Best Technology Grants in Minnesota

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits and Tribal governments can apply for $1,000 - $30,000 in technology implementation funding from Shavlik Family Foundation. With a mission to advance nonprofit missions through technology, the foundation supports data, digital systems, and other tech projects that measurably improve organizational capacity, operations, or community impact across Minnesota.

Cities and municipalities with populations near or above 6,000 in Minnesota and other eligible Great Lakes and Southern states can apply for National League of Cities’ free Federal Grant Navigation Program to pursue ARPA and IIJA funding. This support helps local governments secure grants for technology access, digital literacy, housing, health, education, workforce, transportation, and economic development projects.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) status serving communities in Minnesota and other areas within Huntington’s footprint can seek program-specific funding for digital inclusion, technology access, and related community services. Focused on equity and economic opportunity, Huntington National Bank supports initiatives for low- and moderate-income people, including community revitalization, affordable housing, and workforce development.

Minnesota public school districts and charter schools can access funding to launch or expand P-TECH early college high schools that integrate STEM-focused high school, college, and industry learning. Grants from Minnesota Department of Education support technology-rich pathways, workplace learning, mentoring, and internships leading to diplomas, associate degrees, and industry-recognized credentials. Awards are more than US $250,000.

Minnesota public entities and partners seeking to expand broadband infrastructure for households and businesses in Minnesota can apply for funding to reach state speed goals. The Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehab provides up to US $99,999 per project, requiring a 1:1 cash match and timely applications tied to construction start dates.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) ministries developing Christian media, technology outreach, or digital engagement projects can apply for support, including those serving Minnesota. Festus and Helen Stacy Foundation funds evangelism, leadership development, holistic ministries, media and technology, stewardship, and children and youth programs, with grants typically made for specific projects and available in South Florida, nationally, and internationally.

Minnesota technology access and digital literacy organizations in eligible rural areas can access funding through USDA Rural Development’s Community Connect Grants to build or expand broadband infrastructure. Awards of US $100,000 - US $5,000,000 support community-oriented connectivity projects that serve unserved rural PFSAs, provide free broadband to critical facilities and a community center, and advance equity, climate resilience, and economic opportunity.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored projects can receive funding for technology education, digital literacy, and related community programs, including work in Minnesota. Affirm Cares provides support for initiatives in technology access and training, financial literacy, housing insecurity, homelessness, civic engagement, and broader community development within the U.S. and its territories.

Undergraduate students in STEM and NOAA mission-related fields in Minnesota and nationwide can receive up to US $40,000 plus a paid summer internship through the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship. Focused on oceanic, atmospheric, environmental, and related sciences, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration supports academic study, hands-on research experience, and preparation for science and public service careers.

501(c)(3) organizations focused on STEM education, digital literacy, technology, and workforce development can seek sponsorship funding from C Spire Wireless Foundation, including groups in Minnesota. Grants and sponsorships support projects that strengthen tech education, build a stronger workforce, and expand reliable broadband access, with preference for organizations based in the funder’s region.

With a mission to strengthen STEM education and digital literacy, C Spire Wireless Foundation provides U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with grants for technology-focused learning, professional skills, and workforce development programs. Minnesota nonprofits working on technology access and digital literacy may be eligible, with preference given to organizations based in the foundation’s core region.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) public charities and eligible government units can seek funding for technology access and digital literacy projects that expand programs or build capacity. Sparklight provides support for special projects and capital campaigns in communities it serves, which may include Minnesota locations where its Cable One family of brands operates.

Faculty, staff, and administrators in Albany Area Schools can seek funding to enhance student learning and technology access in Minnesota. Focused on innovative educational experiences, Initiative Foundation invites applicants to propose projects that provide world-class educational technology and real-life, hands-on learning opportunities, including internships, job shadowing, and community expert partnerships.

Students pursuing medicine, science, technology, engineering, or mathematics degrees who are Hawaii residents and high school graduates can receive scholarship support for U.S. colleges through Hawai'i Community Foundation. Minnesota institutions are eligible host schools, and applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA to qualify.

U.S.-based nonprofits, fiscally sponsored projects, and charitable LLC initiatives working at the intersection of disability rights, justice, and technology can receive US $25,000 - US $70,000 for movement-building projects. Borealis Philanthropy’s DIF x Tech Fund supports disabled-led efforts such as tech-focused activism, equitable digital infrastructure, and inclusive tech design, which may benefit Minnesota technology access and digital literacy programs.

Local churches in the Kentucky Conference can apply for up to US $500 to support stewardship, technology, or leadership development ministries, including AV and digital tools. Grants from The Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church may benefit Minnesota congregations only if they are part of this conference and working on technology access or digital ministry needs.

The Career Development Grants, offered by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), support women with bachelor's degrees seeking to advance or change careers, particularly in high-growth STEM fields. These grants fund post-bachelor's coursework, including master's degrees or certifications, at accredited institutions. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their educational pursuits and meet specific eligibility criteria, such as being enrolled in accredited programs that promote women's participation in underrepresented fields.

Promega Corporate Giving is dedicated to advancing science and improving life globally. With over 45 years of experience, Promega supports initiatives in science, education, and creativity, focusing on innovative solutions and community wellness. They fund organizations in the U.S. and Canada that prioritize experimental initiatives while steering clear of political, religious, and fraternal causes. Their commitment lies in fostering long-term contributions from scientists to meet future global needs.

Future of Work Accelerator

A program of HP Inc. and the HP Foundation

In an increasingly digital world, people without access to technology and the skills to use it are often locked out of economic opportunity. The Accelerator helps scale the impact of organizations that are working to change this.  

Since 2022, the Accelerator has served 35 nonprofit organizations across 13 countries, helping them reach an additional 11.3 million people. 

As a joint program of HP and the HP Foundation, the Accelerator offers selected organizations USD$100,000 in funding, HP technology & solutions (~USD$100,000 value), and a six-month, virtual program designed to strengthen capacity and scale impact.  Exciting changes are ahead for the 5th year of the Accelerator. 

Arnold Ventures

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through evidence-based policy solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice. We focus on improving systems where outcomes are falling short, incentives are misaligned, and the time is right for change.

To advance this mission, we invest in rigorous research to better understand the root causes of problems and strengthen the evidence base on what works to solve them. Using this evidence, we advocate for policy reforms at all levels of government and help build durable, bipartisan coalitions for lasting change.

Causal Research on the Impacts of Cell Phone Policies in K-12 Schools

The Opportunity

Smartphones are nearly universal among children and adolescents in the United States: 95% of teens reported having access to a smartphone, giving them regular exposure to social media, gaming, and video streaming platforms. While smartphones can support learning and social connection, emerging evidence suggests that using phones during school may also interfere with important educational goals, including student engagement, attendance, and academic performance.

In response, more than 30 states have passed laws restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools in recent years. These policies vary widely, ranging from “bell-to-bell” policies to classroom-level bans on phones only during instructional time. Despite the rapid adoption of these policies, rigorous evidence on academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts remains limited. In the absence of strong research, federal and state policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, lack the information needed to make informed decisions that effectively support student success. Building a robust evidence base is critical for shaping policies and practices that improve learning and well-being in both the short- and long-term.

This RFP seeks to address these gaps by supporting rigorous, causal research on the academic, behavioral, and mental health impacts of cell phone policies in K-12 schools in the United States. We seek studies that generate actionable insights for policymakers, as well as school and district leaders, who are deciding whether and how to implement or refine such policies. This RFP will support both Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Quasi-Experimental Designs (QEDs) that can credibly estimate causal effects. While we are open to a range of research questions, we highlight 2 areas of particular interest below.

What are the overall impacts of policies restricting cell phone use in K-12 schools?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on student-level outcomes, including academic achievement and attainment (e.g., standardized test scores, graduation rates), behaviors (e.g., engagement, attendance, disciplinary actions), and/or mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, loneliness)?

• What are the short- and long-term impacts of cell phone policies on school-level outcomes, including school safety (e.g., reported incidents), school climate (e.g., bullying, social connections), and administrative factors (e.g., costs, logistics, communications with parents)?

• Do initial impacts persist, fade, or grow as schools refine their practices over time?

What factors explain variation in the impacts of cell phone policies?

• Which students, schools, and districts are most impacted by cell phone policies?

• Which policy design features (e.g., what devices are banned, when devices are banned, how devices are stored/locked) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• Which implementation strategies (e.g., training and supports for school staff, consistent approaches for enforcement) make cell phone policies more — or less — effective?

• How do the resource and operational implications of different policy approaches (e.g., costs, staff time, infrastructure needs) influence their effectiveness? How do these factors affect the scalability and sustainability of effective approaches?

Beyond the Net Grant Program

The Internet Society Foundation’s Beyond the Net Grant Program offers funding to support Internet Society Chapters to implement innovative projects that make a local impact by providing meaningful access to an open, trusted, and globally-connected Internet, as well as strengthening the Chapters’ presence in the surrounding community. 

Program Objectives

• Strengthen the impact of the Internet Society and the Internet Society Foundation’s mission and global initiatives with complementary local activities. 
• Develop new and strengthen existing relationships and partnerships at the local level.

Focus Areas

The Foundation will support Internet Society Chapters to implement initiatives within one or more of the following thematic areas:

Projects that support community-centered connectivity for unconnected and under-connected populations by providing easy, sustainable solutions, and training on productive use of the Internet.

Projects that make access affordable and resilient for unconnected and under-connected populations by improving, supporting, or advocating for the development of local Internet interconnection infrastructure (e.g., IXPs).

Projects that equip recently connected people with knowledge and skills to protect themselves and their communities online.

Projects that advocate for and educate policy makers, courts, decision makers, and commercial entities about threats to the Internet as an open and accessible platform for free expression and the exchange of ideas, safeguarding fundamental rights, ensuring the well-being of users, and fostering trust in digital technologies.

TechAccess: AI-Ready America is a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing AI readiness across the U.S. by fostering collaboration and resource sharing. It targets businesses, organizations, and individuals, ensuring widespread access to AI tools and knowledge. The program includes State Coordination Hubs to connect stakeholders, a National Lead for collaboration, and AI-Ready Catalyst Award Competitions to drive innovative solutions. This comprehensive approach seeks to prepare all sectors for an AI-driven economy, benefiting Americans through practical implementation and workforce development.

The Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship was established in 2010, in memory of Freeland resident and business owner Bernie Smillie. Bernie passed away in 2000, due to complications from a lung transplant he had received in 1994. In 2005, family and friends of Bernie established the Bernie Smillie Memorial Golf Outing. Proceeds of this outing has helped to promote organ donor support and awareness and establish this scholarship fund.

Bernie Smillie Memorial Scholarship - Michigan Resident

Evaluation Criteria

• Financial need (20)
• Work experience (20)
• Overall involvement at work, school and community activities (20)
• Career goals as demonstrated in essay (20)
• Letters of recommendation

Women of Colors Scholarship

Women of Colors (WOC) was founded in 1993 by a group of women that believed it would take a cooperative effort of women of all nationalities, ages and socioeconomic status to address issues plaguing the Saginaw Community. The founders believed that women should take a more active role in addressing issues of crime, blight and poverty. WOC began by providing support, community outreach services and facilitating discussions within the community. WOC’s mission promotes multi-cultural diversity and enhances community relations in Saginaw County by performing community service, mentoring youth, and collaborating with other organizations.

The Women of Colors Scholarship will be awarded each year to a Great Empowering Motivational Sessions (GEMS) member that is an area high school senior actively involved in efforts to empower young women and in activities that address issues affecting young women in the Saginaw Community. If no GEMS members are high school seniors, applications will be accepted from non-GEMS applicants.

The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) aims to enhance broadband access and adoption on Tribal lands, supporting initiatives for remote learning, telework, and telehealth. Administered by NTIA, this program provides vital funding to eligible entities under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. This funding is crucial for fostering digital inclusion and improving connectivity in underserved Tribal communities.

The Native Entities Grant Program, initiated by NTIA under the Digital Equity Act of 2021, aims to support Indian Tribes, Alaska Native entities, and Native Hawaiian organizations. This program streamlines funding through a unified application for two significant initiatives: the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant and the Digital Equity Competitive Grant. By focusing on reducing administrative burdens, it enhances access to digital resources and equity in underserved communities.