Best Grants for Youth Programs in Minnesota

Eligible organizations able to train and support Minnesota children’s mental health providers can apply for Minnesota Department of Human Services funding to implement an evidence-informed treatment system for youth. This two-year contract, with possible extension, supports workforce development, implementation assistance, and quality improvement to expand evidence-based mental health practices for children and youth statewide.

Organizations in Minnesota that support youth and children’s mental health can seek funding to design and deliver a technical assistance model improving discharge planning from high-acuity inpatient or residential settings. Minnesota Department of Human Services will fund assessment of current systems, development of standardized support frameworks, and implementation through training, consultation, and resources.

The US Department of Health & Human Services announces a competitive funding opportunity for the Head Start/Early Head Start programs across various states. This initiative aims to enhance services for low-income families and children, promoting their social and economic well-being. With approximately $818.3 million available, the program seeks to expand access to quality early childhood education, thereby strengthening community stability and prosperity. Interested applicants can seek further information through the OHS Operations Center.

Minnesota youth and family service providers seeking to deliver Functional Family Therapy can receive funding for training, implementation support, and fidelity monitoring in Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Human Services backs staff salaries, benefits, travel, technology, and related administrative costs so agencies can build FFT capacity for court- and county-referred youth ages 10–18.

Youth-serving organizations in Minnesota offering job training, employment preparation, internships, financial literacy, academic support, or youth intervention activities can apply for competitive funding focused on low-income communities and young adults facing intergenerational poverty. Focused on youth services, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development invites eligible programs to expand support for communities of color and other underserved youth.

Minnesota youth-serving nonprofits and other U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for programs that improve communities and families, promote education, and encourage wellness. Minnesota youth programs that emphasize health, education, safety, and children may be especially competitive for support from Encova Foundation of West Virginia.

Minnesota youth-serving 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking in-kind donations for fundraising events can receive support such as items from the Minnesota Twins Community Fund. The fund focuses on empowering youth through baseball, softball, and related sports activities across Twins Territory, with requests submitted online at least six weeks before the event.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status running youth and community programs in low- and moderate-income areas can seek program-specific support within Huntington’s footprint, including Minnesota. Focused on community revitalization, services, affordable housing, and economic development, Huntington National Bank invites partners advancing self-sufficiency, racial equity, and quality of life to discuss potential funding.

Minnesota Episcopal congregations running programs or advocacy efforts for vulnerable children and youth can receive up to US $1,000 to support their work. Sheltering Arms Foundation provides Minnesota faith communities with small grants for initiatives like tutoring, nurseries, teen service projects, or basic-needs outreach that benefit children, youth, and families.

Minnesota youth-serving organizations providing workforce development, training, or career preparation for economically disadvantaged or at-risk youth ages 14–24 can apply for the Youth at Work Competitive Grant, with awards up to US $850,000. Programs in Minnesota that support youth services, job readiness, internships, or leadership development may be competitive applicants.

Joy in Childhood Foundation provides Minnesota youth services and children’s health providers with funding to host prom-like experiences for hospitalized teens. Children’s hospitals or general hospitals with pediatric departments near Dunkin’ locations can apply for US $20,000 - US $50,000 to create special prom events for patients ages 13–19 who cannot attend their own.

Children’s hospitals, general hospitals with pediatric departments, and nonprofits serving children battling illness in Minnesota can receive US $25,000 - US $65,000 annually to build or expand pediatric gaming programs. Joy in Childhood Foundation supports equipment, connectivity, staffing, and virtual programming, with a focus on engaging teen patients through multi-year bedside and remote gaming experiences.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits running youth, family, or basic needs programs can access funding through the Joseph Durda Foundation to provide direct services like aid for underprivileged youth, children and families in need, and scholarships for advanced education. Organizations serving disabled individuals, people with debilitating diseases, or military veterans and their families may also be eligible.

USA Football’s Flag Equipment Grant supports youth organizations and schools in need of flag belts and footballs for girls flag football programs. Eligible applicants include legally designated non-profits in good standing with USA Football. The grant provides USA Football-branded equipment, with quantities determined by the application responses. Organizations are unable to select items from a catalog, as awards are issued directly from warehouse partners, ensuring accessibility for participants.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government programs serving socioeconomically disadvantaged youth can receive Ross gift cards, usually valued between US $300 - US $500, to purchase school or professional clothing. Grants from Ross Stores Foundation help youth programs focused on academic achievement, financial literacy, mentoring, STEM, and career readiness near Ross or dd’s DISCOUNTS stores.

Nonprofit organizations offering youth services and related social programs in Minnesota can apply for US $500 - US $5,000 in project-based support from St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation. Funding supports activities that build financial independence and economic self-sufficiency, and may also benefit programs addressing homelessness, housing, veterans, and broader community needs.

Nonprofit organizations supporting youth, housing, social services, veterans, or civic initiatives in New Hampshire communities can apply for St. Marys Bank Charitable Foundation’s community support grants, with awards of US $500 - US $5,000. Minnesota youth programs may be eligible if they serve these priorities and operate within the funder’s listed service areas.

Youth-focused organizations running education or microenterprise development projects in Minnesota can apply for the Madelyn L. Laschober Endowment Fund, offering up to US $1,000. Grants from Partners of the Americas help support small-scale youth, education, and microenterprise initiatives, which may benefit Minnesota youth programs that fit these priorities.

Youth-serving charities in Minnesota focused on children’s needs can access funding through the CAPTRUST Community Foundation’s National Partnership Grant program. CAPTRUST Community Foundation provides Minnesota youth services with opportunities for significant support, including a major Charity of Choice award and multiple national grants for organizations aligned with its mission to serve children.

Minnesota youth programs and child-serving nonprofits can seek support for youth services and children’s development, particularly for diverse and lower-income families. Focused on empowering children and other vulnerable groups in the Pacific NW and beyond, Jtmf Foundation invites organizations whose work fits its priorities to introduce themselves, though it is not currently accepting unsolicited grant requests.

Youth-serving organizations in Minnesota that help children under 18 access recreational sports can receive up to US $150 to cover registration fees. Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation’s i9 Sports Association program supports youth sports participation nationwide, so Minnesota youth programs offering recreational athletics may be eligible for this financial assistance.

The AED Grant, offered by USA Football, supports youth organizations, middle schools, and high school girls flag football programs in acquiring essential Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This initiative ensures that lifesaving equipment is readily available during emergencies. Recipients receive specific AED models, comprehensive training, and certification to guarantee proper usage. Eligible applicants must be non-profits in good standing with USA Football, promoting safety and preparedness on the field.

The Marlene and Spencer Hays Foundation Grants support tax-exempt organizations working to enhance lives through arts, healthcare, education, and youth programs. The foundation requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) from all applicants, emphasizing its mission to select grant recipients who align with its values. Grants are not available for political purposes, endowment campaigns, or organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion. This framework ensures a focused impact on community betterment.

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

The AE Foundation Community Grants aim to support US and Canadian non-profit organizations focused on enhancing the mental health and well-being of young people. By funding local programs, the AE Foundation empowers teens and young adults to embrace authenticity and build a brighter future. Eligible organizations must be certified 501(c)3 non-profits or registered charities, and grant funding should be utilized within 365 days of receipt. This initiative reinforces the importance of mental health in today's society.

The Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for children and young adults facing mental and physical challenges. By supporting registered charitable organizations that align with its mission, the foundation seeks to ensure that 100% of grant funds directly benefit those in need within the US. Emphasizing immediate results and proven success, the foundation is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of future generations.

The Hunger to Health Collaboratory (H2HC) 2025 Prizes for Innovation aim to enhance health equity for youth through innovative funding in three categories: Food and Nutrition Policy, Nutrition Education & School Food, and Indigenous Food Justice. Supported by Newman’s Own Foundation, these prizes include $100K grants for policy work and $25K grants for education and justice initiatives. Winners will participate in the H2HC Fall Summit in Boston, fostering collaborative solutions to food challenges.