Best Waseca County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant Program aims to support rural communities within Compeer Financial’s territory by providing funding for upgrades and repairs to county fair facilities. Eligible organizations can receive up to $4,000 to enhance livestock buildings, 4-H buildings, and judging arenas. This initiative not only improves facilities but also fosters community engagement and agricultural education, ensuring that fairs continue to thrive in delivering memorable experiences for all ages.

The Community Responsive Grants, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) in partnership with the Otto Bremer Trust, aim to support organizations addressing critical community needs in south central and southeastern Minnesota. Grants of up to $75,000 will be awarded to eligible nonprofits focusing on areas such as literacy, children's health, and mental health. Applicants must have a 501(c)(3) designation and a proven operational history of at least five years.

The Early Literacy Grants by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation aim to enhance school readiness for children from birth to age eight by providing access to books. This program encourages organizations working with young children to apply for funding to distribute books to families, fostering a love for reading at an early age. Partnerships with local publishing companies ensure a steady supply of quality reading materials, with book pickups scheduled for June in Owatonna.

The Small Town Grants Program, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, aids communities with populations of 10,000 or less by providing grants up to $10,000. This initiative encourages projects that enhance the quality of life and foster community engagement. Eligible projects must be innovative, and a 25% cash match is required. Excluded from funding are for-profit entities and general operating expenses, ensuring that resources directly benefit community growth.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) will offer Economic Development Grants starting in Fall 2025. These grants aim to enhance local economies by supporting initiatives in entrepreneurship and community development within a 20-county region. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public institutions in SMIF's area. Grants of up to $20,000 will be available, making it a valuable opportunity for organizations focused on economic growth.

Building resilient rural communities.

Supporting communities across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.

The mission of the Taylor Family Farms Foundation is to collaborate with knowledgeable and trusted philanthropic partners to build resilient rural communities.

We believe that strong partnerships and local insight are essential to creating lasting impact. By working alongside experienced organizations, we ensure resources are directed where they are needed most.

Fall 2026 Grant Cycle Details

Grant Guidelines and Eligibility

Reliable emergency services are essential to every community. In rural areas, those services are often provided by volunteers who step forward when their neighbors need them most.

The Taylor Family Farms Foundation is now accepting grant applications from emergency services providers serving rural communities.

Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, schools, and municipalities that are eligible to receive funding from a public foundation.

The Edina Realty Foundation, established in 1996, is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless individuals and families in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. With over $12 million raised, the Foundation supports non-profits that provide housing, food, and emergency services, ensuring that more than 95% of funds directly aid those in need. Their mission highlights the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home, reinforcing community investment for a better tomorrow.

The Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council is offering the K-12 School Arts Project Grant to support artist residencies, live performances, mini-workshops, and arts-related field trips for students. Grants range from $500 to $3,000 and are available from July 2025 to March 2026, with monthly deadlines on the 1st, excluding December and January. This initiative aims to enhance access to diverse art forms and improve community quality of life.

The Minnesota Department of Health is offering funding for innovative HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) programs aimed at reducing HIV transmission in rural communities. With a total of up to $600,000 available, the initiative seeks to increase HIV screenings, referrals, and prescriptions, ultimately promoting health equity and supporting the local END HIV MN plan. Organizations that can effectively implement and evaluate these programs are encouraged to apply.

The RCU Foundation Grant supports capital projects in the arts, education, and health sectors, having awarded over $10 million since 2012. Prioritizing community benefit and sustainability, it evaluates requests based on demonstrated need and organizational capacity. The foundation focuses on areas served by Royal, ensuring a significant impact on local communities in Western Wisconsin and Eastern Minnesota. It does not fund direct grants to individuals or certain operational expenses, encouraging diverse financial support for projects.

Waseca Area Foundation

The Waseca Area Foundation was created from the contributions of Waseca area residents, starting with the All School Reunion of 1988. Former classmates and current area residents shared an interest in the present and future of the Waseca community.

The Waseca Area Foundation is a Community Fund with a close affiliation with the St. Paul & Minnesota Community Foundation, which allows a broader investment opportunity with little cost to local funds. The Waseca Area Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable non profit with tax exempt status under Minnesota and Federal Law.

Waseca Area Foundation’s mission is to provide an opportunity for groups or individuals to leave a legacy through contributions which build a permanent community fund committed to meeting the changing needs of the Waseca area.

Janesville Area Foundation Grant

Focus Area

• Provide grants for agencies that serve residents of the Janesville area.
• Provide grants for community development projects and programs, which are responsive to the changing community needs in promoting quality education, cultural, wellness, recreational, social service, environmental and civic opportunities.

All grants are made in accordance with current regulations of the Internal Revenue Code.

Pledges are made for one year at a time unless there are special circumstances.

The foundation in consultation with the Waseca Area Foundation Board reserves the right to shift its focus in response to the needs of the community.

The SMIF Early Literacy Grant, offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, aims to enhance school readiness for children from birth to eight years old by providing books. With over $1.5 million invested annually in early childhood development, the program fosters collaboration to ensure that children in 20 counties across south central and southeastern Minnesota have access to essential literacy resources. This initiative is vital for nurturing future leaders and promoting community vitality.

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation aims to enhance community vitality through grants supporting affordable housing, environmental education, and workforce development. Focusing on low- to moderate-income populations, the Foundation prioritizes innovative programs that foster community connections and educational opportunities. By investing in both community vitality and education, they strive to create vibrant neighborhoods and empower individuals with the skills needed for success in today's workforce. Their commitment extends across Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas.

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 Pilot Collaborative Support grant facilitates partnerships between two organizations, promoting collaboration in the arts across a 9-county region. Each organization can apply for up to $12,500, with a total funding of $25,000 available. This initiative aims to enhance cultural engagement and access to the arts, ensuring that projects benefit diverse communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofits and government entities, fostering innovative projects that enrich the regional arts landscape.

Waseca Area Foundation

The Waseca Area Foundation was created from the contributions of Waseca area residents, starting with the All School Reunion of 1988. Former classmates and current area residents shared an interest in the present and future of the Waseca community.

The Waseca Area Foundation is a Community Fund with a close affiliation with the St. Paul & Minnesota Community Foundation, which allows a broader investment opportunity with little cost to local funds. The Waseca Area Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable non profit with tax exempt status under Minnesota and Federal Law.

Waseca Area Foundation’s mission is to provide an opportunity for groups or individuals to leave a legacy through contributions which build a permanent community fund committed to meeting the changing needs of the Waseca area.

E.F. Johnson Foundation Grant

Focus Area

• The E. F. Johnson Foundation concentrates about 60% of its budget on education, principally scholarships and programs for secondary (7-12) school students, which may include staff training for specialized technological curriculum.
• The foundation’s secondary interest is human services and arts and cultural programs where it focuses about 40% of its budget.
• The E. F. Johnson Foundation prefers to provide funds for programs rather than capital grants. Contributions intended for capital, endowments, contingencies, reserve purposes or deficit reduction are not generally favored.

All grants are made in accordance with current regulations of the Internal Revenue Code.

Pledges are made for one year at a time unless there are special circumstances.

The foundation in consultation with the Waseca Area Foundation Board reserves the right to shift its focus in response to the needs of the community.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

The SpartanNash Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on Hunger, Heroes, and Hope. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located within a 30-mile radius of SpartanNash facilities. The Foundation ensures that every dollar raised directly benefits partner organizations, with a commitment to community impact. Grants are not available for ineligible entities, including those outside the radius or not aligned with the Foundation's mission. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has positively influenced local communities.

Waseca Area Foundation

The Waseca Area Foundation was created from the contributions of Waseca area residents, starting with the All School Reunion of 1988. Former classmates and current area residents shared an interest in the present and future of the Waseca community.

The Waseca Area Foundation is a Community Fund with a close affiliation with the St. Paul & Minnesota Community Foundation, which allows a broader investment opportunity with little cost to local funds. The Waseca Area Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable non profit with tax exempt status under Minnesota and Federal Law.

Waseca Area Foundation’s mission is to provide an opportunity for groups or individuals to leave a legacy through contributions which build a permanent community fund committed to meeting the changing needs of the Waseca area.

New Richland Area Foundation Grant

Focus Area

• Provide grants for agencies that serve residents of the New Richland Area.
• Provide grants for community development projects and programs, which are responsive to the changing community needs in promoting quality education, cultural, wellness, recreational, social service, environmental and civic opportunities.

Waseca Area Foundation

The Waseca Area Foundation was created from the contributions of Waseca area residents, starting with the All School Reunion of 1988. Former classmates and current area residents shared an interest in the present and future of the Waseca community.

The Waseca Area Foundation is a Community Fund with a close affiliation with the St. Paul & Minnesota Community Foundation, which allows a broader investment opportunity with little cost to local funds. The Waseca Area Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable non profit with tax exempt status under Minnesota and Federal Law.

Waseca Area Foundation’s mission is to provide an opportunity for groups or individuals to leave a legacy through contributions which build a permanent community fund committed to meeting the changing needs of the Waseca area.

Waseca Area Foundation Grant

Focus Area

• Provide grants for agencies that serve residents of Waseca County.
• Provide grants for community development projects and programs, which are responsive to the changing community needs in promoting quality education, cultural, wellness, recreational, social service, environmental and civic opportunities.

Pledges are made for one year at a time unless there are special circumstances.

The foundation in consultation with the Waseca Area Foundation Board reserves the right to shift its focus in response to the needs of the community.

All grants are made in accordance with current regulations of the Internal Revenue Code.

Basin Electric Power Cooperative's Charitable Giving Program focuses on supporting communities across its nine-state service territory. The program reviews funding requests periodically and allocates donations to various categories, including education, health services, civic betterment, and cultural initiatives. Additionally, it offers matching funds for member donations and contributes surplus office equipment to organizations in need. This commitment to community growth and sustainability reflects Basin Electric's mission to enhance the well-being of its members.

The Flexible Support Grant: Tier 3, offered by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, provides up to $15,000 for arts organizations with an annual operating budget of $200,000 or more. This funding aims to enhance access to the arts in a 9-county area of southcentral Minnesota, supporting operational needs, organizational capacity, and arts programming. Eligible projects may include staff support, facility improvements, or programming events, fostering a vibrant arts community.

The Medica Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing rural health in Minnesota by funding community-led initiatives that address health equity. With grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, it supports projects that improve healthcare access and quality, particularly in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, government agencies, and Tribal Nations, while emphasizing measurable outcomes and culturally-focused care.

The Flexible Support Grant: Tier 2, offered by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, provides up to $10,000 to arts organizations within a 9-county area in southcentral Minnesota. This grant supports operational costs, enhances organizational capacity, and funds arts programming, ensuring equitable access to diverse art forms for the community. It specifically targets organizations with annual budgets between $75,000 and $199,999, promoting sustainable arts initiatives that enrich local culture.

The Flexible Support Grant: Tier 1, provided by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, offers grants up to $5,000 to support arts organizations with an operating budget of $0 - $74,999. This funding aims to enhance Minnesotans' access to the arts through operational support, organizational capacity efforts, and diverse arts programming in the 9-county region of southcentral Minnesota.

The Farmers Market Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to support organizations enhancing services at farmers markets. Grants of up to $1,000 are available for marketing efforts, technology upgrades, and vendor education. Eligible applicants must be bona fide farmers markets with at least three vendors of locally-produced products and must operate in the designated 144-county area. Priority is given to markets that have not previously received funding.

The Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program by Compeer Financial aims to bolster rural communities by providing funding for essential emergency response equipment for volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments. With grants up to $4,000, this initiative ensures that first responders have the necessary tools to protect and serve their communities effectively. Eligibility is limited to rural departments in the 144-county territory, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.