Best Redwood County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health is offering funding for innovative HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) programs aimed at reducing HIV transmission in rural communities. With a total of up to $600,000 available, the initiative seeks to increase HIV screenings, referrals, and prescriptions, ultimately promoting health equity and supporting the local END HIV MN plan. Organizations that can effectively implement and evaluate these programs are encouraged to apply.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

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 Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

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.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

The Equipment & Facilities Improvement Grants provide up to $10,000 in matching funds to nonprofit arts organizations in the Southwest Minnesota region. This funding supports the purchase of equipment and facilities upgrades that enhance organizational capacity to meet community arts needs. Eligible applicants include arts-focused nonprofits and government units, with no cash match required for fiscal year 2023. The aim is to strengthen the region's arts infrastructure while fostering accessibility and inclusivity in arts projects.

The SMAC: Arts in the Schools Grants offer public schools up to $4,000 for various art projects, including artist residencies and field trips. This program aims to provide students with enriching artistic experiences and requires community involvement to broaden its impact. Eligible applicants include public schools within the SW MN Arts Council service region, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the arts. Funding relies on legislative appropriations from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund.

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 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 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.

Mission Statement

The mission of The Five Star Community Foundation is to:

• Create, encourage and support the development and maintenance of various charitable activities, community projects, assist in humanitarian and educational endeavors, to build a strong vibrant quality of life by converting tax dollars into community assets.
• The Five Star Community Foundation has been established by representatives of Lucan, Seaforth, Vesta, Wabasso and Wanda communities to benefit the citizens of the area to build a sense of community and serve future charitable and cultural needs.

Mini Grant Program

The Mini Grant program will annually award one or two grants to each of the Five Star communities, Lucan, Seaforth, Vesta, Wabasso, and Wanda, with a total award amount of up to $1,000 to each community.

The Mini Grant application is to be brief and require only that information necessary to inform the foundation of the purpose and goal of the funded project.

Mini Grant Applications will be accepted during an application period designated by the Advisory Committee in the fall of each year. If the $1,000 grant allocation to a community is not awarded as a result of the fall application process, applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year with awards made in a timely manner. Any allocation to a community that is not awarded prior to the beginning of the subsequent year application period is cancelled.

The Five Star Community Foundation Advisory Committee shall approve any necessary additional criteria and rules for implementation of this grant program

Basin Electric Power Cooperative's Charitable Giving Program focuses on supporting communities across its nine-state service territory. The program reviews funding requests periodically and allocates donations to various categories, including education, health services, civic betterment, and cultural initiatives. Additionally, it offers matching funds for member donations and contributes surplus office equipment to organizations in need. This commitment to community growth and sustainability reflects Basin Electric's mission to enhance the well-being of its members.

The Quick Support for Organizations Grant, offered by the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council, provides up to $2,500 for various arts-related projects. Eligible activities include planning for public art projects, small arts initiatives, and organizational development. The grant is designed to help organizations enhance their capacity to serve the arts community, with no cash match required. Applications are accepted monthly from August 2025 to May 2026, with a board review on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

The SMAC Artist Growth Grants support artists at any career stage in the SW MN region, promoting artistic development and audience expansion. Grants of up to $4,000 cover costs such as supplies, mentorship, workshops, and studio rentals. Eligible applicants must be permanent residents of the area, at least 18 years old, and may have only one pending application at a time. Ineligible projects include those lacking an art focus or tied to for-profit activities.

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.

The SMAC Artist Equity Grants provide essential funding for Black, Indigenous, and artists of color at any career stage to enhance their artistic skills and expand their audience. Grants of up to $4,000 support various activities, including equipment purchase, mentorship, and professional development. The program aims to address historical disparities in the arts, ensuring equitable access and resources for marginalized communities in the SW MN region.

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.

Quick Support for Artists

Provides artists with up to $1,000 for activities such as purchasing supplies, attending classes, and small artist-led community projects. All arts disciplines are accepted, and artists at any stage of their career may apply.

The FSCF Community Development Grant, established in 1996, supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies serving the Five Star communities (Lucan, Seaforth, Vesta, Wabasso, and Wanda). The program focuses on projects that address community needs, enhancing education, wellness, and civic opportunities. Grants may be awarded annually, contingent on compliance with stipulations. Preference is given to projects that demonstrate long-term community benefits and promote volunteer involvement.

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 FSCF Mini Grant program, established in 1996, supports five communities: Lucan, Seaforth, Vesta, Wabasso, and Wanda. Each year, up to $1,000 is awarded to one or two grants per community for projects that benefit residents. The brief application process allows for year-round submissions if fall allocations are unawarded. Grants focus on community development, promoting education, wellness, and civic opportunities, with a preference for projects that demonstrate long-term benefits and community engagement.

Mission Statement

The mission of The Five Star Community Foundation is to:

• Create, encourage and support the development and maintenance of various charitable activities, community projects, assist in humanitarian and educational endeavors, to build a strong vibrant quality of life by converting tax dollars into community assets.
• The Five Star Community Foundation has been established by representatives of Lucan, Seaforth, Vesta, Wabasso and Wanda communities to benefit the citizens of the area to build a sense of community and serve future charitable and cultural needs.

Community Development Grant Program

Multiple-year Community Development Grants may be awarded. If a Multiple-year Community Development Grant is awarded, funds will be provided annually and subsequent year funding is contingent upon compliance in the previous year(s) with any and all stipulations set forth by the Foundation If the Foundation determines that any stipulations not been met, it may, at its sole discretion, terminate continued funding of the project or program The Five Star Community Foundation Advisory Committee shall approve additional criteria and rules for the Community Development Grant Program as needed.

Community Development Grant Application

Grants are restricted to nonprofit organizations that have 501(c)(3) tax exempt status; educational, schools and religious organizations (for non-sectarian projects open to the community) and governmental agencies. If you are not a 501(c)(3) we suggest you use the fiscal agent option below that qualifies.

The SMAC Art Project Grants support nonprofit organizations in Minnesota to enhance the arts through various projects, including performances, exhibits, and community arts education. Grants of up to $10,000 are available to eligible organizations, specifically those classified as 501(c)(3) and located within the SW MN Arts Council service region. Applications from public schools and those using fiscal sponsors are also welcomed, ensuring that diverse artistic initiatives can flourish in the community.