Minnesota grants for Individuals

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Partnership Grant Program is seeking applications to provide funding of $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers, aiming to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education activities related to sustainable agriculture.

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is seeking applications from Minnesota educational cooperative service units with prior experience in statewide leadership and technical assistance to ensure a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with low incidence disabilities. This grant aims to sustain and increase the capacity of Minnesota's special education workforce, aligning with the MDE's mission to support all students, particularly those with low incidence disabilities who comprise less than 10 percent of all students receiving special education services or require intensive support in specific categorical areas. The grant opportunity estimates $875,000 per year is available, with an initial grant period from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are educational professionals who provide education to students with low incidence disabilities in Minnesota, as well as the students themselves. The impact goals include enhancing the skills of educators and other educational professionals, addressing staff shortages, and improving early identification and support for students with low incidence disabilities. This initiative seeks to build a competent workforce capable of delivering high-quality special education services across the state. The program prioritizes providing aligned, requested, and anticipated technical assistance, including purposeful and sustained collaborative opportunities. This will involve a multi-tiered support framework for technical assistance (MTS-TA) to foster skill-building for educators. A key focus is coordination and partnership with local districts, coops, and other educational agencies, as well as collaboration with institutions of higher education to address workforce development and staff shortages. The categorical areas for necessary supports are outlined in the specific program expectations for grant-funded partners. Expected outcomes include a more robust and skilled special education workforce in Minnesota, improved technical assistance for educators, and enhanced educational outcomes for students with low incidence disabilities. Measurable results will likely involve metrics related to the number of professionals trained, the types of technical assistance provided, and improvements in early identification and support practices. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all students, especially those with low incidence disabilities, receive the necessary supports to achieve a free and appropriate public education.

This program provides financial assistance to homeowners in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, for exterior home improvements that enhance curb appeal and neighborhood aesthetics.

This grant provides funding for Minnesota farmers, educational institutions, and organizations to implement and showcase innovative sustainable agriculture practices that improve energy efficiency, environmental health, and farm profitability.

The Art Project program, administered by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC), is a targeted funding mechanism that provides grants up to $5,000 to eligible organizations for meaningful arts activities. The program is specifically designed to foster artistic creation, performance, exhibition, and publication, as well as the presentation of arts events, often through collaborations with other entities or individuals. While a formal mission statement for ARAC is not detailed, the program's explicit focus on "relevant, meaningful arts activities with value to the community" clearly aligns with a foundational philanthropic goal of enriching the local culture and enhancing overall community well-being through supporting local artistic expression. The program's target beneficiaries include a specific set of organizations that are vital to the community's infrastructure: state-registered and federally recognized non-profit organizations, accredited schools, tribal governments, and units of government. Both individual artists and arts organizations are eligible to apply. Geographically, the beneficiaries must be primarily based in one of seven specific Minnesota counties—Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, or St. Louis County (outside Duluth)—or within the four Tribal Nations of Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, or Leech Lake (within Itasca County). All Duluth organizations are eligible regardless of budget size, while organizations outside Duluth must have had prior year arts operating expenses of $40,000 or more; smaller groups are directed to a complementary program. The overarching impact goal is to support the arts landscape of this defined region by ensuring resources reach established organizations and communities. The strategic focus of the grant prioritizes activities that directly involve the creation, performance, exhibition, or publication of new artistic works. Funds are flexible and can cover essential supporting infrastructure, including art supplies, administrative and volunteer costs, and advertising, marketing, and promotional materials. To ensure the funds primarily support artistic output, purchases for equipment or technology are permitted only if they are integral to the artistic project and constitute less than 25 percent of the total request. This emphasis on direct artistic output and supporting necessary operational and promotional expenses ensures the grants have a tangible impact on the regional arts community. The expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around fostering a more vibrant cultural environment by increasing access to and participation in arts activities within the designated service area. Though not explicitly quantified, the ARAC's theory of change is inferred to be that by strategically funding projects which create new artistic works, present public arts events, and support the operational needs of qualifying arts organizations, they will successfully stimulate cultural engagement. The strategic distribution of resources is managed by key funding limitations, including the maximum grant of $5,000 and an overall cap of $25,000 per organization per fiscal year across all ARAC programs, which ensures broad distribution and support for a diverse range of projects and organizations. Furthermore, the requirement that projects must begin within six months helps ensure timely implementation and community benefit from the funded activities.

This program provides training and financial support to early-stage entrepreneurs in Minnesota who are dedicated to creating socially impactful and sustainable businesses.

This program provides funding for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region to develop and share sustainable agricultural practices through research and educational projects.

This funding opportunity supports Minnesota produce farmers in enhancing their food safety practices through reimbursement for eligible expenses related to on-farm food safety systems.

This funding opportunity supports projects that celebrate cultural diversity, strengthen community connections, and empower residents in the West Bank neighborhood of Minneapolis.

This program provides financial support to individual craft, folk, and traditional artists across the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment that enhance their artistic practices.

This program provides financial support and resources to early-stage social and environmental entrepreneurs in Greater Minnesota who are developing ventures that address social issues while generating revenue.

This funding opportunity supports early-career film directors in Minnesota who are pursuing innovative and artistic filmmaking projects.

This program provides funding to support the development of affordable housing projects in suburban cities within Hennepin County, Minnesota, helping to meet the local housing needs.

This program provides funding for graduate students in the North Central Region to conduct research that promotes sustainable agriculture practices.

This funding opportunity supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations in Hubbard County, Minnesota, that provide essential community services focused on youth education, financial stability, and health, with grants ranging from $500 to $5,000.

This program provides funding and support to young civic innovators in select U.S. cities to develop creative projects that improve public spaces and engage their communities.

This grant provides funding for individual artists and culture bearers in five northern Minnesota counties to create community-engaging art projects that enhance public access to the arts.

This funding opportunity supports community initiatives in Minnesota that aim to improve awareness, early diagnosis, and culturally competent care for Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias, particularly among underserved populations such as BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those living in Greater Minnesota.

This initiative recognizes and supports individuals in Minnesota who are actively working to dismantle racism and promote racial equity through impactful community engagement and advocacy.

This program provides funding and support to develop affordable housing with services for Hennepin County's most vulnerable residents, including those experiencing homelessness, severe health issues, or complex needs.