Best Grants for Youth Programs in Minnesota

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

The Joan M. Wismer Foundation, established in 2001, honors the legacy of Joan Marilynn Wismer, who was dedicated to charitable work and community service. The foundation focuses on improving lives through education, youth development, safety, humanitarian services, and medical research. It primarily supports IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and churches, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable funding and effective financial management in its grant-making process.

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.

The CoreCivic Foundation Grant aims to support nonprofit organizations that help former offenders, victims of crime, and underserved youth. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charities with a commitment to measurable outcomes. Preference is given to those with a history of collaboration with CoreCivic and those operating in Tennessee. This grant provides essential resources to enhance the quality of services delivered to these vulnerable populations, fostering rehabilitation and community support.

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 Earth Rising Foundation Grants provide financial support ranging from $200 to $20,000 for grassroots climate initiatives. The foundation emphasizes empowering Indigenous communities, advocating for sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing social justice issues linked to climate change. By fostering youth involvement and supporting innovative projects, the foundation aims to create a vision for a sustainable future that respects both people and the planet. Applications must be submitted through a US-based nonprofit organization.

The Dave McGillivray Finish Strong Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on inspiring youth through physical activity, literacy, and community engagement. With a mission to empower children in New England, the Foundation awards grants of up to $5,000 twice a year. Priority is given to programs serving individuals under 17, particularly in areas with low reading scores and high poverty. This initiative fosters self-confidence and community support, ensuring a brighter future for the youth it serves.

The McMillen Foundation Grants Program supports research in cardiology, lipids, and organ transplant, along with educational initiatives and social services in Washington and Alaska. With a single grant cycle annually, nonprofits certified under 501(c)(3) can apply for funding, preferably those benefiting children and promoting equity. The foundation emphasizes programs that leverage the arts to foster social change, impacting youth and disadvantaged communities. Applications must be submitted by July 31 to be considered for the current cycle.

The Edward and Wanda Jordan Family Foundation Grant aims to support education, scientific research, and spiritual ministries through voluntary grants. Focused on enhancing the welfare and quality of life for children and youth, this foundation perpetuates the charitable intentions of the Jordan family. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that align with these values and objectives, ensuring impactful contributions to the community.

The Rotary Works Foundation Grant supports charitable projects primarily focused on children, youth, and families, emphasizing active Rotarian involvement. Grants range from $500 to $5,000, awarded prior to events. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(1) organizations. Preference is given to projects engaging Rotarians. The application deadline is the 2nd Wednesday of each month, and all grantees must report outcomes post-project.

The J.R. Simplot Company Foundation Grant supports U.S. non-profit organizations focused on art, education, youth, community, and global food and agriculture. Established in 1929, the foundation is committed to enhancing community welfare through creative cultural endeavors, educational initiatives, health services, and youth programs. Applications are reviewed quarterly, ensuring a timely response to organizations dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities.

Mildred's Dream Foundation Grant provides vital support to community-based non-profit organizations focused on Education, Domestic Violence, and Physical or Mental Health Challenges. With grants up to $25,000, the foundation aims to honor Mildred's commitment to improving lives and creating a better world. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits providing direct services in these areas. Notably, the foundation excludes funding for certain institutions, ensuring resources are directed to those genuinely in need.

About YouthBridge

We are the bridge between donors, nonprofits and the potential of our region.

At YouthBridge Community Foundation, caring for the future of St. Louis is at the heart of everything we do. We help charitably-minded individuals, families and businesses support causes that serve children and their families in our region. We work with professional advisors to offer philanthropy planning to their clients. And above all, we are building the bridge to a stronger, more vibrant community.

Child Welfare Capacity Building Grant

The Child Welfare Capacity Building Grant will aid and support nonprofits whose primary mission is to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of children by addressing child abuse and neglect through foster/adoption care, prevention, and treatment of child abuse.

This grant will provide resources for organizations to build strong staff and boards, plan for their futures, evaluate programs, improve finances, support critical indirect staff positions, and update technology so they can serve the community with a sense of confidence. Award amounts will generally be $10,000.

Guidelines

YouthBridge Community Foundation will award grants to child or youth serving nonprofit organizations that are located in and primarily serve the St. Louis metropolitan area.

The Josh Dubin Fellowship, launched in January 2022 by the Shawn Carter Foundation, is a seven-week paid program designed for five exceptional students interested in the legal field. This immersive experience includes mentorship from legal professionals, direct involvement in case analysis, and off-site visits to courtrooms. Fellows not only gain invaluable insights into legal practices but also receive additional scholarship support for their educational pursuits, empowering them to overcome socio-economic barriers and achieve their dreams.

The Eleanor & Henry Jansen Foundation, established in 1998, supports nonprofit organizations in Whatcom County, focusing on youth programs. The foundation encourages proposals that directly impact the community and emphasizes the importance of a substantial volunteer base. Special consideration is given to projects that were significant to Eleanor and Henry Jansen. Applicants are encouraged to seek matching funds from multiple sources, with priority given to youth-serving initiatives.