Best Grants for BIPOC in Minnesota

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 to support education, human services, conservation, health, and cultural programs, mainly in the greater Chicago area. Grants from McGraw Foundation may benefit Minnesota groups serving BIPOC communities whose work aligns with these priorities, including tutoring, literacy, housing, clinics, and crisis intervention.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Minnesota can apply for the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program to implement conservation practices on working lands. Funding supports soil health, water and air quality, habitat improvement, climate resilience, and related sustainable agriculture projects, which may benefit BIPOC-led and BIPOC-serving operations.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related research, the American Water Works Association invites Minnesota students, including those from BIPOC communities, to apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek funding that supports work, home, and play initiatives. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, with a preference for leaders of color and programs advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, and addressing multiple pillars.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for direct services or capacity-building projects. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support efforts serving communities on the Union Pacific rail network, including initiatives advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion for BIPOC residents.

Nonprofits, public entities, and partners advancing research, planning, education, or development projects that strengthen long-term economic growth in northeastern Minnesota may be eligible for Development Partnership grants. Grants from Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehab can support community development, workforce readiness, sustainable energy, and related initiatives that benefit BIPOC communities in Minnesota.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, schools, Tribal nations, and local agencies in Minnesota can apply for Northland Foundation’s quarterly grants of more than US $10,000 to support basic needs, youth, and community wellbeing. Funding supports general operations or specific programs serving people in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis counties, including BIPOC communities.

Minnesota nonprofit organizations and government entities can seek funding for economic mobility, community wealth-building, fair housing systems, and democratic participation initiatives that benefit communities of color and low-income residents. Focused on racial and economic justice, the McKnight Foundation invites applicants advancing workers’ rights, equitable housing, entrepreneurship, and community development strategies that build long-term, shared prosperity.

Minnesota organizations planning environmental projects can host Minnesota GreenCorps AmeriCorps members to advance community resilience work across the state. Focused on environmental stewardship, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency invites Minnesota groups, including those serving BIPOC communities, to apply as host sites for projects in outreach, energy conservation, stormwater and forestry, or waste reduction and recycling.

Nonprofits serving women and children with self-sufficiency, education, or humanitarian aid programs in Minnesota can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation, with awards up to US $750,000. U.S.-based organizations working on homelessness, food security, job readiness, microfinance, health care, or child welfare, including BIPOC-focused programs, may be eligible.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical research in Minnesota can access funding through the National Institutes of Health to support small-scale research projects and student research experiences. NIH provides U.S. colleges and universities with up to US $375,000 to enhance their research environment, particularly in areas like public health, neuroscience, genetics, HIV/AIDS, and related fields.

Early-career research scientists at low- and middle-income country academic or research institutions conducting clinical trials in areas like cancer, cardiovascular, neurological, or environmental health may be eligible for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which offers approximately US $140,000. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help support protected research time and career development that could benefit BIPOC communities in Minnesota and globally.

With a mission to support rural communities, Blandin Foundation provides Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal governments, and public agencies with US $25,000 - US $150,000 for community wealth-building projects. Funding supports rural affordable housing, community-based economic development, workforce and leadership development, and equitable access to capital, especially benefiting BIPOC and other marginalized residents in Itasca County and surrounding rural areas.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, environmental conservation, or healthy and vibrant communities may be eligible for this funding to support local projects. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help communities near its Minnesota operations expand STEM education, restore land and water, improve health, and create opportunities for underserved BIPOC residents.

Focused on education, health, environment, and community services, Altra Foundation invites Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits to compete for US $2,500 - US $10,000 through member nominations. Organizations serving BIPOC communities in eligible Minnesota counties and advancing education, cultural enrichment, health, human services, or community development may be strong candidates.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing education, human services, or health and medicine programs can apply for Richard M Schulze Family Foundation support. Eligible projects include youth and adult education, after-school and summer programs, scholarships, housing and shelter, food access, domestic violence services, disability support, children’s mental health prevention, and patient and family health services; BIPOC-serving organizations may benefit.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities in Minnesota working on climate and clean energy systems change can apply for funding to advance equitable carbon reduction. The McKnight Foundation supports efforts such as transforming the energy grid, decarbonizing transportation and buildings, supporting climate-smart working lands, and strengthening democratic participation, with a focus on climate resilience and equity for diverse Midwest communities.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving Minnesota communities can seek program-specific funding for community revitalization, services, affordable housing, and economic development efforts. Focused on racial and social equity, Huntington National Bank invites groups within its footprint to explore invitation-only partnerships that benefit low- and moderate-income individuals and neighborhoods.

About CommonSpirit

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At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

Early-career health researchers in low- or middle-income countries with junior faculty posts can apply for approximately US $140,000 from the National Institutes of Health to support mentored research and career development. Minnesota-based institutions collaborating with eligible LMIC scientists, including those from BIPOC communities, may benefit through joint projects addressing country-specific health priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting social or financial empowerment in Minnesota communities where Transamerica operates may be eligible for grants. Aegon Transamerica Foundation supports programs such as financial literacy, workforce preparation, basic needs, health education, arts access, and community development, with a focus on inclusive, innovative initiatives that encourage self-reliance and offer opportunities for employee engagement.

The Joyce Foundation's Environment Grants focus on addressing critical environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region, such as climate change and water safety. The foundation prioritizes equitable, carbon-free energy solutions and clean water access for all communities. Grants are awarded to organizations committed to environmental justice and innovation in climate policy, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, ensuring that the voices of affected communities guide project development.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

The Urban Farm Conservation Mini-Grant provides up to $5,000 to support commercial urban farmers in Minnesota in implementing vital conservation practices. Funded by the USDA's NRCS, this grant helps farmers acquire equipment and materials necessary for sustainable management of soil, water, and biodiversity. Eligible projects may include soil improvement, water management systems, and enhancing plant and animal health. This initiative aims to promote environmentally friendly farming techniques and bolster urban agriculture.

The Fred C. & Katherine B. Andersen Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the St. Croix Valley of Minnesota and Wisconsin. It supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with priorities in healthcare, education, housing, human services, civic initiatives, and environmental education. While capital requests may be considered, the foundation primarily funds operational and programmatic needs. Organizations outside the geographic area may be considered if they align with the foundation's funding priorities.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.