Best Grants for Museums in Minnesota

Bridging Conservation Grant Program

The purpose of the Bridging Conservation Grant Program to promote conservation to non-native English-speaking communities by creating new or expanding existing outreach and education programs. The term “non-native English-speaking communities” refers to communities whose first and/or primary language is not English.

The primary purpose of activities funded through this grant is to promote conservation to non-native English-speaking communities through education and outreach programs and activities; ensure conservation information, training, and programs are linguistically and culturally relevant and accessible; equip non-native English-speaking communities with the knowledge to practice conservation in their daily lives and advocate for environmental stewardship.

Eligible activities may include administration/coordination, education/information, project development, and supplies and equipment (i.e. with a primary purpose of outreach and/or education). 

Funding available and match

A total of $135,000 is available through this Request for Proposal. Grant requests must be between a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $45,000. Proposals that do not fall within this dollar range will not be accepted. There is no required match for this program. Prior to final selection, BWSR staff may engage applicants to resolve questions or discuss modifications to the project or funding request. 

The MHS State Capital Projects Grants-in-Aid Program provides vital funding for the preservation of publicly owned historic buildings in Minnesota. With a minimum grant of $10,001 and no cap on requests, the program encourages projects that restore and rehabilitate these significant structures. Applicants must be political subdivisions eligible for state bond funds, ensuring that the funds are used for public purposes and comply with state regulations. Matching funds are required at a 1:1 ratio.

The MHC Community Identity & Heritage Festival Grants support diverse cultural communities in Minnesota by funding community events, music and jazz festivals, and cultural festivals featuring art installations and performances. These grants aim to enhance cultural engagement and celebrate the rich heritage of local communities, providing opportunities for individuals and organizations to showcase their artistic talents and foster community connections through vibrant festivals.

The Legal Services Advisory Committee (LSAC) Grant provides essential funding for legal services and alternative dispute resolution programs aimed at low-income clients across Minnesota. With support from state legislature appropriations and attorney fees, LSAC ensures access to legal support, serving nearly 50,000 clients annually. The FY24-25 cycle will focus on general operating grants in various categories, including staff legal services and private attorney involvement, thereby enhancing the availability of justice for vulnerable populations.

The Alzheimer’s Awareness Grant (MN) aims to foster public understanding of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) through a statewide information campaign. The Minnesota Department of Health seeks partnerships with organizations experienced in reaching underserved communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ populations. Funded projects will promote early detection, cognitive testing benefits, and awareness of ADRD. Grants range from $20,000 to $80,000, with up to four grantees selected to implement impactful strategies.

The Big Ten Academic Alliance Smithsonian Fellowship offers unique research opportunities for graduate students from member universities. Eligible candidates can conduct research at the Smithsonian in diverse fields such as anthropology, ecology, and history of science. The fellowship provides a stipend of $45,000 per year, with additional research allowances, and supports both U.S. and international students. This initiative fosters collaboration among leading academic institutions to advance knowledge and innovation.

About Us

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is the state's principal economic development agency. DEED programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

Minnesota Childcare Economic Development Grant

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), through its Office of Childcare and Community Services, is seeking proposals from qualified responders to receive grants to be used to implement solutions to reduce the childcare shortage in the state. This includes but is not limited to funding for childcare business start-ups or expansion, retention and long-term sustainability of current child care programs, training, facility modifications, direct subsidies or incentives to retain employees, or improvements required for licensing, and assistance with licensing and other regulatory requirements.

Who We Are

The humanities help us understand ourselves, our communities, and our histories. By increasing collective understanding, we can spark positive change and create a more just society.

We curate stories, co-create engagement opportunities, increase knowledge, and produce resources in the areas of education, civic renewal, immersive experiences, and public programming to catalyze ideas. Our grantmaking allows us to strengthen the bonds between us, celebrate our past and traditions, appeal to the best within ourselves, and educate the next generation of leaders.

Ethnic Media Grants

Through the State of Minnesota’s 2025-2027 biennial legislation and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund (Legacy), the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) will administer $472,500 for ethnic media grants to ethnic media organizations that work to create, celebrate, and teach the art, culture, and heritage of the many diverse cultural groups that make up Minnesota, including but not limited to Indigenous organizations, communities whose culture and heritage have been historically underrepresented, recent immigrant communities, and veterans.

The Legislature in providing this funding is seeking to fund ethnic media organizations throughout Minnesota to create video content in a language other than English.

An applicant that receives funding under this grant opportunity must do at least one of the following:

• Preserve and honor the cultural heritage of Minnesota,
• Provide education and student outreach in cultural diversity,
• Support the development of culturally diverse humanities programming, including arts programming, or
• Empower communities in building identity and culture, including preserving and honoring communities whose Indigenous cultures are endangered or disappearing.

The Physician and Advanced Practice Clinician Fellowship Program at Aspirus Wausau Hospital offers a 12-month, full-time opportunity for recent family medicine graduates and practicing physicians. This program aims to enhance skills in hospital medicine, with flexible start dates and two fellowship spots available annually. Aspirus Health, a nonprofit health system in Wisconsin, operates multiple facilities and employs a large team of healthcare professionals, ensuring comprehensive training and support for fellows.

The Artist Equity Grant, offered by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, provides up to $4,000 to individual artists from underrepresented groups, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA2+, and those with disabilities. This initiative aims to promote artistic growth and amplify diverse voices through project funding. Eligible projects may encompass various artistic endeavors such as performances, exhibitions, and educational opportunities, fostering a vibrant cultural landscape that benefits all communities.

Minnesota land and wildlife conservation organizations can access funding for habitat stewardship, land conservation, and public access projects through Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $50,000. Museums and educational institutions engaged in conserving natural resources or outdoor traditions may be eligible if they are 501(c)(3) entities or qualifying public agencies with an EIN.

The Wetland Mitigation Banking Program for FY 2026 offers $3 million in grants to support the development of mitigation banks for agricultural producers with wetlands. Proposals are prioritized based on the number of wetlands and conservation compliance requests in states such as Georgia, Illinois, and Minnesota. This competitive program is designed to enhance conservation efforts while providing financial opportunities for eligible entities.

The Job Training Incentive Program, operated by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), offers grants to businesses in Greater Minnesota for workforce training. Eligible companies can receive up to $200,000 to train new employees, provided they create at least three jobs that pay above federal poverty guidelines. This initiative aims to enhance economic growth and improve job quality in the region.

The Low Income Worker Training Program, offered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, provides essential job-specific training grants of up to $200,000 for entities helping low-income individuals. This initiative aims to enhance workforce development by enabling individuals earning at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines to acquire skills necessary for higher-paying jobs. The program supports training-related materials and certification fees, promoting economic self-sufficiency in Minnesota.

The Automation Training Incentive Program, offered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), provides grants up to $35,000 to small businesses in manufacturing or skilled production. This initiative supports training for incumbent workers on new automation technologies. Eligible businesses must be located outside the seven-county metropolitan area or in specific cities. The program aims to enhance workforce quality and job creation in Minnesota.

The Advanced Practice Clinician (NP or PA) Fellowship Program at Aspirus Health offers a unique 6-month rotation designed for new graduates to excel in hospital medicine. Aspirus Health, a nonprofit system located in Wisconsin and serving parts of Minnesota and Michigan, operates 18 hospitals and numerous outpatient locations. With a dedicated team of nearly 14,000, including 1,300 employed physicians and advanced practice clinicians, this fellowship is also open to experienced APCs transitioning between departments.

Organizations able to train and support Minnesota youth and family service providers can apply for the Functional Family Therapy Training and Implementation Grant, offering up to US $600,000 for FFT training, certification, and fidelity monitoring. Museums with relevant youth or family programs may be eligible if they can deliver statewide FFT training and oversight services.

Minnesota Department of Human Services

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) Mission is driven by collaboration with community and partners – Counties, Tribes, non-profit and for-profit providers – supporting people to thrive in community and live their healthiest and fullest lives. The DHS Vision is that all people in Minnesota have what they need to thrive in community with no disparities.

Connecting Families: Grantees to Provide Support Services to Families of Children with Disabilities

Objective of RFP

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Disability Services Division (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders for the Connecting Families Project: to provide support to Minnesota families of children with disabilities through individual and group support services, resource connections and education on Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC). The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be for up to one (1) year.

To be considered under this RFP, Responders must be a current Minnesota family support organization serving families of children with disabilities residing in Minnesota and must demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs of these families. The leadership of this project will include a parent of a child with a disability, ensuring that family perspectives are embedded in program planning, decisionmaking, and service delivery.

To meet these needs, the STATE is offering grants for the following two goals:

• Family Connection and Support: Reduce isolation by providing individual and group support and linking families to essential resources.
• Empowering Families through Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC): Introduce and guide families and professionals in using the CtLC framework and tools to envision a good life, identify supports, and engage in meaningful planning.

The Dunkin’ Prom Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to bring joy to teenage patients unable to attend their own prom due to illness. By funding hospitals to host prom-like events, the program ensures these patients experience this significant milestone. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, supporting the creation of memorable events with themes, food, entertainment, and formal wear for the teens, making a positive impact in their lives.

The Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust – Falk Catalyst Awards support high-risk, high-reward biomedical research with up to $350,000 in funding over one to two years. These awards aim to address critical scientific challenges and enable the translation of innovative research into clinical practices. Projects focus on identifying biological markers, therapeutic targets, and developing interventions to disrupt disease processes, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients.

The Media Partnerships Program, funded by the Bush Foundation, supports nonprofit media organizations in Minnesota and surrounding areas. It provides three-year operating grants to enhance news coverage, foster community engagement, and ensure diverse voices are represented. By promoting transparency and editorial independence, the program aims to amplify storytelling that addresses local issues, ultimately strengthening the region's informational landscape. Eligible organizations can receive up to $150,000 in support to further their mission while collaborating with the Foundation.

The Cleveland-Cliffs Foundation, established in 1962, focuses on enhancing educational opportunities, environmental protection, and community health in the regions it operates. As a leading steel manufacturer, Cleveland-Cliffs is committed to sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship. The foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations that address key challenges in education, the environment, and community well-being, ensuring impactful investments that help communities thrive across North America.

The CHS Foundation's Cooperative Education Grant aims to support educational projects that enhance understanding of the agricultural cooperative business model. With a focus on middle school to college-age students, the program encourages innovative approaches, measurable outcomes, and engagement strategies. It prioritizes initiatives with a national or state-level reach within the CHS trade area, fostering success and growth in cooperative education. Funding will be allocated to programs that align with these goals, ensuring a robust educational framework for future leaders in agriculture.

The CHS Foundation's Ag Leadership Grant aims to enhance agricultural leadership and cooperative education. This program supports projects that cultivate a diverse pipeline for future agricultural leaders, focusing on education and career training for high school students to young professionals. Priority is given to initiatives that impact multiple states within the CHS trade area, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model in agriculture.

The Collective Abundance Fund, supported by the Bush Foundation, aims to empower Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota by providing wealth-building resources. Since 2023, it has awarded $15.9M to 396 individuals and families, focusing on redefining wealth through community well-being and relationships. The fund promotes power-building initiatives while addressing the wealth gap and rejecting exploitative economic systems, fostering a spirit of generosity and self-determination among awardees.

The Public Water Access Sites Partnership Funding program offers essential financial and technical support for public water access and state water trail projects. This initiative prioritizes repairs, rehabilitation, and the development of new facilities, including access sites and state water trail campsites. Eligible applicants include local government units such as counties and townships, enhancing public access to water resources across Minnesota.

The County Boat and Water Safety Grants aim to support county sheriff's offices in funding boat and water safety programs. This initiative seeks to reduce accidents, injuries, and property damage on state waters. The grants cover up to 100% of eligible costs for various safety activities and have been ongoing since the 1960s. Counties can apply for funding to enhance their patrol and safety measures, ensuring a safer environment for all water users.