Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Minnesota

With a mission to improve communities and the environment, Carolyn Foundation provides Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations (excluding private foundations) with US $15,000 - US $25,000 for climate-focused, community-led work. Environmental justice and advocacy groups centering equitable carbon reduction, clean energy, and community voice in policy and systems change may be especially competitive.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits advancing environmental justice, healthy land, and clean water can access funding through the Mortenson Family Foundation to support watershed-scale, community-led solutions. Grants may be multi-year and favor projects centering BIPOC and historically marginalized communities, combining stewardship, education, policy, and sustainable economic approaches that repair environmental harms and promote climate and racial justice.

Minnesota environmental justice and policy organizations can access funding through the Joyce Foundation to advance climate solutions and Great Lakes and drinking water priorities. Eligible national and regional groups working in Great Lakes states on equitable decarbonization, clean water access, and water infrastructure policy—especially in communities of color—may submit letters of inquiry year-round for invite-based grants.

Minnesota environmental justice and climate-focused nonprofits, as well as government entities with innovative projects, can seek funding to advance equitable climate and energy solutions. The McKnight Foundation supports work in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa that transforms energy systems, decarbonizes transportation and buildings, supports climate-smart working lands, and strengthens democratic participation to cut greenhouse gas emissions and advance equity.

Eligible community-based nonprofits, tribal governments, local governments, schools, and higher education institutions in Minnesota and other EPA Region 5 states can apply for The Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 grants, awarding up to US $150,000 for environmental and public health assessment and engagement. Funding supports environmental justice work such as air, water, and soil monitoring, mapping, and community education in disadvantaged communities.

The Wabtec Direct Grant Program focuses on creating sustainable impacts in local communities by funding 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Emphasizing education and environmental stewardship, the program supports initiatives that improve literacy, academic outcomes, and workforce readiness. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, prioritizing organizations that engage local Wabtec employees in volunteerism. The program promotes equitable access and non-discrimination while ensuring measurable results in funded projects.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

Indigenous-led frontline, grassroots, and community-based groups and organizations in Minnesota working on non-violent direct action and climate-related organizing can apply for NDN Collective’s Community Action Fund, with awards up to US $15,000 for supplies, equipment, contractual services, and travel. Environmental justice efforts defending Indigenous rights, land, air, water, and natural resources may be eligible.

Conservation districts, state or territory conservation associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in Minnesota and nationwide can apply for National Association of Conservation Districts technical assistance grants; awards approximately US $18,000,000 to expand conservation staffing. Funding supports outreach, conservation education, technical assistance, and environmental justice efforts benefiting producers and communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving veterans through environmental justice, conservation, recreation, education, arts, or wellness initiatives in the U.S. and its territories can seek up to US $100,000 for new or expanding projects. With a mission to empower women philanthropists, Impact100 Global Veterans provides large, transformative grants that may benefit Minnesota environmental justice efforts for veterans.

Environmental and community organizations in Minnesota working on Great Lakes watershed health, climate resilience, and environmental justice can access funding through Fred A And Barbara M Erb Family Foundation. Grants support policy advocacy, community leadership, and organizational capacity to build a flourishing, healthy, and resilient Great Lakes ecosystem across eligible Minnesota counties.

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 can advance affordable, sustainable housing, community-based economic development, equitable access to capital, and environmental justice efforts in small, low-income, and diverse rural communities including Itasca and surrounding counties.

Artists and arts organizations creating environmental justice and climate-focused projects in Minnesota can receive support for solution-oriented artistic activism. With a mission to support underrepresented artists, Puffin Foundation prioritizes U.S.-based projects across visual, media, theater, film, music, and other art forms that educate the public on pressing environmental issues and broader social justice concerns.

Youth leaders ages 13–23 in Minnesota working on community-based social impact or environmental justice projects can apply for Riley's Way Foundation’s Call for Kindness Fellowship, with startup grants up to US $5,000. Funding supports youth-led initiatives that build kindness, empathy, and connection, plus a 12‑month leadership development program and coaching.

Youth environmental leaders ages 13 to 22 in Minnesota working on environmental justice and related issues can receive US $3,000 plus leadership development support. Earth Island Institute’s Brower Youth Awards honor six North America-based changemakers each year, funding impactful, scalable projects and connecting winners to a broader youth activist network.

Youth-led environmental projects in Minnesota and across the U.S. can seek microgrants to grow ambitious initiatives, including work in environmental justice and advocacy. Grants from Earth Island Institute help young leaders advance sustainability, conservation, pollution reduction, stewardship, and youth leadership projects that may benefit communities facing environmental inequities.

Filmmakers creating short documentaries on climate change and environmental justice in Minnesota and beyond can apply for the Bloomberg Green Docs Contest, which awards a US $25,000 grand prize. Grants from Bloomberg Philanthropies help storytellers highlight urgent climate issues, restored ecosystems, and emerging zero-carbon communities in films under ten minutes.

Scientists and engineers interested in environmental policy and justice in Minnesota can apply for a Science Policy Fellowship, a 1–2 year placement on the American Chemical Society’s Government Affairs team. Focus areas include federal research funding, STEM education, green chemistry, environmental and regulatory policy, offering hands-on experience shaping science-related public policy that may benefit environmental justice work.

Environmental and environmental justice nonprofits in Minnesota can seek US $5,000 - US $20,000 to support bold, direct-action campaigns addressing root causes of environmental harm and protecting affected communities. Patagonia Org supports grassroots efforts that build inclusive movements, confront systemic bias, and engage the public in long-term environmental protection strategies across eligible countries, including the U.S.

Minnesota youth-led environmental justice and climate groups can access funding through Climate Group’s Youth Climate Justice Fund to support local or national socio-environmental organizing. Eligible collectives are led by people 35 and under, work non-violently and legally, and may receive up to US $40,000 for community-based climate justice efforts.

Levine Impact Lab

The Levine Impact Lab powers equitable transformation by investing in nonprofit leadership, building community organizations’ capacities, and building their capacity to accelerate positive social and environmental change.

We combine venture-capital expertise and inspired philanthropic thinking to radically amplify the value of giving.

Levine Impact Lab Operational Support Program

The Levine Impact Lab’s Operational Support Program is an 18-month, high-engagement operational partnership designed to help environmental organizations move strategic and financial priorities forward.

At the core of the program is hands-on operational support: our team works side-by-side with your leaders to drive progress on a critical project, whether it’s strengthening your financial infrastructure, increasing earned revenue, or planning for growth.

This is a working partnership. The grant funding and peer-learning community are designed to support and accelerate your momentum.

We are the best fit for organizations that:

• Operate at the intersection of environmental impact and social enterprise
• Are past the startup phase but still in a critical growth stage
• See LIL as a thought partner in unlocking strategy, scale, and sustainability
• Show up with clear goals and a commitment to moving the work forward

More information about participation commitments here.

What is Operational Support?

To get the most out of this program, organizations must come prepared with a specific project, workstream, or organizational challenge they want to tackle over the 18 months with operational support. 

Potential Area(s) of Support: 

• Financial strategy and planning
• Fundraising, development and donor engagement strategy
• Cost structure analysis
• Program development or expansion
• Corporate partnership strategy 
• New location or geographic expansion
• RFP support/capital planning
• Strategic planning
• Board engagement

Find examples of what past cohorts have worked on here.

People

The success of this program relies on having the right organizational leaders at the table. Each organization must commit two senior staff members who are equipped to make key decisions, drive implementation, and stay closely involved throughout the 18-month engagement. These leaders must:

• Have clear decision-making authority and/or strong backing from the Executive Director or CEO
• Be directly involved in the project or challenge the organization is addressing
• Be able to commit time, energy, and focus to move the work forward

There will also be opportunities to include additional staff members in operational projects, as needed, to ensure the right voices and expertise are present. 

Who this might include: Executive Director and Finance Director, Business Development Manager and Operations Lead, or Marketing Manager and Development Director, depending on the nature of your project.

What We Offer

• Tailored 1:1 operational support and strategic advising
• A national cohort of up to 10 organizations
• Peer network of strategic thought partners
• Virtual and in-person workshops and events
• Private Slack channel
• Exclusive alumni programming
• Grant funds over two years
• Supportive peer-learning community
• Accelerated organizational growth and momentum through strategic partnership with LIL

View Program Flyer here.

The Richard L and Freda K Flerlage Foundation

Our Mission

Working to empower underserved populations through small grants in support of literacy, healthcare, reduction of poverty, and the promotion of social and environmental justice.

We are a small family foundation, when possible we aim to support organizations with relatively small operating funds where our small grants will have their greatest possible impact.

Our average grant is $3,800.

Nonprofit organizations working on environmental justice, conservation, education, or sustainable development in the Americas, including Minnesota, can seek support from the Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for the Americas. The foundation funds 501(c)(3) organizations and their international equivalents, with a preference for areas where the corporation has a strong presence or volunteer opportunities.

The Fund for Wild Nature Grant empowers small non-profit organizations in Canada and the U.S. that prioritize the preservation of native species and ecosystems. With a biocentric approach, this grant supports innovative initiatives combating environmental degradation. Organizations must be tax-exempt and can only submit one proposal annually. Grants do not exceed $3,000, ensuring funding is directed to impactful projects addressing ecological issues often overlooked. Join the Fund in investing in the future of wild nature!

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The IEN-WMAN Mini-Grant Program provides crucial financial support to Indigenous communities and grassroots organizations impacted by mining in the U.S. and Canada. With over $200,000 distributed annually in $4,000 grants, the program aims to address mining-related environmental and health issues. Priority is given to proposals that demonstrate a direct impact on affected communities, particularly Indigenous-led initiatives, ensuring that financial assistance is directed where it is most needed.

The Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program, funded by the Ben & Jerry's Foundation, supports small, community-led organizations in the U.S. working to confront social and environmental injustices. Grants of up to $30,000 per year are available for two years, prioritizing organizations with budgets under $350,000. The program emphasizes grassroots organizing and community empowerment, inspired by the legacy of John Lewis. Eligible applicants must focus on collective action and local leadership to drive social change.