Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in Minnesota

Minnesota 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations working in education, human services, conservation, or health can apply for McGraw Foundation grants supporting general operations, specific projects, or occasional capital needs. Typical awards range from US $2,000 - US $10,000, with larger grants possible for especially promising, high-impact efforts.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Minnesota can apply for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to fund conservation practices on working lands. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Minnesota provides technical and financial assistance to improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience; 501(c)(3) operators of eligible lands may qualify.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to address current challenges in the water industry. Focused on water-related research, the American Water Works Association invites eligible students, including those studying in Minnesota, to apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding through the US Bank Foundation’s Community Possible program. Grants prioritize organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple Work, Home, and Play pillars.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building for underrepresented populations in communities served by Union Pacific, including youth development, basic needs, environmental stewardship, and community safety initiatives.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations and other groups planning research, education, or development projects that advance long-term economic growth in northeastern Minnesota may be eligible for this opportunity. Grants from Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehab support planning and development initiatives in areas like community revitalization, workforce readiness, sustainable energy, and related economic development efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, schools, Tribal nations, and local agencies in Minnesota can apply for Northland Foundation’s quarterly grants of more than US $10,000 to support general operations or specific programs. Funding focuses on basic needs, housing, health, early childhood, youth development, and related services in designated Northeast Minnesota counties and Tribal nations.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities can seek funding for operating or project work advancing economic mobility, community wealth, fair housing, and democratic participation. Focused on building vibrant, equitable communities, the McKnight Foundation supports efforts like worker-centered job quality, community investment, innovative housing solutions, and related advocacy or policy research across the state.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities working on environmental projects can host Minnesota GreenCorps AmeriCorps members to advance local sustainability initiatives. Focused on environmental stewardship, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency invites Minnesota community groups to apply for host site placements supporting energy conservation, green transportation, stormwater and forestry, waste reduction, recycling, and eco-focused outreach projects.

The Father’s Table Foundation provides Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations with funding up to US $750,000 for programs serving women and children through humanitarian aid, child welfare, education, health care, and disaster relief. Nonprofits focused on self-sufficiency, such as employment assistance, homelessness services, microfinance, and food security, may be especially competitive for this highly selective support.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Minnesota conducting biomedical research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards supporting small-scale projects and student research experiences, with awards up to US $375,000. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ National Institutes of Health offers this opportunity to colleges awarding baccalaureate science degrees that have limited prior NIH funding.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions can apply for approximately US $140,000 in career development funding, including clinical trials support. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help provide protected research time over three to five years; Minnesota 501(c)(3)s partnering with eligible LMIC investigators may be involved in projects.

With a mission to support rural communities, Blandin Foundation provides Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal governments, and public agencies with US $25,000 - US $150,000 for community wealth building projects. Funding can support affordable housing, community-based economic development, workforce and talent pipelines, and equitable access to capital in Itasca County and surrounding rural areas.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits with programs in education, environmental protection, or healthy and vibrant communities can seek project support through grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation. Eligible projects must be implemented in communities where the company operates and may include STEM education, workforce readiness, conservation, community development, or health and social services initiatives.

Focused on education, health, environment, and community services, Altra Foundation invites Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits to compete for US $2,500 - US $10,000 through the Best Life Community Awards. Eligible organizations must serve specified counties and be nominated by an Altra Federal Credit Union member who has personally supported them in the past year.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, human services, or health and medicine can apply for Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation grants to support programs and services. Eligible work includes youth and adult education, housing and shelters, food access, children’s mental health, patient and family support, and related community services in designated Minnesota counties.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities can seek funding for climate and clean energy systems-change work, including advocacy, organizing, and policy efforts. The McKnight Foundation supports projects that transform energy systems, decarbonize transportation and buildings, advance climate-smart working lands, and strengthen democratic participation, with proposals accepted on a rolling basis for organizations based in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) and 170(c)(1) organizations serving low- and moderate-income communities can seek program support for community services, affordable housing, and economic and community development. Focused on equity and revitalization, Huntington National Bank invites nonprofits within its service footprint to discuss innovative, program-specific partnerships with a local Community Development Relationship Manager.

About CommonSpirit

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At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

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We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

Early-career health researchers at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development and research. Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) organizations partnering with LMIC investigators or hosting mentors may be involved in these international health projects.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on social and financial empowerment can seek support for community well-being initiatives, including health, basic needs, arts access, education, and financial literacy. Aegon Transamerica Foundation prioritizes innovative programs in Saint Paul and other areas where its employees live and work, especially those offering volunteer engagement opportunities.

The Joyce Foundation's Environment Grants focus on addressing critical environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region, such as climate change and water safety. The foundation prioritizes equitable, carbon-free energy solutions and clean water access for all communities. Grants are awarded to organizations committed to environmental justice and innovation in climate policy, particularly in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, ensuring that the voices of affected communities guide project development.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

The Urban Farm Conservation Mini-Grant provides up to $5,000 to support commercial urban farmers in Minnesota in implementing vital conservation practices. Funded by the USDA's NRCS, this grant helps farmers acquire equipment and materials necessary for sustainable management of soil, water, and biodiversity. Eligible projects may include soil improvement, water management systems, and enhancing plant and animal health. This initiative aims to promote environmentally friendly farming techniques and bolster urban agriculture.

The Fred C. & Katherine B. Andersen Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the St. Croix Valley of Minnesota and Wisconsin. It supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with priorities in healthcare, education, housing, human services, civic initiatives, and environmental education. While capital requests may be considered, the foundation primarily funds operational and programmatic needs. Organizations outside the geographic area may be considered if they align with the foundation's funding priorities.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.