Minnesota Arts Grants

This grant provides financial support to new and developing charter schools in Minnesota to assist with planning, program design, and initial implementation, particularly focusing on improving access and academic achievement for underserved students.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to locomotive owners in Minnesota for implementing technologies that reduce idle time and diesel emissions, improving air quality and public health.

This grant provides financial support to individuals, businesses, and organizations in Minnesota to start, modernize, or expand processing operations for meat, poultry, eggs, and milk, with a focus on increasing sales and market access for locally raised livestock products.

The Art Project grant program provides nonprofit organizations with funding to stimulate and encourage the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts in the region. Donor Name: Southwest Minnesota Arts Council State: Minnesota County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Art Projects may include, but are not limited to: Music, dance, and theater productions by community groups Productions by professionals brought into the community Visual art exhibits Readings by authors Arts classes for community members of all ages (excluding projects in schools) Public art Arts festivals. Funding Information Art Project grants are available for up to $7,000. Grant Period July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Who Can Apply? Geographic Areas  Applicant organizations must be located within the SW MN Arts Council service region, consisting of eighteen counties (Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift, and Yellow Medicine counties) and two tribal nations (Pezihutazizi/Upper Sioux Community, Cansayapi/Lower Sioux Community). They acknowledge that the Southwest Minnesota region occupies the traditional, ancestral, and contemporary lands of the Dakota people.  Types of Organizations  The Art Project grant program is open to nonprofit organizations as described in Section 501 (c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code with Articles of Incorporation on file with the State of Minnesota or official units of city, county, or state government of the State of Minnesota. Public schools may apply if they have a community project. (Otherwise, public schools should see the Arts in the Schools grants.)  Fiscal Sponsors  If your organization is not yet a registered nonprofit, you may apply using a fiscal sponsor. Some examples of organizations in this situation include one that has just recently been formed, with only a few board members and a couple of activities completed so far. Or, an organization may have been in existence for years, but the scale of its activities and capacity of its volunteers haven’t warranted filing for nonprofit status.  The fiscal sponsor organization must meet the requirements listed above under the types of eligible organizations. A signed agreement outlining the relationship between the applicant and the fiscal sponsor must be submitted with the application. A fiscal sponsor, if used, must sign the application and, if funded, sign the grant contract. The fiscal sponsor is legally responsible for the proper management of grant funds and for the completion of the project. For more information, visit SMAC.

The Organizational Development program provides grants for projects designed to strengthen the management, administration, or operations of the recipient organization 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: 1 Year Details: The intent of the program is to challenge the organization, infuse new thinking, develop new systems, or strengthen existing systems to further the group’s growth and development. 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. Such activities must 1) advance the mission of your group, and 2) have the potential for significant or long-term impact.  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 these purposes by making grants for projects and programs that: Attract audiences; Develop and improve cultural facilities; and Build capacity of artists and cultural organizations. Geographic Focus  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: 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 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, 2025 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 or Loan. 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 Informal and/or unincorporated arts-focused groups, individuals, and onetime arts projects that have associated with nonprofit arts and cultural organizations that are located within the City of Saint Paul and will serve as a fiscal and contract sponsor, provided that: (1) 100% of the project takes place in the Cultural District; and (2) such nonprofit arts and cultural organization enter into a contract with the City of Saint Paul Businesses in the Cultural District may apply for projects that enhance visitor enjoyment of the district City departments or divisions are eligible when in partnership with, or supported by, 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 (other than those that have associated with informal and/or unincorporated arts-focused groups, individuals, and one-time arts projects, to serve as fiscal and contract sponsor as described in these Guidelines) that have received Organizational Development and/or Special Project grants in three consecutive grant cycles (calendar years) Organizations (other than those that have associated with informal and/or unincorporated arts-focused groups, individuals, and one-time arts projects, to serve as fiscal and contract sponsor as described in these Guidelines) that received funding in the first funding round of the calendar year. For more information, visit City of Saint Paul.

The Forecast's 2025 Early Career Project Grant, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, invites Minnesota-based artists to apply for funding to support the creation of a temporary or permanent public artwork anywhere in the state, with the grant-funded period running from January 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025.

The East Central Regional Arts Council is offering the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund Legacy Grant Program, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, for arts projects sponsored by eligible groups, organizations, nonprofits, and units of government in the Region 7E service area of Minnesota, supporting a variety of arts projects including performances, exhibitions, residencies, workshops, public art projects, and art equipment.

The Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant (WRIG) is available to eligible schools, businesses and nonprofits for planning, equipment, supplies and capital improvements that result in the significant reduction of solid waste that the business creates. Donor Name: BizRecycling State: Minnesota County: Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Waste reduction is the most environmentally preferred strategy for managing solid waste. Waste reduction projects eliminate the use of materials that end up being discarded from production and sales processes. Waste reduction projects can take many different forms, including reusing source materials, bulk purchasing, packaging changes, technology enhancements or production redesign. Program Goals The Waste Reduction and Innovation Grant has the following program goals: Increase waste reduction and recycling activities within the business community. Support source specific reduction, recycling, and reuse needs. Provide innovative solutions to waste reduction problems. Support sustainable solutions to ensure growth of on-site efforts by staff and contractual services related to waste reduction and recycling. Support efforts to manage operations higher on the waste management hierarchy as it relates to: waste reduction and reuse activities. market development activities. food recovery and donation. Composting/organics collection. hard to recycle materials/ source separated materials. large business, industrial and college campuses. Priority Areas Impact – Estimated weight in pounds of waste, recycling or organic material that will be reduced or eliminated. Innovation – Implementation of a new idea or technology with clear waste reduction outcomes. Types of Waste  The primary material reduced must be mixed municipal solid waste (MSW). Garbage, refuse and other solid waste from residential, commercial, industrial and community activities that the generator of the waste aggregates for collection. For the purposes of this grant, solid waste includes garbage, refuse or sludges in solid, semisolid, or liquid form. Waste is typically disposed of in garbage, recycling or organics collection systems. Funding Information One-time grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to eligible businesses and nonprofits for planning, equipment, supplies and capital improvements that result in a significant reduction of solid waste that the business creates. Applicants must contribute a 10% cash match of the total project cost. Uses of funds  Equipment & Materials  Industry-specific equipment and supplies that eliminate solid waste from the production process or captures materials for reuse. Infrastructure improvements to enhance industry-specific waste reduction and recycling capabilities. Equipment and supplies that move businesses from disposable items to reusable options. Construction & Infrastructure  Waste, recycling and organics management infrastructure improvements among co-operative businesses located within the same building or business park. Infrastructure improvements to enhance industry-specific waste reduction and recycling capabilities. Research & Development  Industry-specific consultation costs to reduce the creation of solid waste at its source, which is beyond the expertise of R&E consultants. Costs related to the research and development activities of products or services that would significantly reduce solid waste in Ramsey and Washington County. Company must be located within Ramsey or Washington counties. Staff or consultation time to develop environmentally preferable purchasing plans. Staff or consultation time to develop co-operative purchasing groups to leverage access to bulk materials which align with the business’s environmental purchasing plan. Education & Engagement  Staff time to develop an onsite “Green Team.” Production and printing of custom signage, labels and education materials. Eligibility Criteria  Businesses must meet the following criteria: Be one of the following types of businesses: For profit Nonprofit Private college or university Place of worship Schools Ramsey County: Charter schools with less than 250 students and all private schools Washington County: All charter schools and all private schools Must have a permanent physical location in Ramsey or Washington counties of Minnesota. Be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State and the Minnesota Department of Revenue at time of application. Previous recipients of BizRecycling grants may apply. Applicants must be in compliance with their previous grant contract. Ineligible entities include: Home-based businesses All public entities including federal, state, county and city; public colleges and universities Public K-12 schools in Ramsey County Residential apartment buildings. For more information, visit BizRecycling.

The Arts and Cultural Heritage (ACH) program provides funding for arts organizations directly engaged in the creation of art, the production of artistic performances, or the sponsorship of quality arts activities in the local communities. Donor Name: Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council State: Minnesota County: Blue Earth County (MN), Brown County (MN), Faribault County (MN), LeSueur County (MN), Martin County (MN), Nicollet County (MN), Sibley County (MN), Waseca County (MN), Watonwan County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: This program is made possible by the Arts and Culture Heritage Fund, created by the people of Minnesota to support the arts and preserve the heritage. The Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment funds this program, through the Minnesota State Legislature. Disciplines may include dance, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual art, folk and traditional art. A variety of activities including art and music festivals, community choirs, dance performances, literary readings, instrumental and vocal music concerts, public art projects, theater productions, visual art classes and exhibitions are eligible. The organization should describe their arts programming and request funds for those activities in the expense categories listed on the application budget. Funds may be used for on-going programs, in-person or virtual, and groups are encouraged to offer new and different activities with the grant funds or enhance their events. Prairie Lakes values an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community and this is reflected in the policies, programs, and the community they serve. They are committed to countering systemic inequities that exclude individuals and communities from access to the arts based on race, gender, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, class, age, and geography. This may include historically marginalized and underserved groups such as: Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), People with Disabilities, LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, etc.), and Senior Citizens. Types of Grants ACH Arts Project Grant. Arts Programming and Access – maximum request $9,000. Funds can be used for in-person or virtual Arts programming, activities, and events. Also, equipment that improves the artistic capabilities of the organization including sound equipment, lights, risers, office equipment, computer, monitor, software, etc. is fundable. ACH Arts and Music Festival Grant. Arts Programming – maximum request $6,000. A celebration of art and culture should include: Has a significant focus on the arts. Preferably provides a showcase of Minnesota artists. Contains many activities consolidated into a condensed time period. Has several different, yet related, arts activities happening simultaneously. Is open, inviting, and available to a diverse audience. ACH Arts Education Grant. Maximum request $6,000. Public Schools. This is available to all public or private non-parochial schools (K-12) in the nine-county area. The focus is to provide educational partnerships between local and regional professional artists, arts, organizations, and schools. To enhance school arts curriculum by providing artist residencies, live arts performances, mini-workshops, and arts related field trips. To enhance programs and curriculum design through visits to professional artists’ studios, performances by professional theatre, dance or musical groups, readings by writers, visits to art galleries, exhibitions, and other locations pertinent to the creation and exhibition of art. To collaborate with arts organizations in the region to perform in their school and/or community. Grant Period All projects should be completed within one year. Eligibility Criteria The applicant organization must have an address and provide arts programming within the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council region. This includes the counties of Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, LeSueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, and Watonwan. Non-profit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) arts organizations, non-profit community groups, schools, public organizations or units of governments that produce or sponsor arts activities within the region are eligible. An arts group located within the region, formed as a limited liability company (LLC) with a not-for-profit intent may be eligible to apply if they are using a fiscal sponsor. For more information, visit Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is requesting proposals for 2025 Tradition Grant Cycle. Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The CPL program is habitat-focused. Grant activities include the enhancement, restoration, or protection of forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game, or wildlife in Minnesota. All applications should identify the direct habitat benefits of the project including but not limited to specific species, ecosystems, habitat types, and natural heritage features.  Restoration and enhancement projects will only be funded on lands that are: Permanently protected by a conservation easement as defined in MN Statutes 84C.01;  in public ownership (ownership by a unit of government including tribal, federal, state, county, city, school district, special district, etc.); or in public waters as defined in MN Statutes, Section 103G.005, subdivision 15. Funding Information Traditional (Statewide): $4,400,000 Up to 2 funding cycles. All eligible projects (restorations, enhancements, or acquisitions) on all eligible lands. Grant requests between $5,000 and $500,000. Total project cost may not exceed $1,000,000. Grant Period The grant period starts when the grant contract is “executed,” meaning all required signatures have been obtained, and typically lasts 3 to 3 ½ years. Eligible Expenses Eligible expenses are expenses (contracts, supplies and materials, salaries, etc.) directly incurred through project activities that are direct to and necessary for the project described in the application. Eligibility Criteria Registered 501 c(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities are eligible for CPL funding. Private individuals and for-profit organizations may not apply. Partnerships are encouraged. Examples of eligible applicants include but are not limited to the following:  Non-Profit Organizations Land Trusts Lakes Associations Charitable Organizations Private Colleges and Universities Fishing and Hunting Organizations “Friends of” Groups Other Registered Non-Profits Government Entities Cities Counties Tribal Governments Federal Agencies Conservation Districts Public Universities School Districts Other Units of Government. For more information, visit DNR.

This funding opportunity provides $5 million to Minnesota's tribal nations and local governments for projects that improve community resilience against climate change impacts, such as extreme heat and wildfires.

This funding opportunity supports local nonprofits, schools, and government entities in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, to implement projects that foster community connections, inclusivity, and long-term positive change.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local communities, non-profits, and organizations to develop and expand childcare services, addressing the shortage of quality childcare providers across Minnesota.

The Community Foundation of Grand Forks is currently accepting applications for its Women’s Fund Grant Program to provide ideas, energy, and resources so that girls and women are empowered to achieve economic, social, and political equity. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Grand Forks East Grand Forks & Region State: Minnesota, North Dakota County: Grand Forks County (ND), Polk County (MN), Walsh County (ND) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The vision of the Women’s Fund is to: raise awareness of challenges, concerns, and opportunities facing girls and women today support opportunities that build leadership skills and confidence among girls and women encourage women to become philanthropists. Funding Information ​​​ ​Grants are ​typically awarded in the $5,000 range. ​Grant Period  October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025,​. Eligibility Criteria  Grant applicants must fulfill the following criteria: Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with tax exempt status or be fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit with such tax exempt status. Or be a public entity, such as a library or school, or a unit of government. Have principal operations in Grand Forks, Walsh, or Polk County, unless prior approval received. Be current with all reports if a prior Community Foundation grant recipient. Demonstrate general fiscal responsibility and agree to use the funds in a manner consistent with the grant application. Have a Board of Directors that meets on a regular basis. ​​Submit a complete and accurate application, providing all requested information, by the stated deadline. ​For more information, visit Community Foundation of Grand Forks.

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) “Difference Maker” grant round seeks to support community initiatives through a variety of grants. Donor Name: Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) State: Minnesota County: Douglas County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Programs funded will bring about positive change in the Alexandria area community. AACF is looking to provide leadership, financial support and build a partnership that goes beyond the grant in order to advance the project or initiatives.   Focus Areas Education – Grants will be made to support education; especially K-12 and after-school programs. Social Services – Grants will be made to assist basic needs and support & strengthen families, children and youth. Health – Grants will be made that support health education, physical and mental health and activities that reduce abuse or violence. Arts and Culture – Grants will be made to support activities that generate an appreciation of diverse cultures and that enhance and improve cultural opportunities. Civic – Grants will be made to support activities that build, promote and preserve communities. Funding Information Funding Amount Range: $5,000 – $30,000. Favorable Considerations Create innovative solutions to community challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Build or support collaborative efforts and Involve other community partners such as other nonprofits, government entitles, businesses, and/or citizen groups Make a sustainable positive impact in the community Build social capital (I.e. connectedness) across generations, cultures, and other diverse segments of the community Create highly impactful and highly visible and that have the potential to inspire additional investments in the community. Support projects/programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion. Geographic Area Grants must serve the residents within Douglas County. Eligible Organizations 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations, schools or government entities. They Fund: Capital projects New or expanded programs/projects Other strategic Investments that will have a lasting impact. For more information, visit AACF.

This program provides funding to agricultural and rural electric cooperatives in Minnesota to develop facilities that produce eco-friendly nitrogen fertilizers using renewable energy and green hydrogen.

The Initiative Foundation provides grants to nonprofits and local government units for program or capacity-building support; projects that advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and strategies to address workforce shortages. Donor Name: Initiative Foundation State: Minnesota County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Proposals that focus on at least one of the following areas will be given priority consideration: Capacity-building support for nonprofits, with priority to those addressing urgent needs and/or the needs of low-income communities. This includes support for business planning, fund development, training, or pilot programming. Cost share for projects intended to create behavioral change associated with advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. Advancement of community-based strategies to address regional workforce shortages in sectors which lead to family-sustaining wages. Support for local and regional community and economic development entities advancing early-stage feasibility or pilot projects. Funding Information Grants seldom exceed $7,500 and are not intended to provide ongoing support. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or local units of government that serve Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, and/or Wright counties, and/or the Native nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe within the boundaries of the 14-county region served by the Initiative Foundation. Ineligible Expenses  Funding requests from outside the Initiative Foundation’s geographic service area will not be considered. Individuals are not eligible to apply for grant funding. The following expenses are ineligible and will NOT be considered for funding: Grants or reimbursements to individuals and businesses. Expenses incurred prior to the receipt of a grant award. Capital expenses (e.g., buildings, equipment, vehicles, etc.). Programs or projects that DO NOT directly benefit residents in the Initiative Foundation’s 14-county service area. Replacement of or substitution for government funding. Religious activities. Lobbying or campaigning for a candidate, issue or referendum vote. Development or purchase of school curriculum or support for school athletic programs. Out-of-state travel. Healthcare, arts and historic preservation are not focus areas for the Initiative Foundation’s discretionary grants. Potential applicants are encouraged to speak with staff before beginning an application associated with one of these areas. For more information, visit Initiative Foundation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible nonprofit organizations in northeast Minnesota for programs and projects that promote literacy, children's health, mental health services, and capital improvements for hospitals and clinics.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for large-scale public art projects in southwest Minnesota, aimed at organizations, cities, and tribal governments that will create a lasting arts legacy in the region.

This grant provides financial support to small rural hospitals in Minnesota for strategic planning and service transition projects to maintain essential health services in communities with fewer than 15,000 residents.