Best Community and School Garden Grants in Minnesota

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek funding through the Community Possible Grant Program. Focused on community development, US Bancorp Foundation invites organizations, including those running garden or green-space projects, to apply via invitation or submit a letter of interest.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding via Costco Foundation for monetary program needs. Grants from this national funder may benefit community and school garden projects that serve youth and families, especially when they demonstrate clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human and social service approaches, including those in Minnesota, can seek support for new ways of addressing social problems. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving programs across areas like community development, health, and public safety; interested groups may begin with a letter of inquiry for invitation-only grants.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage independent nonprofits and impact-first, mission-driven for-profits in Minnesota and globally can seek Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation support to scale innovative solutions for underserved communities. Focused on scalable social and environmental impact, this program offers up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building, which may benefit community and school garden or horticulture initiatives with proven models.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for education, crisis response, or economic empowerment programs in Minnesota and beyond can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help tech-enabled initiatives serving mostly economically underserved communities, which may include educational projects connected to community or school gardening.

Minnesota educational institutions, government programs, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek funding for safety, education, and community development projects that may include community and school garden initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help organizations address community development, food insecurity, academic success, and neighborhood revitalization within U.S. communities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, with typical awards more than US $100,000, to support arts and science programming. Minnesota organizations running arts education, STEAM, or artist development initiatives that reach broad audiences may be competitive applicants.

Minnesota nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations can seek funding for health, education, or community-focused programs that may include community or school garden components. Focused on health and welfare, education, and community, Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports efforts like food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle initiatives through biannual grant reviews.

Organizations serving children and youth from low-income urban communities in Minnesota can seek funding for education, health, or family economic stability projects through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; awards are typically more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other mission-aligned entities.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting early childhood education or community economic development can access funding through PNC Foundation for programs serving low- and moderate-income children, families, and neighborhoods. Eligible projects may include early learning initiatives, job training, affordable housing counseling, small business support, arts and cultural enrichment, or community revitalization in PNC-served Minnesota communities.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations can seek funding to support broad-impact programs serving the general welfare in the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help soundly managed nonprofits expand services, which may benefit community and school garden projects connected to education, health, or related initiatives.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Minnesota and nationwide can seek sponsorship support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, and inclusion programs. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and emergency shelter, and strengthen economic and social vitality, which may include community and school garden efforts that fit these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Southern U.S. with programs in animal welfare, education, poverty relief, health, disaster relief, or related services may be eligible for this funding. Robinson Foundation supports initiatives that create tangible, meaningful impact, which can include community or school garden projects that advance family, youth, or nature and wildlife conservation goals.

Minnesota community and environmental nonprofits can seek support for charitable programs through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. The foundation provides funding to 501(c)(3) organizations for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding initiatives. Community and school garden projects that fit these priorities may be eligible to apply.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, academic enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports vulnerable families and children, so community or school garden projects that advance youth success or basic needs may be eligible.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries can seek funding for environmental and human services programs, including community initiatives like gardens. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help support program or general operating needs with unrestricted awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000 for organizations whose work fits the foundation’s stated priorities.

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.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Minnesota nonprofits working on basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with support for hunger relief, shelter, economic development, cultural enrichment, and adult self-sufficiency programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations serving U.S. communities, with priority for strong Ameriprise employee or advisor volunteer engagement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits in Minnesota can seek storytelling funding to showcase their community impact across preservation, education, or wellness work. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports projects such as environmental conservation, historic preservation, food and waste management, and mental health, which may include narratives about community and school gardening initiatives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local communities with programs in economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports community-focused organizations in Minnesota and other areas with an O’Reilly Auto Parts presence, which may include community and school garden initiatives that fit its priorities.

Minnesota horticulture and gardening nonprofits, including those running community or school garden projects, can access funding for safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability initiatives. Local 501(c)(3) public charities serving Union Pacific–served communities may apply to the Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Giving Program for US $5,000 - US $30,000 project grants.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those running community or school garden programs in Minnesota, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Grants support poverty alleviation, disability services, social services, and disaster relief for smaller organizations with strong founder-led leadership and high beneficiary impact.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes in rural Minnesota can use this program to build, purchase, or improve essential community facilities and related equipment. Focused on rural development, USDA Rural Development invites applicants serving small, low- to moderate-income communities, including projects like community centers, food pantries, and other local food system or garden-related facilities.