Best Scott County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The C.H. Robinson Foundation Strategic Industry Grant Program supports nonprofits that enhance the supply chain and logistics workforce, promote environmental sustainability, and provide education in transportation. Since its establishment in 2005, the foundation has focused on impactful partnerships aligned with its mission. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or similar entities, and located within the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, ensuring community-driven support and development.

The County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Program aims to support rural communities within Compeer Financial’s territory by providing funding for upgrades and repairs to county fair facilities. Eligible organizations can receive up to $4,000 to enhance livestock buildings, 4-H buildings, and judging arenas. This initiative not only improves facilities but also fosters community engagement and agricultural education, ensuring that fairs continue to thrive in delivering memorable experiences for all ages.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM education within eligible communities. This initiative will provide grants to schools that implement at least one PLTW Launch module in the 2025-2026 academic year, followed by another module in subsequent years. The program is designed to empower students with hands-on learning experiences that connect real-world challenges to essential skills, fostering a stronger future in STEM fields.

Background

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created by H.R.1 (Section 71401 of Public Law 119-21) on July 4, 2025. It is a federal initiative to help states support rural communities in improving health care access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the health care delivery ecosystem. The RHTP focuses on promoting innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and workforce investment in rural communities. The federal program will grant up to $50 billion to states over five budget periods. Minnesota has outlined their initiatives online (learn more about Minnesota's Rural Health Transformation Program).

This RFP supports the planning and development of regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiatives. These initiatives will serve as a mechanism for regional collaboration to build effective community-based mental health services for children and adolescents across Minnesota. Based on the work of the Minnesota Adult Mental Health Initiatives, this activity brings counties and consortia of counties together to regionally coordinate mental health crisis services and support child and adolescent mental health. While Minnesota has a model of Adult Mental Health Initiatives, the needs of children and adolescents are different from those of adults, and this model should reflect these unique needs. Notably, this activity must be shaped for the needs of children and adolescents.

The Boston Scientific Foundation aims to enhance health and educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly in STEM fields. Their grant program focuses on K-12 students, requiring at least 50% of participants to be at or below 185% of the poverty line. The foundation seeks evidence-based proposals that can measure improvements in STEM learning, and it prioritizes applications serving communities near Boston Scientific locations, ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination in service.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Scott County, Minnesota can apply for PNC Foundation’s Foundation Grant to support early childhood education or community economic development programs. Eligible projects must occur in a community where PNC has a significant presence and may include early learning, affordable housing, small business support, human services, arts, or neighborhood revitalization.

The Elmer L. & Eleanor J. Andersen Foundation Legacy Grants, a part of the Minneapolis Foundation, has been enhancing lives since 1957 through family grantmaking. With a focus on arts, education, and social change, these grants support Minnesota organizations, particularly in the Twin Cities. They prioritize funding for operational projects rather than capital campaigns, ensuring community engagement and sustainability. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofits with requests typically between $1,000 and $3,000.

The Allianz Life Insurance Company's Financial Stability Grant aims to reduce barriers to economic inclusion by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance financial stability for low- to moderate-income families. With grants ranging from $50,000 to $75,000, this program prioritizes groups that serve diverse communities, promote equity, and collaborate with local organizations. By focusing on basic needs such as food, shelter, and affordable housing, Allianz is committed to fostering sustainable economic independence within the Twin Cities metro area.

The Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America offers the Financial Sustainability Grant to support nonprofit organizations that promote economic inclusion and financial stability. Grants range from $50,000 to $75,000 for one-year commitments, focusing on workforce success through education, job training, and entrepreneurial support. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3) and primarily serve low- to moderate-income families in the Twin Cities metro area.

The Twin Cities Fund: Teens and Tech Program Grant, offered by the Best Buy Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Minnesota's Twin Cities area. This initiative encourages teens to learn and collaborate with cutting-edge technologies, including robotics, digital photography, and game development. By providing access to these resources, the grant helps young people develop essential skills for their future careers and empowers them to contribute positively to their communities.

The MRAC Emergency Relief Grant offers $500 to artists in the Twin Cities metro area facing unexpected financial hardships due to personal emergencies or natural disasters. This initiative by the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council aims to enhance arts access by supporting individuals actively engaged in creative practices. Eligibility requires applicants to be at least 18 years old and residing in one of the seven metro counties for a minimum of six months prior to application.

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven-county Twin Cities area. The Met Council operates the regional bus and rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans and helps fund regional parks, and administers federal funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The 17-member Council board is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor. 

Livable Communities Small Area Planning Grants

Livable Communities small area planning grants support cities in establishing conditions for dense, connected, and equitable development in alignment with Imagine 2050 goals.

The Peter J. King Family Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to enhancing children's health, education, and welfare, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. Priority is given to initiatives in the Saint Paul, Minnesota area, followed by the Twin Cities metro region and Africa. Grants are evaluated based on long-term sustainability and the number of beneficiaries, with a clear emphasis on impactful contributions rather than program funding gifts.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Minneapolis Foundation is launching the 2026 Project Investments Grant Round through the WCA Foundation, which supports nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities metro area. The grant prioritizes initiatives led by and for women, addressing critical needs such as health, economic stability, shelter, and safety. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local women, emphasizing holistic approaches and demonstrable impact. This funding opportunity fosters community-driven solutions for women's empowerment and well-being.

Livable Communities - Policy & Affordable Housing Program Development Grants

he Council awards grants to cities, counties and their development authorities through the Livability Communities program. These grants, funded by property taxes and the Council's general fund, help clean up polluted sites for redevelopment, expand affordable housing opportunities and build pedestrian-friendly and transit-oriented developments.

The program is a voluntary, incentive-based approach to help communities grow and redevelop, and to address the region’s affordable and lifecycle housing needs. The program was established in 1995 by the state Livable Communities Act (LCA).

Up to $639,000 is available to policy and affordable housing program development projects in 2026.

501(c)(3) pet welfare organizations hosting cat or dog welfare events in Scott County, Minnesota can apply for Nestlé Purina’s event sponsorship, which offers monetary support, pet food, litter samples, or giveaway items. Eligible events must occur in the U.S., support cats and/or dogs, and be requested at least six months in advance.

The Anna M. Heilmaier Charitable Foundation, established in 1993, supports non-profit organizations in Saint Paul and the East Twin Cities metro region, focusing on music, arts, and healthcare initiatives. With an annual budget of approximately $300,000, grants can reach up to $150,000 for major projects, with a maximum of $50,000 for other grants. The foundation prioritizes projects that benefit local communities, specifically in healthcare and classical music.

Livable Communities - Development Projects Grants

Livable Communities development grants primarily support projects that plan to build new, rehabilitate, or preserve affordable housing (rental and ownership) and community-driven commercial spaces. Development grants support projects at all stages of development including:

• Pre-development
• Acquisition
• Environmental site investigation and cleanup
• Site preparation
• Construction or rehabilitation.

$26.9 million is available for development projects in 2026. Funding will be designated to the following outcomes:

• Early Stage Development: Environmental Site Investigation $500,000
• Early Stage Development: Pre-Development $1,500,000
• Construction Stage Development: Environmental Cleanup $5,500,000
• Construction Stage Development: Homeownership $3,500,000
• Construction Stage Development: Rental, Mixed-Use, Commercial $12,400,000
• Construction Stage Development: Multi-Family Rental Housing funded through the Minnesota Housing Consolidated Request for Proposals $3,500,000

The Edina Realty Foundation, established in 1996, is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless individuals and families in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. With over $12 million raised, the Foundation supports non-profits that provide housing, food, and emergency services, ensuring that more than 95% of funds directly aid those in need. Their mission highlights the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home, reinforcing community investment for a better tomorrow.

Scott County, Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing food access and hunger, homelessness, or military and veterans services can access funding through the SpartanNash Foundation if they are within 30 miles of a SpartanNash store, office, or distribution center. Grants support local “Hunger, Heroes and Hope” initiatives in communities served by SpartanNash.

Focused on youth development, arts, mental health, and human services, this program invites 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Scott County, Minnesota with $100,000+ budgets to apply for grants up to US $15,000. Eligible organizations must also have a three-year track record and an actively engaged RBC Wealth Management employee champion.

Nonprofits and eligible public entities addressing hunger, shelter, K-12 education access, or workforce development in Scott County, Minnesota can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for general operating or program support. C H Robinson Worldwide Foundation’s Twin Cities Grants Program backs organizations serving the greater Minneapolis–St. Paul seven-county metro area, including Scott County.

Rural volunteer fire, rescue, or ambulance departments collaborating across adjacent jurisdictions in Scott County, Minnesota can seek up to US $7,500 to purchase specialized emergency response equipment. Compeer Financial’s Emergency Response Equipment – Regional Collaboration Grant Program supports regional teamwork with items like chest compression systems, fit testing machines, hydraulic extrication tools, or oxygen tank refill equipment.

Farmers market vendors in Scott County, Minnesota who are Compeer Financial clients can receive up to US $500 for education, marketing, or technology improvements to support their booths. Compeer Financial provides funding for items like branding, websites, mobile payment tools, scales, tents, tables, and signage at bona fide farmers markets.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing education-focused programs in Scott County, Minnesota can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000 to support impactful, community-connected initiatives. Grants from Donaldson Foundation help address local educational needs, especially for those who might not otherwise have access to opportunities, scholarships, or institutional support.

Clinical health care training sites in Scott County, Minnesota that serve as clinical training locations in inpatient or ambulatory settings may be eligible for this site-based support. With a mission to strengthen clinical training, Minnesota Department of Health provides funding to Minnesota Health Care Program–enrolled or sliding-fee sites, prioritizing rural primary care and oral health training experiences.