Minnesota Diversity Equity and Inclusion Grants

The Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

Our grantees work to build on the entrepreneurial spirit, strong community ties, and untapped potential within Native nations, communities of color, rural communities, and other resilient communities who have fewer opportunities to thrive on their own terms. We envision strong, vibrant communities where people are connected to good jobs and have the financial capability to build their assets and provide a secure future for their families and communities. A Need to Close the Opportunity Gaps Our economic system doesn’t work for everyone. It widens income and opportunity gaps, restrains economic mobility, and traps people and communities in a cycle of poverty and injustice. A disproportionate number of Native Americans, people of color, refugees, immigrants, and rural Americans are living in crisis—or just a paycheck away from it. Nationally, six in 10 families of color don’t have the cash on hand to cover basic expenses—like rent, medical emergencies, or the need to fix a car—for three months.

The Forecast Public Art’s Midwest Memory Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, is open to non-profit organizations in rural Midwest communities, aiming to elevate and preserve the stories of BIPOC communities through monuments, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and advancing racial justice.

The Central Minnesota Community Foundation, in partnership with the Initiative Foundation, offers the Rural Poverty Fund grants during even years (2020, 2022, 2024, etc.) for planning and implementation of projects or programs aimed at addressing rural poverty in central Minnesota. Eligible projects may include establishing or supplementing emergency and transitional activities, assessing community needs and assets, developing action plans, or providing for project implementation in rural areas. The grant aims to address the specific and immediate needs of rural people in poverty through a variety of identified programs or agency needs. The application period for the next round of funding opens on April 1, 2024, with a deadline of June 30, 2024. Grant decisions are made within 90 days of the application deadline. Decisions on grant applications are made within 90 days of the application deadline.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations in Minnesota to deliver job training, mentorship, and entrepreneurial skills development for individuals from communities of color and low-income backgrounds, focusing on high-growth industries.

The Central Minnesota Community Foundation, through the Thomas A. Ritsche for Youth Fund, supports youth-related programs and projects aimed at reducing crimes against and by youth. The foundation provides funding for program or project support and operational support. Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organizations, schools, and government entities. The geographical focus is on Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne Counties. Applications are to be submitted online, with decisions made by a Grant Advisory Committee and final approval by the Board of Directors.

This grant provides funding for innovative community-based projects that promote joy as a vital element of social justice for Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and AMEMSA communities in the Upper Midwest.

The Neighborhood STAR program awards funding for capital improvement projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods. Donor Name: City of Saint Paul State: Minnesota City: Saint Paul Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: State and local legislation was enacted in 1993 to allocate revenue from the city’s half-cent sales tax to the Neighborhood Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) Program. Administered by the City’s Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED), Neighborhood STAR provides reimbursement grants of $5,000 or more for capital improvement projects which strengthen the vitality of city’s neighborhoods. Public, private, non-profit, or for-profit entities located in or doing business in Saint Paul may apply for STAR funds. If you choose to apply and require translation services for the application process, please contact STAR staff for assistance. Funding Information Grant requests up to $50,000 do not require matching funds. Anticipated project dates: September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2026. Eligible STAR-Funded Projects and Activities Eligible activities include: Renovation, rehabilitation andor construction of commercial, residential, or industrial property Most fixed interior and exterior improvements to commercial or residential structures including walls, ceilings, floors, lighting, windows, doors, entrances, electrical, plumbing HVAC, energy and security improvements, handicap accessibility, and building code corrections Minor public improvements (major public improvements should be referred to the city’s Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) process) Beautification of public or private open space, including trees and shrubs, rain gardens, benches, play equipment, bicycle parking, and lighting that are site-specific and have a life expectancy of 7+ years. Creative placemaking / placekeeping capital improvement activities, including public art and creative public infrastructure improvements, especially those that contribute to cultural diversity. Non-profit neighborhood organizations providing a funding program to local businesses, homeowners, or condominium/townhome owners for capital improvement activities Eligibility Criteria Public, non-profit, and for-profit entities located in or doing business within the City of Saint Paul City departments and quasi-governmental entities are an eligible applicant when in partnership with a neighborhood and/or community group Churches and religious organizations are eligible to apply when in partnership with a neighborhood and/or community group and only with respect to a project that: (i) is non-sectarian and whose primary effect neither advances nor inhibits religion; (ii) will make capital improvements for functions not associated with church-sponsored or religious type activities; and (iii) is open and available to the public at large on a regular basis Ineligible Applicants Political parties and political action groups Federal, state and county agencies and departments Individual homeowners, condominium, or townhome owners and/or the association representing them For more information, visit City of Saint Paul.

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.

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 community organizations in Minnesota for projects that enhance education, health, and economic stability, particularly in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Health Professionals Clinical Training Expansion (HPCE) grant program support the establishment or expansion of clinical training for eligible health professional training programs. Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Providing funding opportunities for clinical training programs will strengthen Minnesota’s health care workforce and increase access to primary care and mental health services for rural and underserved urban communities. This grant program funds activities associated with planning and implementing new clinical training programs and expanding the number of professionals trained through existing clinical training programs in rural and underserved urban areas in Minnesota. Priorities Health Equity Priorities The Health Professionals Clinical Training Expansion Grant seeks to expand Minnesota’s health care workforce by establishing and expanding clinical training opportunities, with a particular focus on increasing the number of health professionals serving in rural and underserved urban communities in Minnesota. Clinical training is a necessary component of health professional education, but capacity for clinical training is limited and barriers to expansion exist.  This grant will serve: Rural and underserved urban communities by strengthening Minnesota’s health care workforce and improving access to health care. Eligible health professional programs and students by expanding clinical training opportunities. Grant outcomes will include: Greater access to health care in rural and underserved urban Minnesota communities. An increase in the number of clinical training opportunities for health professionals. Other Competitive Priorities Program advances health equity. Program incorporates strong model of team-based primary care. Program is likely to be sustainable after the grant period. Funding Information The Minnesota Legislature has appropriated $500,000 annually for this program. Distribution of Funding: Eligible clinical training programs may receive up to $75,000 for a one-year planning project. Eligible clinical training programs may receive up to $300,000 for a three-year expansion project. Eligible Expenses  Grant funds awarded may only be spent to cover the costs of: Establishing or expanding clinical training for physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, pharmacists, dental therapists, advanced dental therapists, and mental health professionals in Minnesota.  Recruitment, training, and retention of students and faculty.  Connecting students with appropriate clinical training sites, internships, practicums, or externship activities.  Development and implementation of health equity and cultural responsiveness training.  Supporting clinical education in which trainees are part of a team-based primary care model.  Travel and lodging for students.  Faculty, student and preceptor salaries, incentives, or other financial support.  Training site improvements, fees, equipment, and supplies required to establish, maintain, or expand an eligible training program.  Evaluations of the clinical training program(s). Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants are programs that fulfill the following criteria: Are located in Minnesota and train, or propose to train, students residing and working in Minnesota.  Plan to establish or expand clinical training for students in the following health professional programs: Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Program  Must be accredited as a master’s, doctoral, or postgraduate level advanced practice registered nursing program by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, or be a candidate for accreditation. Dental Therapy Program or Advanced Dental Therapy Program  Must be approved by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry or currently accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.  Mental Health Professional Program  Must be accredited by the appropriate accrediting body for clinical social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or licensed professional clinical counseling, or be a candidate for accreditation.  A mental health professional is defined as an individual providing clinical services in the treatment of mental illness who meets one of the qualifications under MN Statutes Pharmacy Program  Must be accredited as a Doctor of Pharmacy program by the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education.  Physician Assistant Program Must be accredited as a physician assistant program by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant or be a candidate for accreditation.  Applicants must be able to demonstrate membership and compliance with the corresponding accrediting bodies.  Applicants from the same organization may hold two grants as long as they are providing clinical training program planning or expansion in two different departments. For more information, visit MDH.

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.

The Aegon Transamerica Foundation Grant Program aims to support youth and families in the communities where it operates by investing in charitable organizations. The foundation provides grant funding to non-profit organizations in the categories of Arts & Culture, Civic & Community, Education & Literacy, Health & Welfare, and United Way initiatives. Additionally, a special fund may be established for employee donations, often matched dollar-for-dollar, and provided to an organization assisting in disaster relief efforts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Minnesota that aim to reduce economic disparities and enhance workforce development for Southeast Asian residents facing employment barriers.

Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health (SPRCPH) is offering grants to support activities, programs and initiatives that improve public health issues in the community. Donor Name: Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health (SPRCPH) State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: They must be related to building capacity, planning, developing, implementing or evaluating work designed to address our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) priorities­­­. CHIP priority areas covered under this grant include: Racial and Health Equity. Healthy Eating, Active Living and Tobacco-Free Living. Access to Health Care Services. Mental Health and Well-being. Violence Prevention. Proposals will be accepted for the following activity categories: Capacity Building examples include start-up costs, resources and supplies, client or community relationship development strategies. Planning and Development examples include community outreach, program design activities, service launch, scoping and refining program or project concept, training. Implementation examples include programs, services and activities related to the identified CHIP priority. Evaluation examples include designing the evaluation, satisfaction surveys, process evaluation (“How much did we do?”), outcome evaluation (“Is anyone better off?”). Funding Information SPRCPH anticipates awarding up to eight grants of up to $30,000, approximately $240,000 in total, to support 12 months of activities. Eligibility Criteria Contractors must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a contract award for this project: Applicants must be an organization registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State or have a relationship with a fiscal agent.  If you use a fiscal agent, you must provide the fiscal agent’s name, contact information, and a letter of support from the fiscal agent. Eligible organizations may receive funding from the Community Innovation Grants for Racial and Health Equity once per calendar year per project. For more information, visit SPRCPH.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

PRISM (Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities) grants support rural LGBTQ+ organizations from across PFund’s five-state service area. Donor Name: PFund Foundation State: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The PRISM program works to increase the capacity and connection of rural LGBTQ+ serving organizations through grants, trainings and cohort collaboration. PFund Foundation is awarding its second round of funding LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations from across rural Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, Wisconsin, and the Native Nations therein. Known as PRISM (Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities), the program creates networks for LGBTQ+ organizations and groups to share resources, learn as a community, and respond to the unique set of issues and challenges facing queer people in small towns and rural areas in the upper Midwest. Funding Information The size of the grants will range between $10,000 and $20,000. Grant Period The grant period will be for 12 months. Eligibility Criteria To apply for a PRISM grant, organizations must meet the following qualifications: Primarily serve LGBTQIA2S+ populations in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and/or the Native Nations therein. Been in operation at least 1-year as of September 1st. Organizations must be based in a rural community or serve rural populations (defined as small and mid-sized towns under 50,000 people). Registered as 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the IRS. Informal groups with a nonprofit organization serving as a fiscal sponsor are also eligible to apply. Have a senior organizational representative able to participate in monthly, virtual cohort meetings. An informational webinar was held on August 6th at 10 am central. Use this link to access a recording. For more information, visit PFund Foundation.

Art Project Program Grant Application Program Overview: 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. 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. Important Dates for FY24: Open: April 1, 2024 Deadline: Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Project Start Date: July 1, 2024 Deadlines are firm, applicants are encouraged to finish in advance of the deadline. Assistance is available during normal business hours via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants include: State-registered and federally recognized non-profit, tax-exempt organizations Accredited schools Tribal governments Units of government Eligibility Criteria: 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 our 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. No outstanding or overdue final reports from past funding. Applicants may apply only once per grant round and cannot receive funding from the same grant program twice in a fiscal year. Fiscal sponsorship is allowed for groups without non-profit, tax-exempt status. What Can I Fund? Art supplies Volunteer and administrative costs Advertising, marketing, and promotional materials Equipment or technology purchases (integral to the artistic project, <25% of total request) How Do I Apply? Applications must be completed using the ARAC Grant Portal. Submissions in any other format will not be accepted. Instructions for navigating the online system can be found by clicking on the ‘Apply Now’ button on our website. Ensure your application includes all required materials. Contact Us: For assistance or inquiries, please contact us at [email protected] or [email protected] during normal business hours. Grant renewed every year.