Best Washington County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Washington County, Minnesota residents facing short-term health or human services emergencies can access small, one-time grants through the Community Sharing Fund, referred by partner organizations. Administered by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, awards up to US $1,000 (US $1,500 for housing) help prevent crises like unemployment or homelessness for eligible individuals in Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington Counties.

The WCA Foundation Grant empowers local women in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area by funding initiatives that address the urgent needs of women, including health, economic stability, shelter, and safety. This volunteer-led organization focuses on participatory grantmaking, inviting nonprofit proposals that align with their mission to foster a world where all women thrive. Their commitment to understanding and responding to community needs makes a significant impact on women's lives.

The Twin Cities Fund: Teens and Tech Program Grant, offered by the Best Buy Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in Minnesota's Twin Cities area. This initiative encourages teens to learn and collaborate with cutting-edge technologies, including robotics, digital photography, and game development. By providing access to these resources, the grant helps young people develop essential skills for their future careers and empowers them to contribute positively to their communities.

The March Family Foundation provides grants to organizations that support children and youth, enhance theological education, and promote justice. They focus on measurable outcomes and effective action plans. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities and faith-based groups, primarily in the Twin Cities metro area. The foundation aims to address issues like poverty, abuse, and spiritual development, with a commitment to human rights, including food and shelter access.

The Securian Foundation focuses on enhancing community well-being through financial stability, youth education, and vibrant communities. They aim to empower families by supporting initiatives that ensure equitable access to basic needs, promote financial literacy, and encourage community engagement in arts and culture. The foundation prioritizes funding for food security, housing, workforce development, educational programs, and civic opportunities, while maintaining a commitment to serving underrepresented populations.

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.

Public and charter schools in Washington County, Minnesota serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students can apply for Project Lead The Way’s US $40,000 PLTW Engineering New Program grant to launch and expand PLTW Engineering courses. Funding covers participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs over two years.

Washington County, Minnesota arts and culture nonprofits and groups can access funding through Metropolitan Regional Arts Council to expand Minnesotans’ access to the arts. Grants up to US $25,000 can support operations, organizational capacity, facility improvements, equipment purchases, and single or series arts programming activities in eligible Twin Cities metro counties, including Washington County.

Public and charter schools starting new PLTW computer science programs in Washington County, Minnesota can access funding via Project Lead The Way to launch and expand courses. With a mission to grow STEM education, Project Lead The Way provides US $20,000 over two years for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs.

Grants for 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting financial literacy, entrepreneurship, STEM/STEAM, veterans, women, parents, and diverse communities in Washington County, Minnesota and nationally can receive $25k general operating support. The Deluxe Corporation Foundation’s ERG Grant Program channels employee resource group priorities into partnerships with nonprofits addressing youth achievement, human dignity, disaster recovery, and inclusion-focused services.

Public and charter schools expanding PLTW computer science programs in Washington County, Minnesota can apply for US $10,000 from Project Lead The Way to add courses, sections, or teacher training. With a mission to expand STEM access, Project Lead The Way provides funding for participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs.

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 Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

Focused on STEM and teacher training, eligible public and charter schools in Washington County, Minnesota can use this Project Lead The Way grant to expand existing PLTW Launch programs. Funding supports participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs for the 2027–2028 academic year; awards are US $5,000.

The Schulze Early Learning Scholarship Program, presented by the Catholic Schools Center of Excellence and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, aims to assist middle-income families in accessing quality preschool education. Scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,000 will be awarded directly to eligible Catholic preschools to cover tuition costs. This initiative underscores the importance of academic and spiritual development in Catholic education. Note that all funds are currently committed, and the application portal is closed.

The Backyard Giving Grants, offered by CHS Foundation, support local organizations in Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties with funding up to $5,000. These grants aim to host community events, provide agricultural education, and ensure access to healthy food and housing. Eligible applicants include 501c3 organizations that prioritize community building and education. Notably, the program does not fund sports teams or religious groups, ensuring a focus on essential community needs and equitable support.

The Community Solutions Grant Program, administered by the F. R. Bigelow Foundation, offers financial support to enhance the quality of life for East Metro residents through various initiatives in Arts & Culture, Economic Development, Health, Human Services, and Education. Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000, available for one to two years. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, enabling organizations to respond to immediate community needs.

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.

The Agriculture Education Grant, funded by Compeer Financial, aims to enhance high school agriculture programs by providing up to $4,000 for classroom equipment and educational initiatives. This grant promotes hands-on learning and modern technologies, ensuring students are well-equipped to explore the evolving agricultural landscape. Eligible applicants include high school agriculture departments within a specified 144-county territory, with a focus on schools that have not received funding in the past two years.

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.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

About Us

The Vadnais Heights Area Community Foundation (VHACF) is a broad-based foundation in the community, supporting as many non-profits as we can, while being responsive to the changing needs of the community, including Mounds View and White Bear Lake Area School Districts.

Our priorities are education, arts and culture, and health and human services.

The Foundation was originally created as part of a housing bond issued by the City of Vadnais Heights in 1979.

The Mission of VHACF is to strengthen our community through private giving. Our purpose is to enhance and improve the quality of life in our area community through developing financial resources to promote in perpetuity the cultural, educational, environmental and economic assets of our area.

Grant Application

The area of grant eligibility encompasses both Mounds View #621 and White Bear Lake #624 School Districts, which serve Vadnais Heights and surrounding communities. Our focus is to support education, families in need, health and welfare, and community spirit.

The Western WI Automotive Trades Scholarship, offered by the St. Croix Valley Foundation, supports students pursuing a degree in frontline auto repair. It prioritizes applicants who intend to work in the St. Croix Valley region. This scholarship reflects the Foundation's commitment to fostering local talent and enhancing community development through education. With a history of impactful giving, the Foundation aims to nurture future leaders in the automotive industry, ensuring that skilled professionals are available to meet local needs.