Best Scott County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

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.

Scott County, Minnesota conservation nonprofits and government entities can access funding through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to restore, protect, or enhance prairies, wetlands, forests, and fish and wildlife habitat. Awards range from US $5,000 - US $500,000 and require a 10% non-state match, with projects focused on permanently protected or public lands and waters.

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 Securian Foundation focuses on enhancing community well-being through financial stability, youth education, and vibrant communities. They aim to empower families by supporting initiatives that ensure equitable access to basic needs, promote financial literacy, and encourage community engagement in arts and culture. The foundation prioritizes funding for food security, housing, workforce development, educational programs, and civic opportunities, while maintaining a commitment to serving underrepresented populations.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation provides grants focused on education, human services, and health and medicine. They support high-performing educational institutions, scholarships, and nonprofits that enhance learning experiences. In human services, they assist organizations tackling hunger, shelter, and mental health issues. Their health initiatives include funding for medical research and treatment services. All support is by invitation only, ensuring that funding aligns with their mission to reduce suffering and promote community well-being.

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.

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 Stevens Square Foundation Grant focuses on supporting programs for financially vulnerable seniors in the Twin Cities metro area. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $30,000 and are available for existing programs that help seniors remain in their homes, as well as new initiatives aimed at improving the lives of older adults. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and prioritize underserved groups, demonstrating collaboration and community resource utilization.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Scott County, Minnesota can apply for up to US $10,000 to support innovative programs or essential equipment that improve health, enhance well-being, or advance medical care. The Jewish Community Foundation of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation funds discrete, high-impact projects, including potential support for cancer, mental health, ethics, or patient advocacy initiatives.

The Agriculture Education Grant, funded by Compeer Financial, aims to enhance high school agriculture programs by providing up to $4,000 for classroom equipment and educational initiatives. This grant promotes hands-on learning and modern technologies, ensuring students are well-equipped to explore the evolving agricultural landscape. Eligible applicants include high school agriculture departments within a specified 144-county territory, with a focus on schools that have not received funding in the past two years.

The Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to bolster rural communities by providing funding for essential emergency response equipment for volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments. With grants up to $4,000, this initiative ensures that first responders have the necessary tools to protect and serve their communities effectively. Eligibility is limited to rural departments in the 144-county territory, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.

Nonprofit organizations hosting community events or fundraisers in Scott County, Minnesota can receive sponsorship funding for one-time events, galas, tournaments, and other special activities. Old National Bank supports programs with broad community impact, prioritizing underrepresented groups and Community Reinvestment Act-focused work such as economic development, workforce development, affordable housing, small business services, and financial education.

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.

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.

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.

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to support organizations enhancing services at farmers markets. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for marketing efforts, technology upgrades, and vendor education. Eligible applicants must be bona fide farmers markets with at least three vendors of locally-produced products and must operate in the designated 144-county area. Priority is given to markets that have not previously received funding.

The North Star Black Cooperative Fellowship aims to empower Black-led cooperatives by reconnecting them with their historical roots in cooperative economics. This seven-month program encourages participants to reclaim the legacy of Black economic cooperation, offering training in governance, conflict resolution, and cooperative skills. With a focus on community building and collective care, the fellowship includes stipends and support for creating cooperative economic projects, fostering a vision of self-governance and shared prosperity among Black communities.

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