Best Grants for Autism Programs in Minnesota

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for funding that supports work, home, and play initiatives. Focused on community development, US Bancorp Foundation invites organizations, including those serving autistic individuals and families, to seek collaborative, high-impact support, with priority for groups led by people of color in U.S. Bank communities.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, youth, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program support through Costco Foundation’s charitable contributions. Organizations providing services that may include autism-related supports for children or families may be eligible, with applications reviewed in 4–6 weeks and evaluated on community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diversified funding.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations developing innovative human services solutions, including autism-related programs in Minnesota, can seek support for new approaches to social problems. Creag Foundation considers proposals from smaller or evolving organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and are addressing existing or previously unaddressed societal issues in creative ways.

Early-stage, independent nonprofit and impact-first organizations in Minnesota and beyond developing scalable solutions for underserved communities can apply for up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Focused on innovative, systems-oriented social and environmental impact, this funding could support autism-related models that are post-pilot, data-driven, and capable of reaching at least 10,000 people within five years.

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.

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.

Minnesota nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations can seek funding for health, education, or community initiatives that may include autism services and supports. Focused on health and welfare, the Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based 501(c)(3) and equivalent charities to apply for projects like healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, food pantries, and healthy lifestyle initiatives.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in early childhood education or community economic development can access funding through PNC Foundation to serve low- and moderate-income children and families. The Foundation supports programs such as early learning, family engagement, job training, affordable housing, and community services, which may benefit organizations offering autism-related supports within these areas.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or arts initiatives can seek philanthropic support for high-quality projects, including those in Minnesota. Grants from La Roche help organizations worldwide deliver sustainable development, youth science education, disaster response, and contemporary arts and culture, especially where Roche affiliates and employees can be actively engaged in local programs.

Minnesota health and human services organizations supporting marginalized communities can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation to advance health care access, education, and humanitarian relief. Programs serving vulnerable children, women, and families, including those with disabilities, may be eligible if they align with the foundation’s global focus on health and social welfare.

Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help Minnesota autism and related education, health, and scientific organizations that are 501(c)(3) public charities fund charitable, medical, scientific, or educational programs in the U.S. Eligible nonprofits must use awarded funds domestically and hold applicable federal and, when relevant, California tax-exempt status.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or inclusion programs may be eligible for this funding. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and emergency shelter, and strengthen economic and social progress, which can include autism-related services within these focus areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in Minnesota can seek storytelling support to showcase their impact in preservation, education, or wellness. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation funds projects that highlight work such as wildlife conservation, historic preservation, early childhood education, mental health, and related community initiatives, which may benefit autism-focused programs within these pillars.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving autism, children and families, education, health, poverty relief, or related services in the Southern U.S. can seek program funding that creates tangible, meaningful impact. Robinson Foundation supports single-year projects for established charities; Minnesota organizations may be eligible if they primarily serve communities below the Mason-Dixon line.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community services, including those running autism-related programs in Minnesota, may be eligible for Insperity’s philanthropic grants and event sponsorships. Insperity supports institutions needing financial help to meet service goals when they engage Insperity employees, are Insperity clients, or serve communities where Insperity employees live and work.

Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits with support for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding initiatives. Organizations running autism-related programs that fit these areas may be eligible to apply for this broad, charitable funding opportunity.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports initiatives that help vulnerable children and families build better futures, and autism-focused programs fitting these priorities may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Minnesota running community services or environmental programs can apply for Lawrence Foundation’s unrestricted operating or program support grants, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help autism-focused organizations that fit these priorities fund services, projects, or general operations without geographic restrictions.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including those in Minnesota, can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs that may include autism services. Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports youth, disability, education, cultural, health, and community programs where modest grants can make a significant impact.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Minnesota nonprofits with support for basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven causes. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations serving hunger relief, housing and homelessness, financial literacy, workforce readiness, or community and cultural enrichment may be eligible, with preference for communities near Ameriprise employee centers such as Minneapolis.

Minnesota nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status running education, social service, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental programs can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation. U.S.-based organizations may apply for US $5,000 - US $25,000 in one-year project support; autism-related services and supports may be competitive if they fit these priorities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving local quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support, including in Minnesota. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports community-focused organizations, and autism service providers that fit these priorities may qualify.

Minnesota autism and disability-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Programs must primarily benefit a Minnesota community served by Union Pacific and align with one of the listed priority cause areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota serving youth and families can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants from US $30,000 - US $350,000 for community, education, food security, and environmental programs. Autism-focused organizations that fit these categories may be eligible for support.

Nonprofit organizations in Minnesota with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing social issues can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners, which may include autism-focused initiatives that measurably improve lives and model effective community problem-solving.

Nonprofit organizations running programs that help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those with autism, may be eligible for funding to expand services or launch new initiatives. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help Minnesota and other eligible locations support poverty alleviation, disability services, and humanitarian aid, with awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000.