Best Grants for Religious Nonprofits in Minnesota

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary program needs. Grants may benefit religious nonprofits with community-focused youth, education, or human services programming that meets documented local needs and demonstrates measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to address crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience can seek program funding, including in Minnesota. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving mostly economically underserved communities pilot or scale innovative, tech-enabled solutions; U.S. applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities. Awards are up to US $100,000.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Minnesota can seek support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, and diversity initiatives. Bank of America Foundation supports programs that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and emergency shelter, and strengthen economic mobility, which may benefit religious nonprofits providing community services.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in education, health, human services, environment, arts, or community development can receive US $2,500 - US $10,000 to advance their local programs. With a mission to help people live their best life, Altra Foundation awards one $10,000 Best Life Community Award through member nominations and community voting.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and tax-exempt governmental entities in Minnesota can seek project or operational funding to strengthen the Cuyuna Lakes Area and designated organizations. With a mission to support community enrichment, EW Hallett Charitable Trusts prioritizes initiatives that broaden educational, health, economic, cultural, and social opportunities for local residents.

Minnesota nonprofits, veterans organizations, cemetery companies, and governmental units supporting the supply chain and logistics industry can access funding through C H Robinson Foundation for general operating or program needs. Religious organizations that offer non-religious community services open to all may be eligible, especially those advancing workforce diversity, transportation and logistics education, or environmental sustainability.

Nonprofit arts and non-arts organizations, schools, and local or tribal government entities in Minnesota can receive US $3,000 - US $11,000 to create, perform, publish, or exhibit arts programming. With a mission to strengthen regional arts, Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council prioritizes artist fees and accessible public events, which may benefit religious nonprofits offering community arts activities.

Arts-focused nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities in Minnesota’s 11‑county SEMAC region can receive US $5,000 from Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council for fine arts programming, including creation, performance, and exhibition projects. Eligible religious nonprofits with qualifying arts programs may apply for presenter assistance or arts production projects that include a public component in southeastern Minnesota.

Non-religious K–12 schools and individual artists can receive US $2,000 - US $4,000 to run in-school arts residencies in Minnesota, supplementing existing arts curricula. Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council funds projects in disciplines such as visual, performing, literary, traditional, and intermedia arts for schools in its 11-county region.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. TJX Foundation supports organizations with a nondiscrimination policy; faith-based nonprofits serving community needs may be eligible if they meet these guidelines.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, and government or Tribal units in Minnesota serving the Fergus Falls area can apply for the Inga M. Johnson Endowment Fund, with awards of US $500 - US $2,500 for projects. Funding can support educational, charitable, scientific, literary, religious, family, and community service needs, including religion and spirituality programs.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and government entities in Crow Wing and southern Cass Counties in Minnesota can apply for CommunityGiving’s Brainerd Lakes Area Difference Maker Grants; awards US $5,000 - US $30,000 for general operations and programs. Faith-based organizations with community-focused initiatives, especially for disadvantaged youth, arts access, or community development, may be eligible.

Minnesota religious and community nonprofits can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation for projects in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural programs, and environmental initiatives. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with at least three years of financial activity may receive US $5,000 - US $25,000 in one-year project support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Minnesota’s Twin Cities metro can apply for funding to combat systemic racism or support arts programming. Focused on equity and community arts, Archie D & Bertha H Walker Foundation invites eligible groups, including religious nonprofits, to request up to US $5,000 for initiatives that enrich community life in Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, or Washington counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible community entities in Minnesota addressing hunger, shelter, education, or workforce development can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 to support programs and operations. C H Robinson Worldwide Foundation supports organizations serving the seven-county Minneapolis–St. Paul metro, and religious nonprofits may qualify when funds are used for non-religious community services.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving quality of life through economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief in communities with an O’Reilly Auto Parts presence may be eligible for this funding. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports project, general operating, and capital grants, which can benefit Minnesota religious nonprofits with eligible community-focused programs.

Minnesota religious nonprofits with a separate 501(c)(3) offering community programs can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability initiatives. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building projects that primarily benefit communities served by Union Pacific and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit organizations in Minnesota with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award to recognize collaborative efforts addressing significant social issues. Faith-based and religious nonprofits with cross-sector partnerships may be eligible if they demonstrate measurable community impact, model collaboration among equal partners, and potential for replication or scaling across communities.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign entities, can seek US $5,000 - US $250,000 for programs in countries such as the U.S., India, Kenya, and others. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help human and social services groups, including those in Minnesota, working on poverty, disability, and humanitarian relief initiatives.

Nonprofits, public schools, governments, tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored projects in northeastern Minnesota can seek funding for global awareness, peace, justice, human rights, and environmental sustainability initiatives. Boreal Waters Community Foundation supports efforts like global education, media on international issues, conferences on foreign relations, and projects fostering cross-cultural understanding, which may include faith-based or religious nonprofits.