Best Washington County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and public agencies improving health for economically disadvantaged residents in Washington County, Minnesota can access funding through the Boston Scientific Foundation. Eligible programs address prevention, awareness, diagnosis, access, or quality of care for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, mental wellness, gastrointestinal, or urologic diseases.

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 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 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 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 ZCM: Myrtle Lee for Moms’ Scholarship, offered by the Zonta Club of Minneapolis, empowers single mothers in the Twin Cities Metro Area to pursue higher education. Named in honor of past Club President Myrtle Lee, this scholarship provides up to $1500 to support women in their educational journeys, encouraging personal and professional growth. Eligible applicants must be working single mothers enrolled in accredited institutions, pursuing any field of study.

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 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 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.

The Peter J. King Family Foundation Grant supports organizations dedicated to enhancing children's health, education, and welfare, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas. Priority is given to initiatives in the Saint Paul, Minnesota area, followed by the Twin Cities metro region and Africa. Grants are evaluated based on long-term sustainability and the number of beneficiaries, with a clear emphasis on impactful contributions rather than program funding gifts.

Background

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) was created by H.R.1 (Section 71401 of Public Law 119-21) on July 4, 2025. It is a federal initiative to help states support rural communities in improving health care access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the health care delivery ecosystem. The RHTP focuses on promoting innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and workforce investment in rural communities. The federal program will grant up to $50 billion to states over five budget periods. Minnesota has outlined their initiatives online (learn more about Minnesota's Rural Health Transformation Program).

This RFP supports the planning and development of regional Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiatives. These initiatives will serve as a mechanism for regional collaboration to build effective community-based mental health services for children and adolescents across Minnesota. Based on the work of the Minnesota Adult Mental Health Initiatives, this activity brings counties and consortia of counties together to regionally coordinate mental health crisis services and support child and adolescent mental health. While Minnesota has a model of Adult Mental Health Initiatives, the needs of children and adolescents are different from those of adults, and this model should reflect these unique needs. Notably, this activity must be shaped for the needs of children and adolescents.

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 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 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.

PFund Foundation

PFund Foundation builds equity with LGBTQ+ communities across the Upper Midwest by providing grants and scholarships, developing leaders, and inspiring giving.

BIPOC LGBTQ+ Small Business Grants (Equity Fund Program)

PFund Small Business Grants (Equity Fund Program) are for BIPOC LGBTQ+ small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Upper Midwest. The program includes $5,000 in grant funding per year for two years and business membership to Quorum, the LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce, and to the PFund Small Business Cohort which includes monthly learning and networking sessions.

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 Wisdom Family Foundation Grant Program supports organizations that empower children and strengthen communities. Founded in 2007, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit focuses on providing essential resources such as food security and educational assistance. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, with larger capital grants considered on a case-by-case basis. The Foundation operates primarily in Greater Chicago, Northern Wisconsin, and the Twin Cities, promoting a spirit of generosity and collaboration within communities.

Individual artists working in any discipline and living in Washington County, Minnesota or nearby eligible counties can receive project funding to advance or sustain their artistic careers. Metropolitan Regional Arts Council’s Next Step Fund offers up to US $6,000 for projects that remove barriers, support ongoing practice, or leverage new career opportunities.

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.

Artist-organized visual arts projects with free, public components in Washington County, Minnesota can receive $10,000 for exhibitions, publications, events, performances, digital initiatives, or public art. Midway Contemporary Art’s Visual Arts Fund supports collaborative, self-initiated projects led by an organizer living in the Twin Cities seven-county metro, within specified 2026–2027 project dates.

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 WCA Foundation Grant, a part of The Minneapolis Foundation, aims to empower nonprofit organizations that directly serve women, particularly those in the Twin Cities. With a focus on civic participation, inclusion, and upward mobility, the grant supports initiatives fostering strong communities. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations responsible for their projects, while grants can be for general operations or specific projects. This initiative reflects a commitment to dismantling barriers and promoting the welfare of women.

The Minnesota Forest Legacy Grant Program aims to protect the state's forests by providing economic incentives to landowners, promoting sustainable forest management through conservation easements. This initiative, supported by federal and state funds, ensures that forests remain intact, offering vital benefits such as wildlife habitats, clean water, and recreational opportunities. It encourages landowners to maintain forested areas while retaining ownership, thus balancing development and conservation for the benefit of all Minnesotans.

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 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 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.