Best Washington County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

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 elementary schools starting new PLTW Launch STEM programs in Washington County, Minnesota can seek up to US $20,000 in support from Project Lead The Way. Funding can cover PLTW participation fees, required devices, program equipment and supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs, with two years of program implementation and reporting required.

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.

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 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 Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven-county Twin Cities area. The Met Council operates the regional bus and rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans and helps fund regional parks, and administers federal funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The 17-member Council board is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor. 

Livable Communities Small Area Planning Grants

Livable Communities small area planning grants support cities in establishing conditions for dense, connected, and equitable development in alignment with Imagine 2050 goals.

Livable Communities - Policy & Affordable Housing Program Development Grants

he Council awards grants to cities, counties and their development authorities through the Livability Communities program. These grants, funded by property taxes and the Council's general fund, help clean up polluted sites for redevelopment, expand affordable housing opportunities and build pedestrian-friendly and transit-oriented developments.

The program is a voluntary, incentive-based approach to help communities grow and redevelop, and to address the region’s affordable and lifecycle housing needs. The program was established in 1995 by the state Livable Communities Act (LCA).

Up to $639,000 is available to policy and affordable housing program development projects in 2026.

Livable Communities - Development Projects Grants

Livable Communities development grants primarily support projects that plan to build new, rehabilitate, or preserve affordable housing (rental and ownership) and community-driven commercial spaces. Development grants support projects at all stages of development including:

• Pre-development
• Acquisition
• Environmental site investigation and cleanup
• Site preparation
• Construction or rehabilitation.

$26.9 million is available for development projects in 2026. Funding will be designated to the following outcomes:

• Early Stage Development: Environmental Site Investigation $500,000
• Early Stage Development: Pre-Development $1,500,000
• Construction Stage Development: Environmental Cleanup $5,500,000
• Construction Stage Development: Homeownership $3,500,000
• Construction Stage Development: Rental, Mixed-Use, Commercial $12,400,000
• Construction Stage Development: Multi-Family Rental Housing funded through the Minnesota Housing Consolidated Request for Proposals $3,500,000

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, offers competitive grants ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 for projects that restore, protect, or enhance vital habitats like prairies and wetlands. Applicants must provide a 10% match of non-state funds and the total project cost cannot exceed $1,000,000. Focused on habitat benefits, the program emphasizes conservation easements and public ownership for funded projects.

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 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 Westinghouse Charitable Giving Program aims to strengthen community ties by providing financial support in key areas such as education focused on STEM, environmental sustainability, and community safety. This program welcomes applications from eligible organizations that meet specific grant criteria, including being tax-exempt and located within 50 miles of a Westinghouse site. The initiative underscores Westinghouse's commitment to advancing education, promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing community well-being.

The Allianz Life Insurance Company's Financial Stability Grant aims to reduce barriers to economic inclusion by supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance financial stability for low- to moderate-income families. With grants ranging from $50,000 to $75,000, this program prioritizes groups that serve diverse communities, promote equity, and collaborate with local organizations. By focusing on basic needs such as food, shelter, and affordable housing, Allianz is committed to fostering sustainable economic independence within the Twin Cities metro area.

The Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America offers the Financial Sustainability Grant to support nonprofit organizations that promote economic inclusion and financial stability. Grants range from $50,000 to $75,000 for one-year commitments, focusing on workforce success through education, job training, and entrepreneurial support. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3) and primarily serve low- to moderate-income families in the Twin Cities metro area.

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 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 Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation's Community Solutions Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life in the East Metro by supporting organizations and initiatives that are shaped by and benefit local residents. Through general operating, project, and capital support, the program prioritizes funding for community and economic development, health and human services, and youth and education initiatives, fostering sustainable growth in Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington counties.

The Delta Project Learning Garden Grant Program, supported by the Captain Planet Foundation, enhances STEAM education through outdoor learning experiences in school gardens. It offers resources such as raised garden beds, a mobile cooking cart, and online lessons to foster student engagement with nature and healthy eating. This initiative not only enriches the educational landscape but also promotes community involvement, as Delta employees volunteer for garden installation and maintenance, ensuring a sustainable and impactful learning environment.

The Roger D. Gordon Endowed Evans Professional and Graduate Degree Award, established in 1930, supports University of Minnesota Evans Scholars pursuing graduate studies. Funded by the Western Golf Association and golfer Chick Evans Jr., this award offers full tuition and housing to deserving caddies demonstrating financial need. Eligible recipients include Evans Scholars alumni and current graduate students in good standing at UMN-Twin Cities. This grant is crucial for empowering future leaders in their academic journeys.

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 Hardenbergh Foundation, established in 1950, supports charitable organizations in the East Metro, Ramsey, and Washington Counties, and the St. Croix River Valley. The Foundation offers approximately 100 grants annually, primarily for general operating support, ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. Additionally, it awards capital grants between $50,000 and $250,000 to eligible applicants, emphasizing the importance of IRS 501(c)(3) status and financial documentation in the application process.

The AGRI Urban Agriculture Grant Program, managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, promotes urban youth agricultural education and community development in urban areas. With a total funding of $1.87 million available this fiscal year, grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 can help organizations obtain necessary resources. Eligible projects must support urban agriculture initiatives and can be located in cities with populations over 5,000 or on tribal lands, fostering resilience in local agricultural economies.

The North Star Black Cooperative Fellowship aims to empower Black-led cooperatives by reconnecting them with their historical roots in cooperative economics. This seven-month program encourages participants to reclaim the legacy of Black economic cooperation, offering training in governance, conflict resolution, and cooperative skills. With a focus on community building and collective care, the fellowship includes stipends and support for creating cooperative economic projects, fostering a vision of self-governance and shared prosperity among Black communities.

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 F. R. Bigelow Foundation

F. R. Bigelow Foundation funds programs and helps shape initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods and downtown Saint Paul, while enhancing the quality of life in the East Metro area.

Since its founding in 1946, F. R. Bigelow Foundation remains committed to its founding principle of making the Saint Paul community a better place to live, learn and grow. From 1946 through today, the Foundation has invested deeply into neighborhoods across the East Metro, with an emphasis on Saint Paul.

Systems Change Grant Program 

Our Systems Change Grant Program supports efforts to help systems adapt, transform and/or be disrupted to achieve more equitable results.

F. R. Bigelow Foundation believes that our community should not only benefit from our work, but inform and form it as well. Creating solutions to today’s issues requires a collaborative approach. Our work is also rooted in a commitment to racial equity.

The goal of our Systems Change Grant Program is to support efforts to help systems adapt, transform and/or be disrupted to achieve more equitable results.

To do this, we support organizations, programs or initiatives in or serving the East Metro working to address root causes of issues impacting the East Metro.

General operating support will be awarded to organizations, programs or initiatives in or serving the East Metro working to address root causes of any issue impacting the East Metro (including, but not limited to, the five funding priorities of our Community Solutions Grant Program). 

In 2026, up to $1,200,000 is available for this grant program, and we anticipate awarding approximately two to three grants.

The Foundation’s Systems Change Grant Program seeks to address root causes of any issue impacting the East Metro, including, but not limited to, the five funding priorities of our Community Solutions Grant Program:

• Arts & Culture
• Community & Economic Development
• Health
• Human Services
• Youth & Education