Best Grants for Cancer Nonprofits in Minnesota

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human and social services programs, including those addressing cancer and oncology in Minnesota, may be eligible for support to tackle pressing social problems. Creag Foundation supports creative, early-stage or evolving initiatives that introduce new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed issues through invitation-only grants following a letter of inquiry.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, awarding more than US $100,000 for arts and science programming. Minnesota museums, performing arts organizations, and arts education programs serving large populations may be eligible, including initiatives that complement services for cancer patients or survivors.

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 health and human services nonprofits supporting marginalized communities can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation to advance health care access, disease-related services, and humanitarian aid. Organizations working on cancer care within broader health, women’s health, pediatrics, or medical education in the U.S. may be eligible if they serve vulnerable or underserved populations.

Individuals in frontline roles providing compassionate, professional care to women with ovarian cancer in Minnesota can receive the Colleen Anderson Excellence in Cancer Care Award, a US $2,500 unrestricted cash award. Focused on gynecological cancers, the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance recognizes outstanding support for patients and families across the cancer care continuum.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Minnesota can apply for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This flexible funding may benefit cancer-focused nonprofits whose programs also advance community well-being, environmental health, or broader humanitarian initiatives.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Minnesota’s Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties can apply for the Mount Sinai Community Foundation Grant, awarding up to US $10,000 for health, well-being, and medical care projects. Cancer research, education, treatment, ethics, and patient advocacy programs may be especially competitive for this Jewish Community Foundation funding.

Cancer-focused nonprofits and eligible public entities in Minnesota can seek funding to deliver education, disease awareness, and supportive services for patients and families facing cancer and cardiovascular disease. Grants from Bayer Fund help organizations near Glyndon or Redwood Falls provide access to care, including housing and other support for those traveling for treatment.

The Bernard and Carolyn Torraco Memorial Nursing Scholarships, funded by the UNICO Foundation, offer $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing accredited nursing programs in the United States. These scholarships support nursing students of all ethnicities who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in a campus-based program, with a focus on continuing their studies within the academic year 2025-2026.

The Ella T. Grasso Literary Scholarship, provided by the UNICO Foundation, offers two $1,000 awards to college students of Italian descent. Candidates must submit an original essay or short story celebrating their heritage while being enrolled in a full-time, accredited U.S. college for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative highlights UNICO's commitment to supporting educational endeavors and preserving Italian culture within America.

The Guglielmo Marconi Engineering Scholarship, offered by UNICO Foundation, provides $1,250 to students of Italian descent pursuing engineering degrees in various disciplines. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time in accredited programs, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. This scholarship not only supports academic achievement but also promotes the heritage and contributions of the Italian American community, continuing UNICO's legacy of service and support.

The Inserra Scholarships, provided by the UNICO Foundation, aim to support students of Italian descent pursuing higher education. Two scholarships of $2,500 each are awarded annually to eligible candidates who are U.S. citizens attending accredited colleges or universities full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies in the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to empowering the Italian American community through education.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science, providing two scholarships worth $2,500 each to U.S. citizens pursuing degrees in physical or life sciences. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled full-time in accredited programs. This initiative reflects UNICO's commitment to supporting educational pursuits in scientific fields while fostering Italian American heritage and community service.

Undergraduate or graduate students pursuing computer science studies at accredited, campus-based U.S. colleges can receive US $1,000 from the UNICO Foundation; awards support full-time study for the 2026–2027 academic year. Minnesota residents, and students in other eligible states, may benefit, including those connected to cancer-focused nonprofits who meet the criteria.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Seminarian Studies, funded by UNICO Foundation Inc, offers four scholarships worth $1,000 each to full-time seminarians attending accredited Catholic seminaries in the U.S. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and either reside in specific states or have a UNICO sponsor. This scholarship supports the educational journey of seminarians, reflecting UNICO's commitment to serving the community and promoting Italian American heritage.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Special Education, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for U.S. students pursuing degrees in Special Education. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to continue their studies into the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship supports students with various disabilities, ensuring that education is accessible and equitable for all.

Students pursuing degrees in therapy sciences such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, or speech-language pathology who reside in Minnesota may be eligible for this scholarship supporting higher education. The UNICO Foundation offers two US $2,500 awards to full-time U.S. college students meeting GPA and residency or chapter sponsorship requirements.

U.S. students pursuing campus-based veterinary studies with at least a 3.0 GPA can receive $2,500 scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year, including those from Minnesota. UNICO Foundation provides this support to full-time students who are citizens, at least 18, and residing in or sponsored from eligible states.

The Robert J. Tarte Scholarship for Italian Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, supports students of Italian descent pursuing a major or minor in Italian Studies or Language. Valued at $1,000, this scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students attending accredited institutions in the U.S. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 and continue their studies through the 2026-2027 academic year, with preference given to those demonstrating financial need.

Italian American U.S. citizens in Minnesota planning full-time, campus-based graduate study can apply for UNICO Foundation’s Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship, with awards up to US $3,000. Eligible applicants must be current seniors or graduates starting graduate programs in 2026–2027 and have a Minnesota UNICO chapter or district sponsor; financial need is considered.

Medical students of Italian descent pursuing MD or DO degrees in the U.S. may be eligible for this $5,000 scholarship if they reside in Minnesota or have a sponsoring UNICO chapter there. Grants from UNICO Foundation help support accredited, campus-based medical education, which may benefit future clinicians serving cancer patients and related oncology needs.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Early-career assistant professors running independent biomedical research labs at nominated U.S. institutions can apply for Pew Charitable Trusts’ Pew Biomedical Scholars awards, offering US $75,000 - US $300,000 for innovative, human health–related research. Minnesota cancer and oncology researchers at participating institutions may be eligible if nominated through their institution’s internal selection process.

Nonprofit organizations in Minnesota with strong cross-sector partnerships addressing significant social issues can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborative models that measurably improve communities and can be replicated elsewhere, which may include cancer-focused nonprofits working in deep partnership with public, private, or social sector leaders.

Cancer and health-focused nonprofit organizations in Minnesota serving Roseau County can seek funding for cancer care, breast cancer programs, diabetes and dialysis support, and broader health services. Focused on health care access and support, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation invites nonprofits to apply for LifeCare Health Care Fund Grants benefiting residents and visitors in the LifeCare Medical Center service area.