Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on equitable and affordable housing can seek funding for economic advancement, safe housing, and community-building initiatives. Focused on economic development across work, home, and play, US Bancorp Foundation prioritizes organizations in its service communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars, including affordable and supportive housing.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Minnesota nonprofits planning community events or fundraisers that advance equitable and affordable housing or related economic stability initiatives can seek sponsorship support for their activities. Minnesota housing organizations can access funding through Old National Bank to support events like galas, tournaments, or special events that benefit low- to moderate-income residents and underrepresented groups in eligible counties.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Minnesota nonprofit organizations and government entities can seek operating or project support for community development, equitable and affordable housing, and economic mobility efforts that advance vibrant, equitable communities. Grants from the McKnight Foundation help Minnesota affordable housing and community wealth initiatives expand access to capital, preserve affordability, and strengthen fair, just housing systems for low-income and BIPOC residents.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for economic, environmental, racial, or social justice in Minnesota can seek US $10,000 - US $50,000 in recoverable grants for case expenses. The Impact Fund supports class actions and multi-plaintiff cases, which may include challenges tied to housing stability and community conditions.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on affordable housing and related community services in Minnesota can seek support for operations, programs, projects, and some capital needs. The Fred C and Katherine B Andersen Foundation prioritizes work in the St. Croix Valley region and also considers healthcare, education, human services, civic, and environmental education initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal nations, schools, and local agencies serving Northeast Minnesota can seek more than US $10,000 to support basic needs, including equitable and affordable housing programs. With a mission to help communities thrive, Northland Foundation provides flexible general operating or program-restricted funding within its seven-county and five–Native nation service area.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Affordable housing providers in Minnesota and other Midwest states can apply for Enterprise Community Partners’ Asset Management University Cohort, a five‑month training program to strengthen asset and property management skills. Up to 15 mission‑aligned organizations receive CHAM online training, peer learning, and post‑training technical assistance to better preserve long‑term housing affordability.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) public charities working on affordable, equitable housing and community development can apply for approximately US $15,000 from Old National Bank to support impactful programs. Funding supports affordable housing, economic and workforce development, and financial empowerment, with priority for underrepresented and low- to moderate-income communities within the bank’s Minnesota footprint counties.

Nonprofits, public entities, tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups in Minnesota working on equitable and affordable housing and related equity issues can seek up to US $300,000 for transformational projects. Boreal Waters Community Foundation funds initiatives that address root causes, build cross-sector partnerships, and shift systems toward long-term opportunity, resilience, and belonging.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota providing equitable, affordable housing and related human services can seek multi-year Community Grants of more than US $20,000 for general operating or program support. Patrick & Aimee Butler Family Foundation prioritizes work serving vulnerable people, including those experiencing homelessness or lacking safe, stable housing in the Twin Cities and East Metro.

Nonprofits and mission-oriented housing organizations with scalable affordable housing innovations can apply for Enterprise Community Partners’ national competition, including applicants in Minnesota. Enterprise Community Partners provides U.S. equitable and affordable housing groups with US $2,000,000 grants to expand proven solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery and programs that increase housing choice and access.

Nonprofits, school districts, Tribal and local governments in Central Minnesota can seek up to US $10,000 for early-stage economic and workforce development projects that may include affordable housing efforts. Grants from Initiative Foundation help Minnesota organizations pilot new strategies, build partnerships, and assess feasibility to attract and retain workers and strengthen local economies.

Minnesota nonprofits, tribal governments, public entities, and fiscally sponsored groups working on economic stability and affordable housing can access funding through Boreal Waters Community Foundation to support programs, operations, and capacity building. Grants of US $25,000 - US $50,000 back community-led, equity-centered projects in northeastern Minnesota and neighboring northwestern Wisconsin counties.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing economic opportunity, housing, or financial stability can apply for Target Foundation’s Hometown Program grants of US $25,000 - US $200,000. Grants from Target Foundation help Minnesota organizations expand affordable housing, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and asset-building efforts for underserved, low-income, and BIPOC communities, with priority for the Twin Cities metro area.

Nonprofit organizations in Minnesota with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors collaborations addressing significant social issues. Programs that improve lives and communities may be recognized, which could include initiatives connected to equitable and affordable housing among other social impact efforts.

Nonprofit housing organizations, cities, tribes, school entities, and private developers in Minnesota can seek funding to create or improve affordable, owner-occupied single-family homes. Grants from Minnesota Housing Finance Agency help Minnesota affordable housing providers acquire, rehabilitate, or construct homes and offer downpayment or closing cost assistance to low- and moderate-income homebuyers.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on equitable and affordable housing and related human services can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 to strengthen their community impact. With a mission to help people live their best life, Altra Foundation provides Best Life Community Awards to housing, homelessness, and community development organizations in designated counties.

With a mission to improve lives and strengthen communities, Andersen Corporate Foundation provides Minnesota nonprofits focused on affordable and supportive housing with funding for general operations, programs, and capital needs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Twin Cities metro and St. Croix Valley counties can request US $5,000 - US $50,000 for housing access and stability initiatives.