Best Grants for Capital Funding in Minnesota

Minnesota 501(c)(3) and similar tax-exempt organizations seeking support for education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can access funding through McGraw Foundation, typically ranging from US $2,000 - US $10,000. Grants may support general operations, specific projects, or occasionally capital efforts, and are awarded on a single-year basis.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Minnesota can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s EQIP support to implement conservation practices on working lands. Funding may cover capital improvements that enhance soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience on eligible cropland, rangeland, pasture, forestland, and other farm or ranch lands.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can apply for the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, which provides US $3,000 for impactful, industry-relevant research. Focused on advancing water industry solutions, this American Water Works Association funding may benefit Minnesota students whose work underpins future capital and infrastructure projects.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can apply for grants that may include capital needs. Grants from US Bank Foundation help organizations in designated Minnesota communities address work, home, and play, with priority for groups led by people of color and advancing equity.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) public charities with programs in safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation to support specific projects, not general operations. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 back direct services and capacity-building efforts in communities served by Union Pacific, with emphasis on DEI and broad social impact.

Minnesota organizations planning research, education, or development projects for long-term economic growth can use these grants for early-stage planning and development work. Grants from Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehab help Minnesota community and economic development efforts, which may include preparation for future capital projects and infrastructure investments in northeastern Minnesota.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, schools, Tribal nations, and local agencies serving Northeast Minnesota can apply for Northland Foundation’s quarterly grants; awards are More than US $10,000 for general operating or program support. Funding prioritizes basic needs, housing stability, health, early childhood, youth development, and related community services in Minnesota.

Minnesota tax-exempt nonprofits and government entities seeking operating or project support for economic mobility, community wealth-building, fair housing, or democratic participation may be eligible; funding can include innovative capital strategies and housing-related investments. Focused on community and economic development, The McKnight Foundation invites Minnesota organizations to advance equitable jobs, wealth, and housing systems, including work with community-focused financial institutions.

Minnesota organizations seeking support for environmental projects in areas like energy conservation, stormwater and forestry, or waste reduction may be eligible to host Minnesota GreenCorps members. Focused on environmental stewardship, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency invites Minnesota community groups, governments, and other host sites to advance projects that improve air, land, and water quality while building local resilience.

Nonprofit organizations serving women and children with self-sufficiency, humanitarian aid, or child welfare programs in Minnesota can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation, with awards up to US $750,000. Grants may support adult readiness, education, homelessness, food security, health care, disaster relief, microfinance, and related services that expand or strengthen existing projects.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Minnesota conducting small-scale biomedical research can apply for funding to expand research opportunities and enhance their research environment. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports projects in areas such as neuroscience, genetics, public health, and HIV/AIDS with awards up to US $375,000 for eligible institutions with limited prior NIH funding.

Early-career medical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country academic or research institutions can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research and career development. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Minnesota and other LMIC-based investigators build independent research careers across areas like cancer, cardiovascular disease, mental health, environmental health, and more.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations planning projects in communities where Cleveland-Cliffs operates that advance education, environmental improvement, or healthy and vibrant communities may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help nonprofits with initiatives like STEM education, environmental conservation, community development, health, and social services connected to local Cleveland-Cliffs sites.

With a mission to support rural community wealth building, 501(c)(3) organizations, Tribal governments, public agencies, and fiscally sponsored projects in Minnesota can seek Blandin Foundation funding of US $25,000 - US $150,000 for affordable housing, community-based economic development, workforce systems, and equitable capital access. Priority goes to small, low-income, diverse, and remote communities in Itasca County and surrounding rural areas.

Focused on community, education, health, environment, and human services, Altra Foundation invites Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits to compete for US $2,500 - US $10,000 awards. Eligible organizations must impact 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 or capital needs. Eligible organizations must serve counties the foundation prioritizes and may request general operating, specific capital elements, or multi-year support when there is an established funding history.

McKnight Foundation provides Minnesota climate and energy organizations with operating and project grants to cut greenhouse gas emissions and advance climate equity across energy, transportation, buildings, working lands, and democratic participation. Tax-exempt nonprofits and government entities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa may be eligible; capital requests are considered only in exceptional circumstances and proposals are accepted on a rolling basis.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving Minnesota communities can seek Huntington National Bank’s support for program-specific work in community revitalization, services, affordable housing, and economic development. Focused on strengthening low- and moderate-income communities, Huntington invites potential partners to connect with local representatives to explore impact investment philanthropy opportunities.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in low- or middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which provides approximately US $140,000 for mentored health-related research and career development. Funded investigators may collaborate with U.S. mentors, which could include partners based in Minnesota.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on social and financial empowerment programs can seek support for community-focused initiatives, including education, basic needs, health, arts access, and workforce readiness. Aegon Transamerica Foundation supports organizations in Saint Paul and Ramsey County that enhance self-reliance, financial literacy, inclusion, and access to essential services where its employees live and work.

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.

The Sustaining Environmental Systems Grant aims to ensure equitable access to healthy land and water for all Minnesotans. The Mortenson Family Foundation supports community-led environmental solutions and multi-year grants to partner organizations. It prioritizes partnerships that focus on sustainability, racial justice, and community engagement, fostering innovative approaches to restore relationships with nature and address climate change impacts. The foundation seeks organizations that can deliver tangible environmental outcomes while empowering historically marginalized communities.