Best Steele County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

About PLTW EngineeringPLTW Engineering students adopt a problem-solving mindset, are engaged in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers, and are prepared with skills to step into any career path they take. Lockheed Martin has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in adding PLTW. Since 2007, Lockheed Martin has partnered with PLTW to address the nation's critical need for future engineers, computer scientists, and math- and science-trained professionals, and to equip all students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. Lockheed Martin supports PLTW programs in school districts across the nation and has contributed to the development of PLTW's middle school and high school courses focused on aerospace engineering and flight. Since the first school district partnership in 2014, over 855 PLTW programs have been implemented and more than 145,328 students have gained access to PLTW.Program Requirements:Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Engineering program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Engineering course not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Engineering courses previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Engineering courses for the 2027-2028 academic year. Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $10,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000

About PLTW EngineeringPLTW Engineering students adopt a problem-solving mindset, are engaged in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers, and are prepared with skills to step into any career path they take. Lockheed Martin has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in adding PLTW.Since 2007, Lockheed Martin has partnered with PLTW to address the nation's critical need for future engineers, computer scientists, and math- and science-trained professionals, and to equip all students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. Lockheed Martin supports PLTW programs in school districts across the nation and has contributed to the development of PLTW's middle school and high school courses focused on aerospace engineering and flight. Since the first school district partnership in 2014, over 855 PLTW programs have been implemented and more than 145,328 students have gained access to PLTW.Program Requirements:Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year. Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering course of their choosing. Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $10,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000

About PLTW Computer SciencePLTW Computer Science students are technology trailblazers who are empowered through transportable skills and prepared to start their career, whether that is in computer science or not.

Lockheed Martin has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in adding PLTW.

Since 2007, Lockheed Martin has partnered with PLTW to address the nation's critical need for future engineers, computer scientists, and math- and science-trained professionals, and to equip all students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. Lockheed Martin supports PLTW programs in school districts across the nation and has contributed to the development of PLTW's middle school and high school courses focused on aerospace engineering and flight. Since the first school district partnership in 2014, over 855 PLTW programs have been implemented and more than 145,328 students have gained access to PLTW.Program Requirements:

• Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Computer Science program.
  • Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Computer Science course not previously offered,
  • and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Computer Science courses previously offered,
  • and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Computer Science courses for the 2027-2028 academic year. 

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $10,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000

About PLTW Computer SciencePLTW Computer Science students are technology trailblazers who are empowered through transportable skills and prepared to start their career, whether that is in computer science or not.

Lockheed Martin has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in adding PLTW.Since 2007, Lockheed Martin has partnered with PLTW to address the nation's critical need for future engineers, computer scientists, and math- and science-trained professionals, and to equip all students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. Lockheed Martin supports PLTW programs in school districts across the nation and has contributed to the development of PLTW's middle school and high school courses focused on aerospace engineering and flight. Since the first school district partnership in 2014, over 855 PLTW programs have been implemented and more than 145,328 students have gained access to PLTW.Program Requirements:

• Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Computer Science course in the 2027-2028 academic year.
• Grantee may implement any PLTW Computer Science course of their choosing

Grant Award and Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $10,000
  • 2027-2028: $10,000

Through the generosity of donors to the Foundation Council, MNRS is able to offer nurse researchers grant opportunities to further their work and contribute to the profession of nursing science. The Foundation and Grants Committee urges you to apply for one of the grant opportunities offered solely to MNRS members. You must remain a member of MNRS for the entire duration of the grant process.MNRS/Sigma Research GrantThe purpose of The Midwest Nursing Research Society/Sigma Research Grant is to encourage qualified nurses to contribute to the advancement of nursing through research; proposals for pilot and/or developmental research may be submitted. All research topics and designs are eligible for support. Multidisciplinary, historical, and international research is encouraged.Funds for this grant do not cover expenses incurred prior to the funding date.

The scholarships and fellowships provide recipients with the opportunity to attend and explore the operation of the field at the NRPA Annual Conference. A primary focus is to inspire future participation and leadership in NRPA and to develop professional contacts with leadership and members from around the nation. Recipients receive complimentary NRPA Annual Conference registration and a travel stipend.

Young Professional Fellowships

The fellowship provides selected young professionals (up to 4) with the opportunity to explore the operation of NRPA and its governing bodies at the NRPA Annual Conference through the support of Sourcewell. Participants will meet with mentors, be recognized at the awards ceremony and attend various conference sessions and meetings. A primary focus of the program is to inspire future participation and leadership in NRPA and to develop professional contacts.

About The Glaucoma Foundation

The Glaucoma Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of people with glaucoma. The Foundation works to encourage and support basic and applied research in glaucoma with a goal of preserving and restoring vision. We strive to be an important resource to help patients, their families, and at-risk individuals to manage their glaucoma through education and outreach.

About Research to Prevent Blindness

The mission of Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) is to preserve and restore vision by supporting research to develop treatments, preventives and cures for all conditions that damage and destroy sight. Since it was founded 60 years ago, in 1960, RPB has channeled more than $383 million into eye research. As a result, RPB has been identified with nearly every major breakthrough in vision research in that time.

The Glaucoma Foundation (TGF) and Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) partner annually to provide a grant aimed at supporting women and under-represented racial and ethnic minority researchers in the pursuit of glaucoma research.

The TGF (sponsored by Patricia Hill) / RPB Fellowships in Glaucoma provide one-year $10,000 fellowships focused on substantive glaucoma research, including investigation into the etiology, diagnosis and/or treatment of glaucoma, to current ophthalmology fellows with an MD, MD/PhD, PhD or other relevant degree.

The Glaucoma Foundation: Advancing the Treatment of Glaucoma

The Glaucoma Foundation (TGF) is dedicated to accelerating breakthrough glaucoma research and helping move promising discoveries toward patients. By supporting innovative, next-generation research and connecting leading scientists and clinicians, TGF drives progress toward better understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of glaucoma, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.

Exfoliation Syndrome and Exfoliation Glaucoma, Pressure Independent Mechanisms of Glaucoma, Neuroprotection, and the Genetics of Glaucomas that affect people under the age of 40

The Glaucoma Foundation offers grants to researchers striving to improve the lives of glaucoma patients through novel innovations and scientific advances. The areas of current focus for TGF’s Grant Research program are Exfoliation Syndrome and Exfoliation Glaucoma, Pressure Independent Mechanisms of Glaucoma, Neuroprotection, and Genetics of Glaucomas that affect people under the age of 40 years. Examples of research that may be considered range from basic science to clinical interventions, such as genetics and genomic medicine, disease modeling, assessment of ocular perfusion, artificial intelligence, and clinical research. A priority will be given to novel proposals with a viable study hypothesis leading to impactful results that are fundable at the NIH level. Initial grant funding for one year is for up to $75,000; a grantee is permitted to apply for a grant renewal of up to $75,000. A renewal grant is a one-year grant based on research findings from the initial research.

About

Raptor Research Foundation

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the world’s largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. The Foundation organizes annual scientific conferences and provides competitive grants and awards for researchers and conservationists. The Foundation also provides support and networking opportunities for students and early career raptor researchers.

Tom Cade Conservation Award

The Award:

The Tom Cade Conservation Award is the Raptor Research Foundation’s premiere conservation award. This non-monetary award recognizes an individual who has made significant advances in or exceptional contributions to the conservation of raptors. The award’s scope includes all aspects of conservation science and practice pertaining to raptors, including: implementing population restoration programs; advances in captive propagation and reintroduction techniques; identifying conservation biology problems and solutions; raptor biodiversity studies; and studies of rare, threatened, and endangered species. Nominations will open in the spring. Recipients will be announced at the annual meeting.

About Tom Cade:

Tom Cade was an icon and hero to us all. His passion for falcons knew no bounds. One of the founders of the Raptor Research Foundation, he was the driving force behind the reintroduction of the Peregrine Falcon east of the Mississippi and across much of its North American range. The Peregrine Fund, which he created with the recovery of a single endangered species—the Peregrine Falcon—as its goal, has grown into a conservation organization with a worldwide reach and global impact. 

About

Raptor Research Foundation

The Raptor Research Foundation (RRF) is the world’s largest professional society for raptor researchers and conservationists. Founded in 1966 as a non-profit organization, our primary goal is the accumulation and dissemination of scientific information about raptors. The Foundation organizes annual scientific conferences and provides competitive grants and awards for researchers and conservationists. The Foundation also provides support and networking opportunities for students and early career raptor researchers.

Early-career Raptor Researcher Travel Grants

The Award:

The selection committee must receive all application materials by the deadline for regular abstracts. That date is included in the announcement of RRF’s annual meeting sent each year to the membership.

• $700.
• The award will also include a free 1-year membership to RRF. 

up to three.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA)

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day. Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy. Our three general areas of responsibility include protecting our food supply; protecting our natural resources; and, cultivating our agricultural economy.

Minnesota Down Payment Assistance Grant

The Minnesota Down Payment Assistance Grant offers up to $20,000 for qualified farmers to purchase their first farm. The grant program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's (MDA) Rural Finance Authority (RFA) as part of the RFA's mission to develop the state's agricultural resources.

The intent of the grant program is to help farmers invest in farm ownership. With the average age of farmers rising in our state, farm succession and legacy planning are increasingly important to the sector. The program is authorized under Minn. Stat. 17.133 41A.12 and funded through Laws of Minnesota, 2025, Regular Session, Chapter 34, Article 1, Section 2, Subdivision 4(c).

CSFS - Statewide Organics Management Programs Grant

Minnesota climate smart food systems (CSFS)

The MPCA has approximately $6 million available to support organics management programs across the state that will expand participation in Minnesota’s organics recycling system and reduce the amount of wasted food and food scraps disposed of through landfilling or incineration. Grant funding will support projects focused on organics collection programs, outreach and education that improve or increase organics recycling, and/or market development for finished compost and anaerobic digestion outputs. Projects focusing primarily on organics processing facilities such as compost sites and anaerobic digesters are not eligible. 

Available funds

Total available funds: $6 million. Applicants must match at least 20% of the grant request with cash or in-kind contributions. 

Large projects ($5 million):

• maximum award: $1.5 million
• minimum award: $300,000

Smaller projects ($1 million):

• maximum award: $299,999
• minimum award: $100,000 (applicants requesting less than the minimum amount will be deemed ineligible)

The National Institute on Aging intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for the Coordinating Center (CC) of the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAIC) program. The CC serves as a facilitator for OAIC site interactions and as a conduit for translating OAIC objectives and findings to both scientific and general audiences. The proposed CC must demonstrate an ability to work cooperatively with all OAIC sites and possess sufficient scientific expertise in geriatrics and related areas to serve the national coordination functions of the OAIC program. Applicants should have a demonstrated ability to coordinate multi-site projects.Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the U24 activity code. Investigators with expertise and insights into this area of aging research are encouraged to begin to consider applying for this new NOFO.

FTA Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program – Vehicle Capital Program 

The Vehicle Capital Program supports the purchase of transit bus(s), minivan(s) and full-size van(s). This opportunity includes Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant funding financial assistance administered by MnDOT. It's an opportunity to apply for Formula Grants for Enhanced Mobility for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities (FTA Section 5310) funding as part of the Public Transit Participation Program.

Merck Foundation

The Merck Foundation is dedicated to advancing access to health by supporting innovative programs and partnerships to improve the health and well-being of people around the world.

Helping build stronger health systems and address barriers to high-quality care

Through our programs, we believe that by working closely with governments, donors, patient groups, healthcare professionals, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, multilateral agencies, the private sector and others, we can help build stronger health systems that provide better care.

Community Collaborative for Reimagining HIV Care: Call for Proposals

Overview

The Merck Foundation (the “Foundation”) is pleased to announce the launch of the Community Collaborative for Reimagining HIV Care (the “Collaborative”), a five-year national initiative to improve timely access to and continuity of high-quality, person-centered care for people living with HIV in under-resourced communities across the United States.

Through this Call for Proposals, the Foundation will select eligible organizations to implement innovative, community-centered programs that address the evolving needs of people living with HIV.

The Foundation for Physical Therapy Research offers the Promotion of Doctoral Studies Scholarships for doctoral candidates, providing up to $15,000 annually. This scholarship supports students who have completed their coursework and exams, aiming to foster impactful research careers in physical therapy. Applicants may receive a total of $30,000 during their candidacy phase, with a maximum of $45,000 throughout their doctoral program. This initiative prioritizes academic excellence and alignment with APTA research priorities.

Mayo Family Foundation

The Mayo Family Foundation, founded by Simer and Vicki Mayo in 2019, is dedicated to creating a lasting impact across the globe. With a focus on eradicating food insecurity, empowering at-risk youth, and advancing women’s equality, the Foundation strives to transform lives and foster a brighter future for all.

Domestic Focus

We envision a world where concerns about the next meal, a safe place to sleep, or access to healthcare become a thing of the past. Our goal is to provide long-term solutions that will build stronger, more resilient individuals and communities.

A child at risk is less likely to transition to adulthood successfully. Our mission is to equip our youth with the tools needed for academic achievement and job readiness. These tools are key to securing a future marked by financial stability and high hopes of becoming a positive member of society.

Grant Application

The Mayo Family Foundation (MFF) is dedicated to creating a lasting impact. Its focus is on eradicating food insecurities, women’s equality issues, and empowering at-risk youth. The foundation strives to transform lives and foster a brighter future for all.

This grant has been created to provide the funding needed to make a significant impact in two key areas: combating food insecurity and empowering at-risk youth.

We believe that by supporting dedicated nonprofit organizations like yours, we can create a lasting positive impact in our community. Together, we can ensure that no one goes hungry and that every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

Transit in Greater Minnesota

Greater Minnesota Tribal Transit Vehicle Grant

The Greater Minnesota Tribal Transit Vehicle Grant provides financial assistance to purchase a transit vehicle to enhance Tribal transit programs in Greater Minnesota. This capital grant program supports replacement and/or expansion of transit vehicles. State funding will be used for this grant opportunity administered by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Juvenile Justice System Enhancements program aims to bolster the effectiveness of juvenile justice systems across the nation. By targeting high-cost drivers of crime and enhancing youth outcomes, this initiative encourages states and localities to develop strategic solutions. Applicants are invited to identify challenges within their systems and prioritize resource allocation for measurable improvements, ultimately aiming to prevent crime and improve operations within the juvenile justice framework.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Family Treatment Court Program aims to support state and local courts, as well as Tribal governments, in establishing or enhancing family treatment courts. These courts are designed to provide substance use treatment and other supportive services for parents involved with the child welfare system due to issues like child abuse or neglect. By focusing on intensive judicial monitoring and interventions, the program seeks to improve outcomes for children, parents, and families affected by substance use disorders.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Expanding Youth Access to Community-Based Treatment program aims to enhance support for youth facing substance use and mental health challenges. This funding opportunity focuses on community-based treatment initiatives that cater to youths with substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions. By fostering cross-system strategies, the program seeks to improve outcomes for at-risk youth and reduce recidivism through better access to necessary treatment services.

The BJA FY 2026 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Formula Grants Program aims to enhance the capacity of state, local, and tribal governments in providing residential substance use disorder treatment for incarcerated individuals. This funding opportunity supports evidence-based treatment, aids in reintegration into society, and promotes continuity of care through community-based recovery services, ultimately improving outcomes for those with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders.

The OJJDP FY 2026 Internet Crimes Against Children On-Line Child Protection System (ICACCOPS) funding opportunity aims to enhance and maintain critical investigative tools for child exploitation cases. ICACCOPS provides a robust IT infrastructure to support data services, network security, and management tools for law enforcement. This initiative strengthens the efforts of the national network of ICAC Task Forces, which are dedicated to combating technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation across the United States.

About The John A. Hartford Foundation

The John A. Hartford Foundation, based in New York City, is a private, nonpartisan, national philanthropy dedicated to improving the care of older adults. The leader in the field of aging and health, the foundation has three priority areas: creating age-friendly health systems, supporting family caregivers, and improving serious illness and end-of-life care.

Since 1982, The John A. Hartford Foundation has awarded more than $758 million in grants to enhance the health and well-being of older people.

JAHF New Partners Program Call for Proposals:

National Initiatives Advancing Improvements in Care for Older Adults

The John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF) is entering a new chapter that builds on its work to improve care for older adults and support family caregivers while bringing new organizations, leaders and ideas into its community of grantees and partners.

Through this funding opportunity, JAHF is seeking proposals from organizations that have not previously received a major grant from the foundation.

Proposed initiatives must have a national or multi-site scope and align with at least one of the foundation's three priority areas:

• Age-Friendly Health Systems
• Family Caregiving
• Serious Illness and End-of-Life Care

The NIJ FY 2026 Research and Evaluation on School Safety funding opportunity aims to support essential research and evaluations focused on enhancing K-12 safety. Key areas of interest include anonymous reporting systems for threats of school violence and the establishment of threat assessment teams. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with educators and communities to develop effective solutions and assess the impact of various safety initiatives, thereby contributing valuable insights to school safety practices.

The NIJ FY 2026 Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) aims to fund research assessing the effectiveness of crisis intervention initiatives. This opportunity supports evaluations across various program areas, including mental health courts and ERPO programs. Applicants must propose a two-phased strategy: Evaluability Assessments followed by a comprehensive evaluation of the SCIP's effectiveness, ensuring applications are responsive to funding requirements.

The NIJ FY 2026 Crime and Justice Research funding opportunity invites applications for innovative research aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the adult criminal justice system. It comprises two main categories: one focuses on new programs and strategies to improve workforce readiness, while the other assesses the impact of the COPS De-escalation Training Program. This initiative seeks to foster safety and operational improvements within law enforcement.