Best Travel and Tourism Grants in Minnesota

Nonprofit and public-sector conservation organizations working on ecotourism, private land conservation, or ecosystem restoration in Minnesota and other U.S. regions can apply for grants supporting biodiversity and nature-based solutions. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help fund projects like low-tech stream restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy initiatives, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000.

Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation

The mission of the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation is to support research, education, and training within the hospitality industry by bestowing scholarships and grants to those seeking careers or advancement in the hospitality industry; funding education programs that promote the hospitality industry; and awarding research grants to those interested in blending academia with practical industry know-how. 

Primary Goals: To support the professional development and academic advancement of the hospitality industry by continuing to support the foundation’s current programs, promote recipients, maintain positive working relationships with associations, and provide support to underserved communities with individuals pursuing hospitality education, training, and job advancement. 

In 2024, TSYLF introduced new initiatives to support and empower underserved communities and underprivileged and underemployed individuals. We invite all hospitality associations, students, research teams, and professionals to explore how the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation can support your educational and professional endeavors in the field of hospitality. 

Research Grants

Grantmaking Focus

The foundation supports programs that are practical and directly benefit the hospitality industry. Of particular interest are efforts that apply rigorous academic research to solve practical hospitality issues. All grants are measured on the direct results of improved efficiency and efficacy for the hospitality industry. The Foundation emphasizes activities in the following areas and organizations that work in the following areas:

• Research programs that improve employment possibilities and career advancement for those entering or incumbents in the hospitality industry.
• Research programs that enhance efficiency in the hospitality industry.
• Articles or textbooks that contribute to the comprehensive body of knowledge and/or promote industry practices, standards, and ethics.
• Practical and applicable research projects with immediate benefit to the hospitality industry.

Grants are payable to the organization or institution and not to an individual.

Grant funding is dispersed in two payments. One payment will be made upon award approval and the second will be made once the research grant report has been submitted.

Research Grant funding should be used for the following:

• TSYLF funds should be used for research facility overhead and general maintenance.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable software, computer systems or programs to organize, track and store data.
• TSYLF funds can be used for tangible research items such printed documents, writing utensils, books, office supplies or related tools and materials needed to document research and practical observations.
• TSYLF will fund equipment or materials used for hands-on training such as cleaning, and sanitation supplies, safety items or other personal protection, furnishings found in hotels, restaurants or other hospitality related facilities being used to observe applicable productivity or conditions.
• TSYLF funds can be used to obtain proper permits for conducting research or staging a practical observation or production space.
• TSYLF funds can be used be used for creating resource material and related distribution costs to hospitality professionals, businesses and educators.
• TSYLF funds can be used for support materials or services for hosting focus groups, interviews or other activities related to the research topic.
• TSYLF funds should be used wisely for reasonable and cost-effective accommodations for staff, research team and subjects such as meals, travel or lodging.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable mileage or transportation fees for research subjects, team and special advisors.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable travel accommodations related to research topic data collection.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research team for their time in collecting, analyzing and organizing data related to the funded research topic.
• TSYLF funds can be used for reasonable compensation to the research subjects.
• TSYLF funds can be used for expenses related to community engagement.
• TSYLF funds can be used for fees related to attending a hospitality event that aligns with the funded research topic.

Students pursuing tourism or hospitality-related majors can receive scholarship support to attend accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools, with a focus on building careers in the travel and hospitality industry. Bucks County Foundation’s Visit Bucks County Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship may benefit those interested in strengthening tourism and visitor experiences, including work relevant to Minnesota’s travel sector.

Students in Minnesota studying aviation or hospitality can access funding for higher education through scholarships from The Columbus Foundation, including the NetJets Scholarship. Grants from The Columbus Foundation help U.S. college students pursuing tourism-related degrees with strong academics and character, offering US $25,000 toward full-time study at eligible institutions.

American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate juniors and seniors in tourism, gaming, financial, or hospitality fields, and graduate students in business or gaming/hospitality-related programs in Minnesota can access funding through Native Forward Scholars Fund. The Wells Fargo American Indian Scholarship provides need-based awards of US $2,500 - US $5,000 per academic year for full-time study at accredited institutions across the U.S.

Minnesota nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations working in health, education, or community services can access funding through Labcorp Charitable Foundation to support programs and services. Eligible projects may include food pantries, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, STEM education, and initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles through research, screening, and preventive care.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing poverty, families, education, health, conservation, disaster relief, or related community hardships can seek program support from the Robinson Foundation; funding is limited to single-year, non-capital projects. Focused on humanitarian and community needs, Southern-region organizations, including those with ecotourism or tourism components that serve these priorities, may be eligible.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits with sponsorship support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, and cultural initiatives. Organizations advancing tourism, arts, environmental stewardship, or neighborhood revitalization that enhance local travel and visitor experiences may be eligible to apply through this national program.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations can access funding to tell powerful stories about their work in preservation, education, or wellness. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports media and communications projects that highlight real-world impact, which may benefit ecotourism, conservation, outdoor recreation, and community wellness initiatives connected to travel and tourism. Awards are more than US $50,000.

Minnesota tourism and ecotourism nonprofits can access funding through Mutual of America Foundation’s Community Partnership Award for exemplary cross-sector collaborations that strengthen communities. U.S.-based organizations demonstrating impactful, replicable partnerships that address significant social issues and improve local quality of life may be recognized through this national competition and its six annual awards.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, basic needs, or cultural enrichment in Minnesota can seek support for programs like neighborhood revitalization, housing, hunger relief, and arts access. Focused on strengthening communities, Ameriprise Financial invites U.S.-based nonprofits to apply if they align with its Meeting Basic Needs, Supporting Community Vitality, or Volunteer-Driven Causes priorities.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Minnesota can apply for State Farm Companies Foundation’s Good Neighbor Citizenship grants to support safety, education, and community development initiatives. Projects that enhance community safety, economic vitality, or educational outcomes, including efforts that may strengthen local tourism economies, may be competitive.

Nonprofit organizations in Minnesota seeking support for community-based programs, facilities, or services can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 in funding from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation. With a mission to help impactful U.S. nonprofits, the foundation supports museums, cultural programs, education, environmental and wildlife efforts, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities, which may include tourism-related initiatives.

Focused on basic needs and economic mobility, Nordstrom invites Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply for community grants supporting youth and families. Organizations providing food, shelter, clothing, workforce development, mentorship, or scholarships in Nordstrom store communities may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $20,000 in unrestricted funding, which could complement local tourism-related community efforts.

Organizations serving children or youth from urban low-income communities in Minnesota can apply for the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation’s grants of more than US $50,000 for education, children’s health, and family economic stability projects. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other public-benefit organizations working on project support or scaling efforts in the U.S.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding that may benefit local tourism communities. Costco Foundation supports youth services, children’s mental health, child welfare, and related human and social services in areas where it does business, so eligible Minnesota organizations may be considered through its charitable contributions program.

Non-sectarian nonprofits working to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant can receive US $5,000 - US $250,000 for human and social services, poverty alleviation, disability support, or disaster relief. Gupta Family Foundation provides Minnesota organizations, and similar groups in select countries, with annual or multi-year funding, prioritizing smaller, founder-led organizations with high program-to-overhead impact.

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.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

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.