving the lives of older adults. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and prioritize underserved groups, demonstrating collaboration and community resource utilization.

The Rooted Philanthropic Grant is dedicated to supporting the East Side of Saint Paul through responsive and innovative grantmaking. By focusing on entrepreneurship, education, and wellness, the foundation aims to empower local communities with financial and social resources. Grants are primarily by invitation and are tailored to meet the unique needs of the community, ensuring that organizations and individuals can thrive and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

The North Star Black Cooperative Fellowship aims to empower Black-led cooperatives by reconnecting them with their historical roots in cooperative economics. This seven-month program encourages participants to reclaim the legacy of Black economic cooperation, offering training in governance, conflict resolution, and cooperative skills. With a focus on community building and collective care, the fellowship includes stipends and support for creating cooperative economic projects, fostering a vision of self-governance and shared prosperity among Black communities.

About Knight Foundation

John S. and James L. Knight believed that a well-informed community could best “determine its own true interests” and was essential to a well-functioning, thriving democracy. They pursued those beliefs, building and leading one of the largest and most successful newspaper companies in American history.

For 75 years, Knight Foundation has supported the people, ideas and insights that lead to thriving communities. The foundation invests in local journalism, arts and culture and community development in the 26 cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers.

Since our founding in 1950, we have been committed to the communities we serve and to providing those communities with the tools they need for residents to thrive.

Knight Cities Challenge

Knight Foundation is currently accepting applications for the Knight Cities Challenge, a $5 million open call inviting individuals and organizations across its 26 communities to submit new, creative ideas for projects that can spark change and leave a lasting local impact.

Building on a long history of open challenges across programs, Knight democratizes access to grantmaking to unlock the best and brightest ideas. This spring, KCC returns to invest in its first cohort of community-centered solutions to local challenges and help promising ideas take root and grow.

Project ideas must focus on at least one of Knight’s investment areas: strengthening local news and information, creating pathways for economic opportunity or cultivating connection through arts, culture and the places that bring people together.

You may submit one idea, either as an individual or on behalf of your organization. While you are limited to one application as the lead applicant, you may collaborate on other projects submitted by different partners. Each individual or organization may receive funding for only one project.

For large institutions such as universities or city governments, schools or departments are considered separate entities. 

Compeer Financial's Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program aims to enhance collaboration among rural fire, rescue, and ambulance departments by providing funding for specialized equipment. Grants of up to $10,000 support projects that improve emergency response capabilities, encouraging teamwork among departments serving adjacent jurisdictions. Eligible applicants must operate within Compeer's 144-county territory and demonstrate a clear plan for equipment use. This initiative underscores the importance of community cooperation in ensuring effective emergency services in rural areas.

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial supports farmers by enhancing their marketing and technology capabilities. Grants can be utilized for branding, website creation, and payment technologies, as well as essential equipment like scales and tents. This initiative aims to promote direct consumer engagement and strengthen local food systems, ensuring fresh produce accessibility while fostering economic growth in rural communities. Eligible applicants must be Compeer clients actively participating in verified farmers markets.

Nestlé Purina is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and the communities they serve. Through their event sponsorship program, they support 501(c)(3) tax-exempt pet welfare organizations in the U.S. that focus on the welfare of cats and dogs. Eligible events must be located within 50 miles of their St. Louis headquarters, ensuring that their contributions directly benefit local communities. Purina's commitment to pets and people strengthens the bond between them.

The SpartanNash Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on Hunger, Heroes, and Hope. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located within a 30-mile radius of SpartanNash facilities. The Foundation ensures that every dollar raised directly benefits partner organizations, with a commitment to community impact. Grants are not available for ineligible entities, including those outside the radius or not aligned with the Foundation's mission. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has positively influenced local communities.

The Walter C. Rasmussen-Northeast Bank Foundation honors the legacy of its founder by supporting initiatives in education, housing, culture, environment, and health. With a focus on community-building, the foundation aims to empower the economically disadvantaged, particularly children and families, through self-sufficiency programs. It prioritizes effective strategies that address local needs in Hennepin, Ramsey, and Anoka counties, ensuring a lasting impact on the community's well-being and development.

The Old National Bank Foundation provides sponsorships to enhance community initiatives in Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Their mission focuses on social responsibility, supporting underrepresented groups, and aligning with the Community Reinvestment Act. Sponsorships cover events such as fundraisers and sporting events, emphasizing active engagement and measurable impact. The Foundation aims to improve quality of life through strategic partnerships and meaningful contributions.

The Equity Fund Grant Program, offered by PFund Foundation, supports LGBTQ+ small business owners in the Twin Cities Metro Area of Minnesota. Eligible applicants can receive grants of $5,000, tailored training sessions, and a one-year membership to Quorum, Minnesota's LGBT chamber of commerce. This initiative aims to enhance entrepreneurship within the LGBTQ+ community, with a total of $80,000 available in 2025. Apply if you've been in business for over a year and meet the revenue criteria.

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven-county Twin Cities area. The Met Council operates the regional bus and rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans and helps fund regional parks, and administers federal funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The 17-member Council board is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor. 

Livable Communities Small Area Planning Grants

Livable Communities small area planning grants support cities in establishing conditions for dense, connected, and equitable development in alignment with Imagine 2050 goals.

The Donaldson Foundation offers organizational grants focused on enhancing educational opportunities and community involvement. With an annual budget of $1.2 million, the foundation supports various initiatives, including scholarships and matching grants to educational institutions. It prioritizes organizations that demonstrate a clear need and impact, especially in areas where Donaldson operates. Eligible recipients must be IRS tax-exempt and located in specific U.S. regions, ensuring the foundation's commitment to local communities.

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 RBC Foundation Grants prioritize support for youth-focused programs in the Minneapolis & St. Paul area, targeting ages 15-29. Emphasis is placed on initiatives that enhance work-integrated learning, address skills gaps, and promote access to critical educational opportunities. Additionally, the Foundation invests in arts and culture, supporting emerging artists and programs that foster community engagement. Health grants focus on youth mental well-being, ensuring access to necessary care through innovative navigation and technology-based solutions.

The FINNOVATION Fellowship Program is evolving in 2025 to better support social entrepreneurs, particularly those at the early stages of their business ideas. The program will now consist of two phases: a Discovery Module and a Fellows Module, allowing for more participants and tailored resources. This initiative is ideal for passionate individuals aiming to create positive community impacts. Eligible candidates must be 18 years or older, authorized to work in the U.S., and committed to addressing social or environmental challenges.

The Aegon Transamerica Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations focused on enhancing financial and social empowerment in communities where Transamerica employees live and work. Established in 2000, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster self-reliance, financial literacy, and community engagement. Eligible organizations must be IRS 501(c)(3) non-profits operating in specific locations such as Atlanta, GA and Denver, CO. The foundation does not fund individuals or certain types of organizations, aiming to create inclusive, resilient communities.

The Mortenson Family Foundation is dedicated to expanding opportunities for children and families living in poverty by promoting equitable access to education, social development, and mental health resources. By partnering with nonprofit organizations and public schools, the foundation aims to empower communities through culturally relevant learning practices and strong engagement with families. Their focus on racial equity and sustained support for children from prenatal to 18 years ensures a holistic approach to overcoming the barriers faced by underserved populations.

The Community Solutions Grant Program, administered by the F. R. Bigelow Foundation, offers financial support to enhance the quality of life for East Metro residents through various initiatives in Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Health, Human Services, and Education. Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000, available for one to two years. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, enabling organizations to respond to immediate community needs.

The Minneapolis Foundation is launching the 2026 Project Investments Grant Round through the WCA Foundation, which supports nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities metro area. The grant prioritizes initiatives led by and for women, addressing critical needs such as health, economic stability, shelter, and safety. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local women, emphasizing holistic approaches and demonstrable impact. This funding opportunity fosters community-driven solutions for women's empowerment and well-being.

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.