Best Washington County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Better Health Together (BHT) is committed to enhancing community wellness through sponsorships. By collaborating with over 100 organizations in eastern Washington, BHT addresses critical health issues and supports events that elevate community voices. Organizations seeking funding should submit applications at least 6–8 weeks prior to their event to ensure timely review. BHT values partnerships that align with its mission and aims to invest in innovative solutions for community health challenges.

The Comis Foundation Grant aims to provide equitable opportunities for children to thrive through education and community engagement. It supports innovative programs that enhance educational outcomes, focusing on areas such as capacity building and pilot projects. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $75,000, the foundation prioritizes nonprofit organizations that foster inclusive environments. By emphasizing trust and collaboration, Comis Foundation strives to create lasting impacts in the communities it serves.

The Mardag Foundation's Community Emergency Grant Program provides one-time funding to Food Access and Housing organizations in East Metro and Greater Minnesota. Grants help address urgent needs like natural disasters and unexpected repairs. Prioritizing organizations serving low-income populations, the program aims to fill financial gaps and supports equitable outcomes for marginalized communities. Preference is given to first-time applicants and those demonstrating commitment to the geography served. This initiative reflects the Foundation's dedication to community welfare and resilience.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers Strategic Projects: Equipment & Technology Grants to nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building projects and essential equipment, requiring recipients to cover at least 50% of costs. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and tribal entities. Priority is given to projects enhancing community services, education, and environmental stewardship, supporting initiatives that foster human flourishing and demonstrate diversified funding.

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, are designed to support organizations in enhancing their capabilities. These grants provide flexible funding for professional development, strategic planning, and implementation efforts to strengthen nonprofits. With a maximum grant size of $10,000, the program aims to empower nonprofits to meet community needs effectively while ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience in the St. Croix Valley region.

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants: Planning Grant, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, provides essential funding for nonprofit organizations in the St. Croix Valley region. Aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of established nonprofits, the program supports strategic assessments and planning efforts to ensure sustainability and growth. Eligible organizations must have a minimum of five years of operation, be located within the service area, and be recognized as 501(c)(3) entities. Grants can be up to $25,000.

The Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants from the St. Croix Valley Foundation aim to enhance the infrastructure of nonprofits serving the St. Croix River area. This initiative supports organizations with flexible funding to strengthen their operations, allowing them to grow, adapt, and sustain their impact. Grants of up to $250,000 are available for various capacity-building activities, including shared tools and collaborations that benefit the entire sector, ultimately fostering a resilient community.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

The Fred C. & Katherine B. Andersen Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the St. Croix Valley of Minnesota and Wisconsin. It supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with priorities in healthcare, education, housing, human services, civic initiatives, and environmental education. While capital requests may be considered, the foundation primarily funds operational and programmatic needs. Organizations outside the geographic area may be considered if they align with the foundation's funding priorities.

The Intercultural Harmony Initiative Grant, provided by the Laura Jane Musser Fund, supports collaborative projects that foster understanding and cooperation among diverse cultural groups. With funding up to $25,000 for implementation and $5,000 for planning, the initiative prioritizes projects that engage various community members, enhance intercultural communication, and demonstrate tangible benefits. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and local governments in select states, with a focus on grassroots participation and addressing community needs.

The St. Croix Valley Foundation offers Music Education Grants to enhance music programs in K-12 schools across the St. Croix Valley. Established by a donor passionate about music education, this grant supports engaging projects that impact students and communities. Eligible applicants include public and private schools, with grants ranging from $500 to $5,000. Funding may cover materials, guest artists, and outreach, but not expenses like scholarships or salaries. Preference is given to hands-on music activities.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Launch - New Program initiative, sponsored by Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to eligible schools within specific U.S. counties. Schools must implement PLTW modules over two academic years, ensuring access to real-world learning experiences for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. This program emphasizes the importance of empowering educators and fostering student engagement in STEM fields to prepare them for future careers.

The PLTW Launch - Program Expansion initiative by Burns & McDonnell aims to enhance access to STEM education in U.S. schools. This program focuses on empowering students by providing real-world learning experiences and essential skills. Grants will support schools in expanding PLTW programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, benefiting students from underserved communities. By fostering a deeper understanding of STEM, the initiative seeks to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem solvers.

The Minneapolis Foundation is launching the 2026 Project Investments Grant Round through the WCA Foundation, which supports nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities metro area. The grant prioritizes initiatives led by and for women, addressing critical needs such as health, economic stability, shelter, and safety. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving local women, emphasizing holistic approaches and demonstrable impact. This funding opportunity fosters community-driven solutions for women's empowerment and well-being.

The First Thousand Days Grant Program focuses on supporting early childhood development during the critical first three years of life. Established by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, this program funds organizations that enhance children's physical, cognitive, communicative, socioemotional, and adaptive skills. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities within the six-county SCVF service area. Funding ranges from $500 to $25,000 for program and general operating support to foster children's success in school and life.

The Valley Arts Grants empower creativity and foster community connections through high-quality arts experiences in the St. Croix Valley. Funded by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, this program supports a range of activities from performances to workshops, enhancing access to the arts. Organizations can receive funding for program support or general operating expenses, with award amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000. This initiative underscores the belief that the arts are vital for a vibrant and inclusive community.

The Community IDEAS Grant Program, managed by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, aims to foster community-led change in Minnesota. With a total of nine grants of $125,000 each available in 2026, this program targets diverse communities, including Greater Minnesota, the Twin Cities Metro Area, and Native-led organizations. Eligible organizations must be nonprofit entities based in Minnesota, committed to using funds for charitable purposes that benefit their communities.

The Archie D & Bertha H Walker Foundation supports nonprofits addressing systemic racism and promoting arts. Established in 1953, the foundation aims to enhance community welfare by funding organizations that dismantle barriers to equity and foster artistic expression. Eligible applicants must hold 501(c)(3) status and operate within specified counties in the Minnesota Twin Cities area. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, focusing instead on impactful community engagement.

Arts & Culture Grant Program

Our Arts & Culture Grant Program will consider proposals that strengthen the arts and culture sector to serve all individuals and communities across the East Metro and Greater Minnesota.

The Foundation believes that all peoples, their cultures, and their art contribute to the meaning and understanding of our humanity and should be honored and celebrated.

Priority will be given to arts and culture organizations that seek to amplify narratives that address challenges facing communities experiencing marginalization (e.g., BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, low-income communities, LGBTQIA+ communities, formerly incarcerated communities and more) through the arts. Additional focus will be on organizations that play integral roles in the health, wellness and vitality of their communities.

Grant Details

Grant amounts will be $100,000 per year for a five-year grant period, for total grant amounts of $500,000 per grantee

In 2026, up to $1,000,000 is available for this grant program, and we anticipate awarding approximately 10 grants

About Mardag Foundation

Mardag Foundation is a family foundation that for more than 50 years has focused on ways to engage with and invest in communities across Minnesota through nonprofit grants. The Foundation has evolved its grantmaking as community needs have changed, while staying true to our founder’s commitment to caring for those most in need.

Our Mission

Mardag Foundation honors Agnes Ober’s legacy of giving back to those most in need by investing in nonprofit organizations and building strategic partnerships with philanthropy in the East Metro and Greater Minnesota.

Food Access Grant Program

Mardag Foundation’s Food Access Grant Program supports organizations and programs that ensure access to food and address inequities in the food system.

Through five-year grants of $100,000 per year, we aim to fund systems change and/or direct service work to eliminate barriers and increase access to food for low-income immigrant/refugee or Native American/Indigenous children, youth and families in the East Metro and Greater Minnesota.

Grants will be offered for general operating or program/project support.

Funding Priorities

Our Food Access Grant Program will consider proposals that address systems change and/or direct service work to eliminate barriers and increase access to culturally relevant, healthy, affordable food for low-income immigrant/refugee or Native American/Indigenous children, youth and families in the East Metro and Greater Minnesota.

Our Food Access Grant Program will consider proposals that address one or more of the following:

• Extent to which the work empowers immigrant/refugee or Native American/Indigenous communities in reclaiming ownership and control of the food system ‒ the right to grow, sell, access and eat food that is fresh, nutritious, affordable, culturally appropriate and grown with integrity for the well-being of the people, land and animals
• Extent to which the work strives to provide culturally relevant food options in areas with lower access

Geography

Mardag Foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations and public entities located within and serving residents of Minnesota. Our geographic focus is the East Metro (Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties), as well as Greater Minnesota.

The Vibrant Communities Mental Health Grant Program, initiated by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, aims to enhance mental health support across its six-county service area. With over 50% of adults facing mental health issues, the program funds diverse initiatives ranging from prevention to management. Eligible organizations can receive grants between $500 and $10,000 to implement impactful programs that address mental health challenges and improve community well-being.

The Paul Lauzier Charitable Grant Program supports community development and youth programs in rural central and eastern Washington, particularly Grant County. Grants are available for nonprofit organizations, schools, and governmental agencies for program support, equipment, and capital projects. Preference is given to projects that enhance public health, education, and agriculture. However, operating costs and certain non-exempt activities are not funded, ensuring that contributions directly benefit the community.