Minnesota Education Grants

The Art Project program, administered by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC), offers grants of up to $5,000 to support meaningful arts activities that benefit local communities. This initiative is designed to foster artistic creation, performance, exhibition, and publication, as well as the presentation of arts events, often through collaborations. While ARAC's broader mission is not fully detailed, the program's focus on "relevant, meaningful arts activities with value to the community" strongly aligns with a general philanthropic goal of enriching local culture and enhancing community well-being through artistic expression. The primary beneficiaries of this program are state-registered and federally recognized non-profit organizations, accredited schools, tribal governments, and units of government. Crucially, these organizations must be primarily based in specific counties in Minnesota, including 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. Eligibility varies by location and operating budget: all Duluth organizations are eligible regardless of budget size, while organizations outside Duluth must have prior year arts operating expenses of $40,000 or more. Smaller groups outside Duluth are directed to the Rural & Community Art Project program. Both artists and arts organizations can apply, but only once per grant round, and they are capped at $25,000 per fiscal year across all ARAC programs. The program prioritizes activities that directly involve the creation, performance, exhibition, or publication of artistic works. Funds are flexible and can cover art supplies, volunteer and administrative costs, advertising, marketing, and other promotional materials. Equipment or technology purchases are allowed only if they are integral to the artistic project and constitute less than 25% of the total request. This focus on direct artistic output and supporting infrastructure aims to ensure that the grants have a tangible impact on the arts landscape of the region, emphasizing the production and presentation of creative works. The expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly quantified, revolve around increasing access to and participation in arts activities within the designated communities. By funding projects that create new artistic works, present arts events, and support the operational needs of arts organizations, ARAC intends to foster a vibrant cultural environment. The eligibility criteria and funding limitations, such as the maximum grant amount of $5,000 and the overall cap, are designed to distribute resources broadly and support a diverse range of projects and organizations. The requirement for projects to begin within six months ensures timely implementation and community benefit, acting as a mechanism for timely cultural enrichment and community engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to arts organizations in specific Minnesota counties for creating and promoting diverse artistic activities that engage local communities, particularly those benefiting underserved populations.

The Library Construction Improvement Grant, offered by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), supports public library jurisdictions in Minnesota undertaking renovation, construction, and improvement projects. This grant caters to projects aimed at renovating or expanding existing library buildings or constructing new library facilities. The focus is on enhancing library services to meet changing community needs, addressing hazardous conditions, and building new or improved facilities for public use. The grant encourages library development projects that serve the community’s evolving needs while ensuring compliance with accessibility standards.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in Douglas County, Minnesota, to support initiatives that create meaningful community change in areas such as education, social services, health, arts and culture, and civic engagement.

This program provides funding and resources to Minnesota residents for creating pollinator-friendly gardens in their outdoor spaces to support at-risk pollinators.

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

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in the Brainerd Lakes region to support projects that improve community quality of life and address local needs.

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 grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that collaborate with Eden Prairie Public Schools to create projects enhancing student achievement and engagement, particularly focusing on racial equity.

This grant provides funding for programs and services that empower women and girls in Northwest Minnesota, focusing on entrepreneurship, safety, leadership, and personal development.

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

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government-affiliated vocational and technical schools in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin to enhance workforce development in key industries like forestry and aircraft maintenance.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in the Duluth area that promote equity and justice for people of African Heritage through community-building activities and initiatives.

This grant provides funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in specific regions to support programs that assist low- to moderate-income individuals and families in areas such as community development, education, health services, arts, and the environment.

This program provides funding to non-profits and public organizations for projects that improve the community in areas such as arts, education, economic development, and historic preservation within the ISD 88 region.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Annapolis that focus on community development, economic growth, and social well-being through operating and capital grants.

This funding opportunity supports schools, nonprofits, government units, and community arts organizations in Region 7E of Minnesota to create and host diverse arts initiatives that enhance community access to the arts.

This funding opportunity supports innovative projects that connect diverse Minnesotans to careers in public health, particularly through experiential learning and partnerships.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the St. Croix Valley region of Minnesota and Wisconsin that address community needs in areas such as healthcare, affordable housing, youth education, and human services.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public institutions in Southern Minnesota to distribute books to children from birth to age eight, particularly focusing on diverse and at-risk populations.