Best Wabasha County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

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.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

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.

SEMAC: Arts Management Training grants are designed to assist nonprofit arts groups in southeastern Minnesota by funding participation in management education workshops. Grants of up to $300 per person can cover topics like fundraising, audience development, and marketing. Applicants must demonstrate community impact and be located within the SEMAC region. The submission deadline is thirty days before the training start date, ensuring timely planning and execution of educational opportunities.

The SEMAC: General Operating Support Grants invite nonprofit arts organizations in the SEMAC region, with operating expenses under $174,000, to apply for funding aimed at enhancing their stability through administrative support. Grants of up to $5,000 annually (totaling $10,000 over two years) are available, with recipients required to submit an interim report after the first year. Applications are accepted until funds are depleted, with specific deadlines for notifications.

The SEMAC Opportunity Grants provide vital support to nonprofit arts organizations and educational institutions for unexpected projects. These grants do not require matching funds and are available to eligible applicants in southeastern Minnesota. Organizations can apply twice per fiscal year, with projects needing to be completed within twelve months. The application deadline is fifteen days before the project start date, ensuring timely funding for artistic initiatives that benefit the community.

The SEMAC: School Residency Grant supports artist residencies in K-12 public or non-religious private schools, providing students with direct arts experiences. This grant enhances artists' professional development through unique employment opportunities. Residencies last from one to five full school days and culminate in a public capstone event. Applications are due thirty days prior to the residency, and no matching funds are required, making this an accessible opportunity for artists in the southeastern Minnesota region.

Strengthening Jewish Life Through Strategic Investment

The St. Paul Jewish Federation provides grants that empower organizations to create, expand, and sustain programs aligned with our mission: building a vibrant, inclusive, and connected Jewish community across our 12-county region.

Our Community Impact Funding supports innovative initiatives, essential operations, and rapid-response needs—advancing Jewish education, engagement, equity, and continuity.

Regional Grantmaking for a Connected Jewish Community

The St. Paul Jewish Federation serves Jewish individuals and families across a 12-county region, from Pine County to Steele County and from Wabasha to Kanabec. Jewish life in our region is geographically dispersed, with people connected through colleges and universities, schools, congregations, social service organizations, and community institutions spread across urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Regional grantmaking ensures that distance does not limit access, visibility, or belonging. Through Community Impact Funding, the Federation invests strategically in organizations and initiatives that meet people where they are, strengthen essential operations, support innovation, and respond quickly to emerging needs — advancing Jewish education, engagement, equity, and continuity so that no Jew ever feels alone, no matter where they live or learn.

St. Paul Jewish Federation: Burst Micro-Grants

Fast, flexible support for urgent or small-scale needs.

Burst Micro Grants offer up to $2,500 in rapid-response funding to support urgent needs, pilot programs, or small-scale events that arise outside of Pillar or Ignite grant cycles. Requests should align with Federation priorities and are open to Jewish organizations serving the St. Paul Jewish Federation service area.

Applicants are eligible to receive one Burst Micro Grant every 12 months. Applicants can expect a decision on the grant within approximately 30 days of receipt of the request. Applicants must demonstrate organizational health, alignment with Federation priorities, and a measurable community benefit. Organizations that receive Burst Micro Grants are also eligible to apply for Pillar Grants or K-12 Education formula funding and Ignite Grants.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

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 Artists and Culture Bearers in the Schools grant by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council aims to enhance the arts curriculum in K-12 non-religious schools by providing students opportunities to collaborate directly with artists and culture bearers during school hours. This initiative not only supports artistic growth but also fosters a deeper appreciation for cultural expression within the community. Grant amounts range from $2,000 to $4,000, and applications are accepted until funding is exhausted.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Strengthening Jewish Life Through Strategic Investment

The St. Paul Jewish Federation provides grants that empower organizations to create, expand, and sustain programs aligned with our mission: building a vibrant, inclusive, and connected Jewish community across our 12-county region.

Our Community Impact Funding supports innovative initiatives, essential operations, and rapid-response needs—advancing Jewish education, engagement, equity, and continuity.

Regional Grantmaking for a Connected Jewish Community

The St. Paul Jewish Federation serves Jewish individuals and families across a 12-county region, from Pine County to Steele County and from Wabasha to Kanabec. Jewish life in our region is geographically dispersed, with people connected through colleges and universities, schools, congregations, social service organizations, and community institutions spread across urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Regional grantmaking ensures that distance does not limit access, visibility, or belonging. Through Community Impact Funding, the Federation invests strategically in organizations and initiatives that meet people where they are, strengthen essential operations, support innovation, and respond quickly to emerging needs — advancing Jewish education, engagement, equity, and continuity so that no Jew ever feels alone, no matter where they live or learn.

Ignite Grants

Ignite Grants offer one-year funding for new or expanded programs that spark innovation, inclusion, and connection. Open to new and existing partners.

Fueling Ideas. Igniting Impact.

Ignite grants are designed to support programs, projects, and events that align with Federation priorities. Programs, projects, and events funded by Ignite Grants will offer the Jewish community both immediate benefits and the potential for long-term value. Ignite Grants are open to Jewish organizations serving the St. Paul Jewish Federation service area.

Ignite grants fund new programs, projects, or events designed to address otherwise unmet needs in the Jewish community and existing programs, projects, or events that have shown past community impact.

Applicants must demonstrate organizational health, alignment with Federation priorities, and a measurable community benefit. Organizations that receive Ignite Grants are also eligible to apply for Pillar Grants or K-12 Education formula funding and Burst Micro Grants.

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.

The SEMAC Rural Arts Grant aims to foster arts initiatives in rural communities of southeastern Minnesota with populations under 7,500. It supports diverse artistic projects including visual arts, music, and performance, encouraging local engagement and collaboration with community partners. Grants range from $3,000 to $6,000, and eligibility includes individual artists and nonprofit organizations within the SEMAC region. This initiative seeks to enhance cultural experiences and strengthen community ties through accessible arts programming.

The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) provides project support grants for individual artists and culture bearers in its 11-county region. These grants, ranging from $2,000 to $6,000, aim to foster creativity and public engagement through various artistic disciplines. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens, and reside in the SEMAC region. The program encourages innovative projects that involve the community, ensuring accessibility and meaningful interaction with the public.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The SMIF Paint the Town Grants aim to foster community pride and collaboration by funding mural, welcome sign, or historic structure painting projects in communities with populations under 10,000. Administered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation in partnership with local Ace Hardware stores, these grants encourage volunteer participation and visual impact. Eligible projects must demonstrate public use and community engagement, ensuring that at least half of the painting work is conducted by volunteers.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) offers Programming and Project Support Grants for organizations to fund activities in arts creation, performance, publication, and exhibition. Grants range from $3,000 to $11,000 for nonprofit arts organizations and $3,000 to $6,000 for non-arts nonprofits and educational institutions. Eligible applicants must be located in the SEMAC region and have a defined mission statement. The program aims to enhance arts access, education, and cultural heritage in southeastern Minnesota.

The Programming Grants for Arts Organizations, previously known as Presenter/Production Assistance Grants, provide funding to nonprofit organizations and artists in Southeastern Minnesota. Sponsored by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, these grants support arts-related programming, including public performances and educational activities. Organizations must demonstrate artistic quality and community impact, while educational institutions are eligible for Presenter Assistance. Grants of up to $5,000 are available to foster creativity and cultural engagement in the region.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Strengthening Jewish Life Through Strategic Investment

The St. Paul Jewish Federation provides grants that empower organizations to create, expand, and sustain programs aligned with our mission: building a vibrant, inclusive, and connected Jewish community across our 12-county region.

Our Community Impact Funding supports innovative initiatives, essential operations, and rapid-response needs—advancing Jewish education, engagement, equity, and continuity.

Regional Grantmaking for a Connected Jewish Community

The St. Paul Jewish Federation serves Jewish individuals and families across a 12-county region, from Pine County to Steele County and from Wabasha to Kanabec. Jewish life in our region is geographically dispersed, with people connected through colleges and universities, schools, congregations, social service organizations, and community institutions spread across urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Regional grantmaking ensures that distance does not limit access, visibility, or belonging. Through Community Impact Funding, the Federation invests strategically in organizations and initiatives that meet people where they are, strengthen essential operations, support innovation, and respond quickly to emerging needs — advancing Jewish education, engagement, equity, and continuity so that no Jew ever feels alone, no matter where they live or learn.

St. Paul Jewish Federation: K-12 Education Grants

Our K–12 Education Grants support innovative programs that expand access to quality Jewish learning experiences for students across Greater St. Paul.

Expanding access to Jewish learning for K–12 students

K–12 Education Grants are awarded by the St. Paul Jewish Federation’s Education Committee to support innovative, impactful programs that meet the evolving educational needs of children and teens across our 12-county service area. With limited funding available annually, this grant helps fill critical gaps—especially in areas not addressed by other initiatives—by supporting new and creative approaches to Jewish education.

These grants are open to recipients of other Federation funding (including Pillar and Ignite Grants) and are evaluated based on program clarity, innovation, alignment with Federation priorities, evaluation plans, and community collaboration. Each application must represent a single program.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.