Best Traverse County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Lilly Foundation

To extend Lilly’s charitable reach and impact, the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation (Lilly Foundation) was established in 1968 and is supported by donations from Eli Lilly and Company.

The Foundation is a tax-exempt, private foundation supporting programs that align with its philanthropic priorities.

Grantmaking Approach

The Lilly Foundation’s work is guided by a charitable vision of a world where every person has an opportunity to live their healthiest life. Through grantmaking focused on Lilly Foundation’s charitable vision, grants can serve as a catalyst for closing gaps and empowering individuals and communities to thrive.

All proposals should demonstrate clear alignment with at least one focus area and include charitable outcomes that are measurable and consistent with the Foundation’s long-term charitable goals.

Global Health, K-12 STEM Education and Economic Mobility Grant

Focus Areas

Global Health

Lilly Foundation, through its charitable grants, aims to support permissible charitable efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for resource-limited communities in low- and lower-middleincome countries (L/LMICs) and in the United States. Strengthening access to care is essential for enhancing community well-being and supporting economic stability in resource-limited settings.

The Global Health focus area aims to close gaps in quality healthcare by supporting charitable solutions that improve access, bring care closer to where people live, and address the high burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in resource-limited settings. To the extent permissible, the Foundation prioritizes charitable efforts related to cardiometabolic health in resource-limited settings.

K-12 STEM Education

The K-12 STEM Education focus area aims to close the gaps for students from low-income communities by supporting programs that foster new pathways and pipelines to STEM education through focused K-12 efforts, concentrating on the critical middle school years. The Foundation’s K-12 STEM Education grants are focused on initiatives that benefit Marion County, Indiana.

Economic Mobility

The Economic Mobility focus area supports charitable and educational programs that strengthen workforce readiness, postsecondary and skills-based educational pathways, and housing stability to promote long-term prosperity. This support is focused on Marion County, Indiana, with the goal of improving economic opportunity for low-income communities and advancing community well-being.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Behavioral Health Administration (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to address the opioid overdose crisis in communities and populations that have been historically underserved and disproportionately impacted by opioid-related overdose deaths. 

Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Request for Proposal

In 1988, 77% of Minnesota voters approved a constitutional amendment establishing the ENRTF (Article XI, Sec. 14) - a constitutionally dedicated fund that originates from a combination of Minnesota State Lottery proceeds and investment income. The purpose of the ENRTF is to provide a long-term, consistent, and stable source of funding for activities that protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota's "air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources" for the benefit of current citizens and future generations. Since 1991, the ENRTF has provided approximately $1.1 billion to over 1,700 projects around the state.

The LCCMR makes funding recommendations to the Minnesota Legislature for special environment and natural resources projects, primarily from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. These recommendations are the product of a competitive, multi-step proposal and selection process.

The process begins when the LCCMR issues a Request for Proposal (RFP) for selected funding priorities based on its 6-year strategic plan and ongoing information gathering activities, including expert-led issue seminars and visits to natural resource sites around the state. The RFP is open to everyone with innovative ideas for environment and natural resources projects that could provide multiple ecological and other public benefits. Proposals can be submitted according to the procedures outlined in each RFP.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington Goes Purple Scholarship

This scholarship is open to students that reside in Washington County, MD, are continuing their education, and have been affected by substance use.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Scholarship

Founded by alumni of Washington County Hospital’s School of Nursing, this fund serves to provide scholarships to deserving students who are continuing their education in Nursing.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County Arts Council, Inc. Foundation Scholarship Fund

The Washington County Arts Council, Inc. welcomes all applicants interested in pursuing a 2- or 4-year degree, or a certificate program, from an accredited educational institution with an emphasis on the arts. All students, including those individuals who have pursued a non-traditional education path, will be considered for this scholarship.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County 4-H Livestock/Market Sale Scholarship

Established to support post-secondary scholarships to participants in Washington County 4-H Livestock and Market Sale programs.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County 4-H Dairy Scholarship

Established to support post-secondary scholarships to participants in Washington County 4-H dairy programs.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

The Tim Moffatt Career Advancement Award

This scholarship will be awarded to deserving students who are graduating from a WCPS high school, or are a non-traditional learner with equivalent education, who have been accepted into a trade school/program/apprenticeship, or who have enlisted in the military. 

The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $5.7 million annually to college students. The scholarship funds have been established by thoughtful and generous donors and each has a unique set of eligibility criteria and award structure.

Pi-Squared Scholarship

Benefiting graduating seniors of Spring ISD (Texas), Klein ISD (Texas), and Houston ISD (Texas).

The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $5.7 million annually to college students. The scholarship funds have been established by thoughtful and generous donors and each has a unique set of eligibility criteria and award structure.

Roger and Barbara Powell Scholarship for Nursing

Benefiting rural Texas residents pursuing nursing degrees.

The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $5.7 million annually to college students. The scholarship funds have been established by thoughtful and generous donors and each has a unique set of eligibility criteria and award structure.

Silver Eagle Distributors Houston Scholarship

Benefiting dependents of Silver Eagle Distributors Houston employees.

The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $5.7 million annually to college students. The scholarship funds have been established by thoughtful and generous donors and each has a unique set of eligibility criteria and award structure.

Tradition of Excellence Scholarship

Benefiting dependents of current Perry Homes employees.

The Greater Houston Community Foundation (GHCF) administers a variety of unique scholarship funds that grant over $5.7 million annually to college students. The scholarship funds have been established by thoughtful and generous donors and each has a unique set of eligibility criteria and award structure.

Strong Family Scholarship

Benefiting graduating high school seniors from charter schools in Houston, TX.

Taka Domingo HLP Vocational Scholarship

The HLP Hamakua Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed to benefit the people of Hamakua. Taka Domingo was one of the original board members when HLP was established after the closure of sugar. He was an electrician and County Councilman representing the Hamakua District. The Taka Domingo HLP Vocational Scholarship was established after his death in August 2016. 

Individual award amount: $2,000. 

Possible trades include: welding, tourism, fire science, electrical, early childhood education, agriculture, auto body, auto mechanics, diesel mechanics, carpentry, culinary and others not listed.

Pfizer supports the global healthcare community’s independent initiatives (e.g., research, quality improvement or education) to improve patient outcomes in areas of unmet medical need that are aligned with Pfizer’s medical and/or scientific strategies.

Pre-clinical Investigation of anti-TFPI-mediated Rebalancing Mechanisms in Non-Hemophilic Bleeding Disorders

There remains a scientific gap in understanding of the role of anti-TFPImediated hemostatic rebalancing in the context of inherited or non-hemophilic bleeding disorders. This competitive grant program encourages competitive submissions focsed on generating preclinical/foundational data exploring the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of TFPI modulation in bleeding disorders other than hemophilia.

Funding

• Individual projects requesting up to $50,000 USD will be considered. Request for study drug or compound is allowed (max $50,000 USD), additionally to the study project costs.
• Maximum project length is 1 year.

Underrepresented Cultural Studies Materials Grants

Grant Goals

For individuals and organizations that will work to develop high-quality academic, cultural, and ethnic studies materials for communities that do not have adequate cultural and ethnic studies materials, or who are underrepresented in those materials. The materials must support Minnesota K-12 students from underrepresented communities without a formal writing system that is primarily orally based, including but are not limited to, Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Oromo cultures.

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

• Amplify arts, culture, and heritage in Minnesota,
• Increase the depth and breadth of Minnesota who will connect with arts, culture, and heritage, and
• Provide opportunities for individuals in Minnesota to enjoy arts and culture for free or at reduced cost to allow access for economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Minnesota to attend Legacy programs.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) was created in July 2003 with the merger of the former Minnesota Department of Trade and Economic Development (DTED) and the Minnesota Department of Economic Security (MDES). DEED is the state's principal economic development agency. The Department's programs promote business recruitment, expansion, and retention; international trade; workforce development; and community development.

Commissioned Needs Assessment for the Minnesota Independent Living Network

Procurement Overview and Goals

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (“DEED”), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (“VRS”) requests proposals, on behalf of the Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council (“MNSILC”) and the Centers for Independent Living (CILs), to conduct a statewide needs assessment for individuals living with disabilities.

Key objective: Determine the level of financial investment required for Centers for Independent Living to effectively and comprehensively meet the needs of individuals with disabilities throughout the state of Minnesota.

P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) Competitive Grant – State Fiscal Year 2026

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to public school districts and charter schools for the purpose of providing start-up and ongoing support of P-TECH schools, established as a public-private partnership, that will prepare students for high skills jobs of the future in identified growth industries.

The P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) model integrates high school, college, and industry through partnerships among school districts, community colleges, and employers. With a focus on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, it combines rigorous academics, workplace learning, mentoring, and internships. Students receive individualized support to accelerate progress toward both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree.

The model’s intended outcomes include preparing students with industry-recognized credentials and authentic workplace learning opportunities. While employment is not guaranteed, graduates are prioritized for opportunities with partner employers. P-TECH also broadens access to high-quality STEM education and lowers academic and financial barriers by aligning secondary and postsecondary pathways.

LSTA Literacy Grant FFY 2026 – State Fiscal Year 2027

Grant purpose

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to libraries as defined per Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 134.001, subdivision 2 for the purpose of helping to achieve Minnesota’s LSTA Five-Year Plan (2023-2027), Goals A, B, and C, to reduce barriers to access, promote equity, showcase libraries’ contributions to community, and empower Minnesota’s library workforce. Successful grant proposals will connect proposed project activities to improving access to services and information in areas of literacy.

While LSTA funds are primarily intended to support new projects that can serve as models or pilots, applications for new phases of a project that is underway may be submitted. Libraries may also apply for funding of an ongoing project if it reaches new audiences, incorporates new methods or significantly expands the reach of the project.

Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Professional Development Travel Grants – Federal Fiscal Year 2026

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to library staff working in Minnesota libraries for the purpose of providing opportunities to attend regional or national library conferences or continuing education opportunities which fulfill identified professional development needs for the participant and their library. It is hoped that these travel grants will allow staff to gain essential professional development skills and networking opportunities to help increase impact and develop staff through connection to bring back best practices for their libraries and their patrons.

Applicants from a regional library system may apply to fund up to five staff members’ attendance at regional or national library conferences or continuing education opportunities. Any paid staff working full-time or part-time in a Minnesota public library, academic library, school library, special library or tribal library is eligible. This includes librarians, library assistants, library specialists, library leaders, managers or supervisors, library technicians or specialists, public relations managers, or any other paid library staff working in a library.

Funding

$100,000 is available to fund 30-75 staff in attending professional development under the Grants to States program, funded by the Library Services and Technology Act, LS-260829-OLS-26.

The maximum grant award may not exceed $3,500 per person, or $17,500 in total per applicant/regional library system

RFP: Provide Children’s Mental Health Evidence-Based Practice Workforce Development and Implementation Support

The Minnesota Department of Human Services, through its Behavioral Health Administration (STATE), is seeking Proposals from qualified Responders to provide training, consultation, and implementation support related to a modular, evidence-informed treatment system (such as the Managing and Adapting Practice (MAP) system) or a demonstrably equivalent model for children’s mental health providers across Minnesota. Responders proposing a model other than MAP must clearly demonstrate how their approach is substantially equivalent in structure, function, and outcomes, including incorporation of modular practice elements, dashboards, database, clinical decision-support tools, and measurement based care, and must include published evidence or demonstrated implementation outcomes supporting effectiveness in children’s mental health. The selected responder will support mental health providers and treatment supervisors in developing skills to deliver evidence-based interventions for children and youth experiencing mental health conditions. Activities will focus on workforce development, implementation support, and quality improvement to increase the use of evidence-based mental health practices statewide. For purposes of this RFP, “Mental Health Providers (MHPs)” refers to Mental Health Professionals and Clinical Trainees as defined in Minnesota Statutes, 245I.04, subd. 2 (Mental Health Professional) and subd. 6 (Clinical Trainee). “Supervisor” refers to Treatment Supervision as defined in Minnesota Statutes, 245I.06. The term of any resulting contract is anticipated to be for two (2) years, from July 1, 2026 until June 30, 2028. The STATE may extend the contract up to a total of five (5) years. 

The Goodridge Brothers Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports residents of Saginaw County pursuing careers in technical education, such as welding or auto mechanics. This initiative recognizes the growing demand for skilled tradespeople and aims to alleviate financial barriers for students. Scholarships typically range from $500 to $4,000, promoting educational opportunities in urban and regional planning and enhancing the community's workforce capabilities.

The Ken and Eileen Gross Memorial Scholarship, established by friends of the couple, supports Saginaw County high school seniors pursuing a teaching degree. With a focus on fostering education, this scholarship honors Ken, a dedicated educator, and Eileen, a successful property manager. Eligible students must demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA and financial need, ensuring that those committed to teaching can pursue their aspirations. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, empowering the next generation of educators.

MN Public Works Grant

Public Works grants support local and Tribal governments with infrastructure funding that provides essential services and promotes economic development. 

FundingAvailability

• Funded at $9,000,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund.
• The number of grants awarded is variable and dependent upon the amounts awarded to successful applicants.
• 1:1 match per project required.
  • Match requirements may be reduced for publicly-owned projects located in a city or within five miles of a city with an active mine pit or one idled within two years of the application date. Reductions will be considered if financial need is demonstrated and formal preapproval is obtained prior to submitting a full application.
• In-kind materials and/or labor are not eligible towards the project match.
• Architectural and engineering fees in excess of 10% of the total project costs are ineligible for reimbursement.
• No applicant is eligible for more than $1.5 Million for this program per fiscal year. Once that amount is reached additional grant applications for this program will not be eligible.
• Maximum grant amount of $145,000 for grants supporting privately owned buildings or infrastructure.
• Applications should be submitted within nine months of the project construction start date

MN Public Works - Broadband Infrastructure Grant

Broadband Infrastructure grants assist projects that help households and businesses reach the State of Minnesota broadband speed goal. 

Funding Availability

• Funded at $1,000,000 for Fiscal Year 2026 from the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund.
• The number of grants awarded is variable and dependent upon the amounts awarded to successful
• applicants.
• 1:1 match per project required.
• In-kind materials and/or labor are not eligible towards the project match.
• Consideration will be given to projects that leverage greater amounts of funding for a project from other sources.
• Architectural and engineering fees in excess of 10% of the total project costs are ineligible for reimbursement.
• Applications should be submitted within nine months of the project construction start date.

MN Nonprofit security grant program (NSGP)

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding for physical security enhancements and other security-related activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack. The NSGP also seeks to integrate the preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations with broader state and local preparedness efforts.

Funding

• Organizations within the Twin Cities Urban Area are applying on a competitive basis with organizations from designated urban areas nationwide
• The Target Allocation assigned to Minnesota for statewide/outstate funding is $2,400,000
• Organizations outside of the urban area are designated to apply for the target allocation funding
• NSGP Applicants may apply for up to $200,000 per site
• Applicants with multiple sites may apply for up to