Minnesota Arts Grants

This program provides funding to newly established farmer cooperatives in Minnesota to support the processing and marketing of locally grown agricultural products.

This grant provides financial support to artists in specific Minnesota counties to help them advance their careers through various artistic projects and professional development opportunities.

The Cultural STAR Capital Project program provides grants to acquire or upgrade physical assets such as buildings and equipment. Such activities must have the potential for significant or long-term impact and the expenditures must be depreciable. Donor Name: City of Saint Paul State: Minnesota City: Saint Paul Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The purpose of the Cultural STAR fund is to promote cultural vitality and economic growth, particularly in the downtown Cultural District, by strengthening the arts and culture community. Cultural STAR dollars are intended to: Build and diversify audiences; Promote a broad range of cultural offerings; Produce a long-term impact; and Leverage additional financial support. The Cultural STAR Program will achieve the purpose by making grants and loans for projects and programs that: Attract audiences; Develop and improve cultural facilities; and Build capacity of artists and cultural organizations. Geographic Focus – Cultural District At least 80% of Cultural STAR funds will be awarded to nonprofit organizations that are located within the targeted area known as the Cultural District of downtown Saint Paul. The remaining 20% of funds may be allocated to: For-profit businesses located in the Cultural District for projects that enhance visitor enjoyment of the Cultural District; or Nonprofit organizations located in Saint Paul but outside of the Cultural District. The Cultural District is defined as the geographic area bordered by Interstate 94 to the north, the Lafayette Bridge to the east, Harriet and Raspberry Islands to the south, and Chestnut Road to the west. Located in the Cultural District includes: An organization that is registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State with an address that falls within the Cultural District; or An organization which owns property in the Cultural District for purposes directly related to its Cultural STAR project; or An organization has secured a lease or rental agreement within the Cultural District for the purposes directly related to its Cultural STAR project; or An organization has secured a permit or contract for the use of Public Venues in the Cultural District for the purpose directly related to its Cultural STAR Project. Located in Saint Paul includes: An organization that is registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State with an address that falls within Saint Paul; or An organization that owns property in Saint Paul for purposes directly related to its Cultural STAR project; or An organization that has secured a lease or rental agreement within Saint Paul for the purposes directly related to its Cultural STAR project; or An organization has secured a permit or contract for the use of Public Venues in Saint Paul for the purpose directly related to its Cultural STAR Project. Loans and grants are available for capital projects; grants alone are available for organizational development and special projects. Funding Information Estimated Available Funding in 2024: In Cultural District: $796,366 Outside Cultural District, and For-profit businesses with projects in the Cultural District: $199,091 The minimum grant request is $5,000. Project Period Earliest Project Start Date: August 1, 2024  Latest Project End Date: July 31, 2026 Eligibility Criteria Eligible applicants may apply for only one of the following Cultural STAR funding types during each funding round: Special Projects Grant; Organizational Development Grant; or Capital Project Grant. Grants can be received only once per calendar year. Saint Paul-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations located outside of the Cultural District may apply twice per round and may receive funding up to two times per calendar year – once for projects taking place outside of the Cultural District and once for projects taking place in the Cultural District. Applicant groups must be one of the following: Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations that are located within the City of Saint Paul Any public, private or nonprofit entities that are located within the City of Saint Paul City departments or divisions are eligible when applying in partnership with an eligible organization The following are not eligible to apply Churches or religious organizations Political parties and related political action groups Federal, state, and county agencies and departments Organizations that received funding in the first funding round of the calendar year. For more information, visit City of Saint Paul.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is offering a $10 million grant to tribal nations and local governmental units in Minnesota for projects aimed at preparing local wastewater infrastructure for climate change impacts, with a focus on protecting water quality, increasing resilience, and promoting energy and water efficiency.

This grant provides financial assistance to local governments and authorities in Minnesota for investigating and cleaning up contaminated sites to promote redevelopment and increase property tax revenue.

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.

Minnesota Housing, in partnership with Greater Minnesota Housing Fund (GMHF) announces the availability of funds through the Single Family RFP. Donor Name: Minnesota Housing State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/11/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Community Homeownership Impact Fund (Impact Fund) Program provides multiple sources of competitive funding to increase the supply of affordable, owner-occupied, single family housing, while maintaining the safety and habitability of existing owner-occupied, single family homes in communities throughout Minnesota. The Single Family RFP is funded by a variety of state resources provided by the Minnesota Legislature and Minnesota Housing’s own resources. The amount of available funding is dependent, in part, upon state appropriations approved by the Minnesota legislature, as well as demand for other uses of Minnesota Housing resources. Types of Funding  Applicants can apply for a variety of funding types, and in combinations suited to the applicant’s project. Awarded applicants may receive the following types of funding: Grants  Grants are awarded to selected applicants on a competitive basis to fund value gap, affordability gap/down payment assistance grants or forgivable loans, owner-occupied rehabilitation, the Tribal Indian Housing Program, interest-rate write downs, and other eligible activities for which Minnesota Housing may not recapture loans without increasing housing costs beyond affordability to the eligible homebuyer. Grants are subject to policies and requirements set by the Minnesota Department of Administration’s Office of Grants Management. Housing Infrastructure Bond (HIB) Proceeds Deferred Loans  HIB proceeds are awarded to selected applicants in the form of 3-year, 0% interest, deferred, forgivable loans to finance value gap or owner-occupied rehabilitation. HIB proceeds may also be used by community land trusts (CLTs) for land acquisition, demolition and utility connections. HIB proceeds loans will be forgiven if the awarded applicant satisfies all contract conditions. Interim Loans  Interim loans are awarded to selected applicants in the form of 42-month, interest bearing, deferred, repayable loans to finance the acquisition, demolition, rehabilitation or construction of owner-occupied homes. Interim loans must be repaid and include monthly interest payments, quarterly financial reporting, and a demonstration of the ability to meet net asset and current ratios according to contract conditions. Interest rates will be set at a future time and are anticipated to be between 4.5% and 8.5% subject to the market. Interim loans may be secured or unsecured and may not be transferred to eligible homebuyers. Deferred Loans  Deferred loans are awarded to selected applicants to originate and close affordability gap/downpayment assistance loans to homebuyers or owner-occupied rehabilitation loans to homeowners. Loans to homebuyers and homeowners are structured as 30-year, 0% interest, deferred, repayable loans. Deferred loans are originated and closed by the awarded applicant then assigned to Minnesota Housing. Funding Information GMHF provides funding for affordability gap in the form of deferred, subordinate loans at 0% interest. The maximum loan amount per homebuyer is $15,000. GMHF will give preference to applications that apply a racial and economic equity lens to promote economic inclusion in the benefits of homeownership among households of color, immigrant households, and households with disabled members, and that seek to leverage cross-sector health and housing partnerships to improve community and individual health through investments in affordable housing. Grant Period Funded awards will have 3-year contract terms, with the exception of Interim Loans which will have 42-month contract terms. Awarded applicants are expected to complete funded projects within three years, not to exceed five years. Eligible Activities The Impact Fund may be used for the following activities related to single family, owner-occupied housing, including manufactured homes. See each item below for relevant details. Acquisition, Rehabilitation, Resale New Construction Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Stand-Alone Affordability Gap Tribal Indian Housing Program All funded projects must result in homes that are: Owner-occupied; Residential in nature; No more than four units with at least one unit occupied by the owner of the structure; Occupied by eligible homebuyers or homeowners (see income limits section); and Affordable to the local workforce. Eligibility Criteria  Impact Fund grants or loans may be awarded to a: City Federally recognized American Indian Tribe or subdivision located in Minnesota Tribal housing corporation Private developer Nonprofit organization School district, cooperative unit as defined in Minnesota Statute 123A.24 subdivision 2, or charter school. For more information, visit Minnesota Housing.

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Research and Education (R&E) Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity offering $100,000 to $500,000 for up to 3 years to researchers, educators, and organizations exploring sustainable agriculture, with the aim of improving economic viability, environmental quality, and quality of life in the North Central Region's agricultural sector.

The 2024-25 Giving Project Grant specifically seeks to support organizations whose work advances gender justice in Minnesota. Donor Name: Headwaters Foundation for Justice State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Giving Project is dedicated to funding Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led, grassroots, community-based organizations across Minnesota that use community organizing as a core strategy to advance equity and justice. Areas of interest for the 2024-25 Giving Project Grant include but are not limited to: reproductive justice; bodily autonomy; queer and trans justice; gender equity; healthcare equity and access; anti-gender-based violence; and leadership development for gender-oppressed folks of color. Funding Information The organizations selected for the 2024-25 Giving Project Grant will receive unrestricted, general operating grants of $40,000 paid out over two years, $20,000 per year. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, an organization must: Be a legally incorporated entity with 501(c)(3), or, 501(c)(4) status, or have a fiscal sponsor, or be a tribal nation/tribal entity. Be based in and carry out their work in Minnesota. In addition, eligible organizations may: Be a current or past Headwaters’ grantee partner. Be new to Headwaters. Be either an emerging or established organization. For more information, visit Headwaters Foundation for Justice.

This grant provides funding for organizations in Minnesota and Wisconsin to implement impactful water quality improvement projects and promote environmental stewardship within their communities.

The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota Fund for Safety resources innovation to end gender-based violence, a continuum that includes sex trafficking, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. Donor Name: Women’s Foundation of Minnesota State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/20/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Fund for Safety continues and expands investment in women’s safety as it works with communities to end gender-based violence. In partnership with community leaders, the Women’s Foundation follows an ethos of listening and responding to community concerns to drive strategic, cross-sector plans and create collective impact. The focus on Safety prioritizes ending all forms of violence that affect women, girls, and gender-expansive people including sexual violence, physical violence, state and structural violence, and exploitation and abuse experienced by elders and people with disabilities. The Fund responds to community concerns and drives strategic cross-sector plans for collective impact as they eliminate barriers that create health, economic, gender, and racial inequities. WFM is committed to investing in organizations working with Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander communities, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, Greater and rural MN communities, and immigrant and refugee populations. The Fund for Safety has three priorities with anticipated outcomes listed below. As a result of listening to communities and grantee-partners, WFM invests in healing from trauma and cultivating community-centered solutions for survivors of gender-based violence, which includes sex trafficking, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse of elders and people with disabilities, as well as state and structural violence. Goals Strengthen systems and infrastructure to sustain the movement to end genderbased violence, which includes sex trafficking, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse of elders and people with disabilities, as well as state and structural violence. Build and sustain the movement for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls; missing and murdered Black women and girls; and preventing violence against Latina women to address systemic inequities and reform policies that perpetuate gender-based, state-sanctioned violence. Prevent cycles of gender-based violence with young women, men, and gender-expansive people to address misogyny, misogynoir, and toxic masculinity through education to promote healthy gender norms and relationships. Grant Amount Grant is a one-year investment of $20,000 in general operating support. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit tax-exempt organizations and schools that are based in Minnesota and operate programs in Minnesota. Unincorporated organizations with a tax-exempt fiscal sponsor. American Indian Nations. Funding Criteria Programs located in Minnesota Programs are specific to benefit Minnesota women, girls, and gender-expansive people and/or organizations serving at least 50 to 75 percent of women, girls, and gender-expansive people. The definition of a woman is anyone who identifies as a woman. The program is inclusive of transgender, gender nonconforming, gender nonbinary, and all gender-expansive people who experience gender-based structural harm. Organizations demonstrate the ability to work in partnership with other organizations Programs are driving innovative solutions that advance gender and racial equity and justice by increasing access to safety. For more information, visit WFMN.

This funding opportunity supports Minnesota-based organizations and individuals conducting applied crop research to improve agricultural practices and outcomes for local farmers and rural communities.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Good Relatives Collaborative Grant Program. Donor Name: Good Relatives Collaborative State: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grant Amounts/Stages Exploring. This grant is for Native-led and Native-serving groups, collaboratives, or organizations who are not necessarily organized as a non-profit yet but are considering it and/or are doing the work in the community already. This is for new organizations that do not have much experience writing or managing grants yet and have an annual operating budget from $0-$25,000. The exploring grant is for those who may not already have a fiscal agent and may not have started the formal process to become a 501(c)3. The amount you can request is up to $20,000. Emerging. This grant is for new or currently-applying Native-led and Native-serving 501(c)3 organizations. This is for small organizations with annual operating budgets between $25,000-$75,000 and who may already work with a fiscal agent. This grant is for those who may already have and manage a small number of grants but need more experience with the grant process. The amount you can request is up to $40,000. Growing. This grant is for emerging Native-led and Native-serving 501(c)3 organizations with a track record of receiving grants and an annual budget of $75,000-$200,000. This is for organizations that have experience writing and managing smaller grants but have limited experience with larger grants. This is for organizations that may need guidance and assistance in managing and reporting and/or other phases but can also provide guidance for younger organizations in writing or accessing grants. The amount you can request is up to $50,000. Maturing. This grant is for mature Native-led and Native-serving 501(c)3 organizations with annual operating budgets from $200,000-$500,000. This is for experienced 501(c)3 organizations with track records of managing foundation, state, and federal grants. This is for those who have experience accessing, writing, and managing smaller grants and can provide guidance for younger organizations in all phases and aspects of grant writing, reporting, and management. The amount you can request is up to $60,000. Grant Eligibility The following are eligible for grant funding: Native-led, Native-serving organizations with operating budgets under $500,000. Organizations, community collaborators, and nonprofits with a 501(C)(3) public charity or a fiscal sponsor. Organizations must be serving Native communities in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota or one of the 23 Native nations that share the same geography GRC’s definition of a Native-led organization is that at least 60% of its board members are Native, and its senior leadership/ED is Native. If you are not a nonprofit organization yet, you will need to both identify a fiscal sponsor and procure a fiscal sponsor agreement. Please reach out to the Good Relatives Collaborative for fiscal sponsorship assistance as needed. The following are ineligible for grant funding: Organizations with operating budgets over $500,000 Individuals Pow-wows Tribal enterprises Requests for projects that support beneficiaries outside of our three-State region Religious programs for the purpose of religious education or proselytizing Sporting teams and events Servicing or paying off previously incurred debt or expenses Bringing programs and/or buildings in government compliance. For more information, visit Good Relatives Collaborative.

Arts Midwest is offering Cultural Sustainability: Equity-Based Operating Grants of up to $67,000 to small arts and culture organizations rooted in communities of color, providing general operating support for those with annual expenses up to $500,000 in selected states.

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to legally established public libraries and library cooperatives or consortia, libraries located in Minnesota’s public schools or public colleges and universities, and special libraries operated by a Minnesota registered 501 (c)(3) organizations for the purpose of helping to achieve Minnesota’s LSTA Five-Year Plan (2023-2027), Goals A, B, and C, in order to reduce barriers to access, promote equity, showcase libraries contributions to community, and empower Minnesota’s library workforce. Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Education State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:07/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: While LSTA funds are primarily intended to support new projects that can serve as models or pilots, applications for new phases of a project that is underway may be submitted. Libraries may also apply for funding of an ongoing project if it reaches new audiences, incorporates new methods or significantly expands the reach of the project. Goal C also addresses the state’s need to close racial and economic achievement gaps for all Minnesotans and supports the goals of the World’s Best Workforce. For the 2024 LSTA competitive grant opportunity, applicants will select one of the following LSTA sub-goals. Goal A: Building Coalitions to Increase Collective Impact Goal B: Partnering for Reimagined Access Goal C: Changing the Narrative to Showcase Libraries’ Contributions to Thriving Communities Funding Information This grant opportunity estimates that $400,000 is available. The minimum grant award is $10,000 and the maximum grant award may not exceed $75,000. Project Period The term of the grant period is anticipated to be from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants are limited to legally established public libraries and library cooperatives, libraries located in Minnesota’s public schools or public colleges and universities, and special libraries operated by Minnesota registered 501(c)(3) organizations. A Minnesota registered 501(c)(3) organization may serve as a fiscal agent for a public library. Applicants may submit more than one competitive application, although only one LSTA grant per applicant/beneficiary will be awarded. Partnerships and collaboration with community-based organizations are an LSTA program priority and encouraged but not required for this grant opportunity. If your project includes partners, you must submit a completed Project Partnership Agreement form for each partner identified in your application. For more information, visit MDE.

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is seeking applications from Minnesota educational cooperative service units that have prior experience in the provision of statewide leadership and other forms of technical assistance to ensure a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with low incidence disabilities. Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Education State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The grant-funded partner selected for an award will provide supports to continue to sustain and increase the capacity of the special education workforce in Minnesota. The partner selected will provide aligned, requested and anticipated technical assistance, including purposeful and sustained collaborative opportunities to educational professionals who provide education to all students, with a specific focus on students with low incidence disabilities. The work will include a multi-tiered support framework for technical assistance (MTS-TA) to support skill building for educators and other educational professionals, including coordination and partnership with their local districts, coops and other educational agencies that provide special education services. This includes important disability-specific technical assistance and best practices for early identification and support, in collaboration and alignment with institutions of higher education focusing on development of a competent workforce and addressing staff shortages. Students with low incidence disabilities have been those students which comprise less than 10 percent of all students receiving special education services, or students within those historical categories where the needs for some of those students might require a layer of more intensive supports. The categorical areas in which they anticipate necessary supports are listed under specific program expectations for grant-funded partners. Funding Information This grant opportunity estimates that $875,000 per year is available. Project Period The term of the initial grant period is anticipated to be from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  This competitive grant opportunity is open to Minnesota education cooperative service units that have the capacity to provide leadership and technical assistance on a statewide scale. For more information, visit MDE.

This funding opportunity supports small, local news organizations in Minnesota that focus on original reporting for underserved communities, aiming to improve media representation and civic engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities metro area that focus on improving health, economic stability, shelter, safety, and education for adult women.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska that focus on improving financial literacy and employment readiness to help individuals achieve financial stability.

The Art Project program provides funding of up to $5,000 to support relevant, meaningful arts activities with value to the community your organization serves. Donor Name: Arrowhead Regional Arts Council State: Minnesota County: Aitkin County (MN), Carlton County (MN), Cook County (MN), Itasca County (MN), Koochiching County (MN), Lake County (MN), Saint Louis County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Support may be used to create, perform, exhibit, or publish artistic works; or to present arts events by contracting the services of other organizations or individuals. Grants can be fund Art supplies such as canvas, paints, fabrics, clay, etc. Funds to pay volunteer and administrative costs associated with your project. Advertising, marketing, and other promotional materials. Equipment or technology purchases are allowed but must be integral to the artistic project proposed and must be less than 25% of the total request. An approved project must begin within six months. Eligibility Criteria State-registered and federally recognized non-profit, tax-exempt organizations Accredited schools Tribal governments Units of government Your organization must be primarily based (permanent address) in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, or St. Louis County (outside Duluth) or of the four Tribal Nations within region: Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, or Leech Lake (within Itasca County) for at least six months. All Duluth organizations are eligible regardless of budget size. Organizations outside of Duluth with minimum prior year arts operating expenses of $40,000 are eligible to apply to this program. Smaller groups outside of Duluth are eligible to apply to Rural & Community Art Project program. If you have no outstanding or overdue final reports from past funding. Both artists and arts organizations may apply only once per grant round, and cannot receive funding from the same grant program twice in a fiscal year. In a single ARAC fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), an organization can receive grant funding of up to $25,000 total from applications reviewed in all eligible programs. For more information, visit ARAC.