Best Grants for Religious Nonprofits in Minnesota

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek funding for health, education, development, and welfare programs in Minnesota and beyond. The Dan Paul Foundation supports initiatives such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, environmental education, and scholarships, with awards up to US $15,000 per year.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Minnesota can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like disaster preparedness, affordable housing, financial literacy, K–12 and STEM education, job training, and neighborhood revitalization that may benefit religiously affiliated organizations with eligible community programs.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, social development, science education, community, environmental, or contemporary arts projects in Minnesota and worldwide can access funding through grants from La Roche; projects must be locally based where a Roche affiliate operates. Programs that promote sustainable development and engage Roche expertise, partners, and employees may be eligible, including faith-based nonprofits whose work fits these priorities.

Minnesota religious and community nonprofits serving marginalized people through health care, education, or humanitarian aid can access funding through the Semnani Family Foundation. Organizations working locally or in its international focus countries may be eligible for support in areas like health care access, disaster relief, women and children’s health, literacy, and other human and social services.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Minnesota can seek support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, and diversity initiatives. Bank of America Foundation supports programs that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and emergency shelter, and strengthen economic mobility, which may benefit religious nonprofits providing community services.

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.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations working in community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. The foundation supports charitable projects that respect people, life, and the environment, and religious nonprofits with qualifying programs in these areas may be eligible to apply.

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, and domestic violence safety programs. TJX Foundation supports organizations with a nondiscrimination policy; faith-based nonprofits serving community needs may be eligible if they meet these guidelines.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and government or Tribal units in Minnesota serving the Fergus Falls area can apply for the Inga M. Johnson Endowment Fund, with awards of US $500 - US $2,500 for projects. Funding can support educational, charitable, scientific, literary, religious, family, and community service needs, including religion and spirituality programs.

Non-religious K–12 schools and individual artists can receive US $2,000 - US $4,000 to run in-school arts residencies in Minnesota, supplementing existing arts curricula. Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council funds projects in disciplines such as visual, performing, literary, traditional, and intermedia arts for schools in its 11-county region.

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.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities in Crow Wing and southern Cass Counties in Minnesota can apply for CommunityGiving’s Brainerd Lakes Area Difference Maker Grants; awards US $5,000 - US $30,000 for general operations and programs. Faith-based organizations with community-focused initiatives, especially for disadvantaged youth, arts access, or community development, may be eligible.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Minnesota religious and community nonprofits can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation for projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural programs, and environmental initiatives. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with at least three years of financial activity may receive US $5,000 - US $25,000 in one-year project support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota’s Twin Cities metro can apply for funding to combat systemic racism or support arts programming. Focused on equity and community arts, Archie D & Bertha H Walker Foundation invites eligible groups, including religious nonprofits, to request up to US $5,000 for initiatives that enrich community life in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington counties.

Nonprofit arts and non-arts organizations, schools, and local or tribal government entities in Minnesota can receive US $3,000 - US $11,000 to create, perform, publish, or exhibit arts programming. With a mission to strengthen regional arts, Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council prioritizes artist fees and accessible public events, which may benefit religious nonprofits offering community arts activities.

Arts-focused nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities in Minnesota’s 11‑county SEMAC region can receive US $5,000 from Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council for fine arts programming, including creation, performance, and exhibition projects. Eligible religious nonprofits with qualifying arts programs may apply for presenter assistance or arts production projects that include a public component in southeastern Minnesota.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible community entities in Minnesota addressing hunger, shelter, education, or workforce development can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 to support programs and operations. C H Robinson Worldwide Foundation supports organizations serving the seven-county Minneapolis–St. Paul metro, and religious nonprofits may qualify when funds are used for non-religious community services.

Nonprofit organizations in Minnesota with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award to recognize collaborative efforts addressing significant social issues. Faith-based and religious nonprofits with cross-sector partnerships may be eligible if they demonstrate measurable community impact, model collaboration among equal partners, and potential for replication or scaling across communities.

Minnesota nonprofits, veterans organizations, cemetery companies, and governmental units supporting the supply chain and logistics industry can access funding through C H Robinson Foundation for general operating or program needs. Religious organizations that offer non-religious community services open to all may be eligible, especially those advancing workforce diversity, transportation and logistics education, or environmental sustainability.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, health, human services, environment, arts, or community development can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 to advance their local programs. With a mission to help people live their best life, Altra Foundation awards one $10,000 Best Life Community Award through member nominations and community voting.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and tax-exempt governmental entities in Minnesota can seek project or operational funding to strengthen the Cuyuna Lakes Area and designated organizations. With a mission to support community enrichment, EW Hallett Charitable Trusts prioritizes initiatives that broaden educational, health, economic, cultural, and social opportunities for local residents.

Nonprofits, public schools, governments, tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored projects in northeastern Minnesota can seek funding for global awareness, peace, justice, human rights, and environmental sustainability initiatives. Boreal Waters Community Foundation supports efforts like global education, media on international issues, conferences on foreign relations, and projects fostering cross-cultural understanding, which may include faith-based or religious nonprofits.