Minnesota Youth Grants

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Mardag Foundation Grant Program. Donor Name: Mardag Foundation State: Minnesota County: Dakota County (MN), Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) Details: Mardag Foundation believes that the community should not only benefit from the work, but inform and form it as well. Creating solutions to today’s issues requires a collaborative approach. The work is also rooted in a commitment to racial equity. Funding Priorities The Mardag Foundation has three focus areas and will consider proposals that address one or more of the following: Improving the lives of low-income Children, Youth and Families that lack access to critical opportunities and resources that they need Mardag Foundation seeks to support organizations focused on eliminating barriers and increasing access to equitable opportunities for children, youth and families.  Priority will be given to organizations working with marginalized communities (especially Black, Indigenous and communities of color) at the intersections of education, basic needs, mental health, access to healthcare, pathways to employment, and stable and affordable housing. Supporting older adults across Minnesota who lack access or have barriers to critical opportunities to thrive and create community connections Mardag Foundation supports organizations directly serving low-income older adults who may also be experiencing other forms of marginality (e.g., Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, etc.). Priorities include meeting basic needs, improving the well-being and quality of caregiving, addressing isolation and mental health issues, services to help older Minnesotans age in place and/or in safe and stable housing, and intergenerational programming. Building capacity to improve community vitality through Arts & Culture Mardag Foundation shares Grantmakers in the Arts’ view that “all peoples, their cultures, and their art contribute to the meaning and understanding of the humanity and should be honored and celebrated.” Priority will be given to arts and culture organizations that seek to amplify narratives and voices across BIPOC communities and other communities experiencing marginalization (e.g., older adults, people with disabilities, low-income children/youth/families, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, etc.) through the arts. Types of Grants The Foundation will consider grant applications for: General Operating Support These grants provide flexible funding for nonprofits in which at least 50% of the organization’s services benefit residents in the East Metro and/or Greater Minnesota. Any organization meeting this threshold is eligible for general operating support (including organizations that have never previously received support from Mardag Foundation). Capital Projects Capital projects must be located in Greater Minnesota or the East Metro AND 50% or more of all services provided by the entire organization must benefit Greater Minnesota and/or East Metro (Washington, Dakota and Ramsey counties) residents. Grants are designed to support investment in buildings, facilities and equipment. Foundation investments are typically limited to buildings owned by nonprofits or held by long-term lease agreement. These grants are generally paid over multiple years. Geographic Areas  The Mardag Foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations and public entities located within and serving residents of Minnesota. The geographic focus of our grantmaking is the East Metro area of Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties, as well as Greater Minnesota. Eligibility Criteria  Grants can be made to 501(c)3 organizations, education or governmental units and religious institutions. While an organization may be eligible to apply, attention and preference will be given to organizations: Prioritizing people experiencing the most marginalization, especially due to race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation, age, ability, immigration status, etc. Where work is informed, formed and led by the people most impacted by it. Ineligibility The Foundation will not consider grant applications for: Organizations using fiscal sponsors Organizations exclusively serving Minneapolis and the surrounding West Metro area Scholarships and grants to individuals Sectarian religious programs or organizations Federated campaigns Events and conferences Capital campaigns of private secondary schools Capital and endowment campaigns of private colleges and universities Program/project specific requests For more information, visit Mardag Foundation.

The Thief River Falls Area Community Fund is inviting applications for grants from nonprofit or public entities within the Thief River Falls School District area. Grants are intended for projects, programs, or activities that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors of the Thief River Falls area. Primary focus areas include youth engagement, social need, senior enrichment, and overall quality of life enhancement. Applications are open until May 1, 2024. The fund is a component of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, which serves 12 northwestern Minnesota counties. More information and application details can be found on their website.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations, schools, and healthcare providers in Cass County, Minnesota, to develop or expand programs that address the impact of opioid use and promote prevention, education, and treatment initiatives.

This funding is designed to support non-profit organizations in Hubbard County, Minnesota, that implement community-based programs and outreach initiatives aimed at preventing child abuse and promoting family well-being.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

The Minneapolis Foundation announces a call for proposals from nonprofits, schools, and school districts seeking grants for work that advances equity and supports youth voice in local K-12 schools. Donor Name: Minneapolis Foundation State: Minnesota City: Selected Cities Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/21/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The Reimagine Education grants prioritize efforts to: Elevate student and community voices and power to build bridges between schools, families, and communities and improve school climates and academic outcomes. Provide opportunities for educators to build their understanding of race and equity and implement strategies that create culturally responsive and inclusive schools. Advocate for policies at the school, local, and state level to address systemic barriers to racial equity in Minnesota’s education system. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of  the types of work foundation plans to support: Student leadership and power building Recruitment and retention of diverse educators with equity-focused mindsets Principal and teacher leadership and collaboration Development of equity and climate frameworks Local or state policy advocacy Professional development and training to support teachers and school leaders to implement evidence-based literacy instruction Development and implementation of strategies to address student mental health challenges and improve school climate and culture Efforts to engage students and their families in district and school-level decision-making. Funding Information Grants will range from $10,000 to $75,000, with an average award of $25,000 to $40,000. Grant Period The grant period is September 2, 2024, to June 13, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  Funding will be awarded to public schools or school districts and 501(c)(3) nonprofits that organize students, parents, and community members; engage in education policy advocacy to advance equity and eliminate disparities; and help educators collaborate to build their understanding of race, equity, and culture, and to create positive school climates. Foundation will prioritize proposals that impact Minneapolis; however, they will consider organizations in inner-ring suburbs (Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Robbinsdale, St. Louis Park, etc.). For more information, visit Minneapolis Foundation.

The Medica Foundation is seeking applications for its Rural Health Grants to fund nonprofit, community-led solutions that address health needs and social determinants of health in rural communities. Donor Name: Medica Foundation State: Minnesota County: Anoka County (MN), Carver County (MN), Dakota County (MN), Hennepin County (MN), Ramsey County (MN), Scott County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Medica Foundation proposals address: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities Children and youth Families Immigrants and refugees LGBTQ+ communities Seniors Survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence Veterans Funding Areas Behavioral Health Culturally-focused care Domestic violence and sexual assault services and prevention Early childhood health Oral health Primary care for underserved communities Senior care Sexual health Transportation  Funding Information Individual grants may be awarded up to $10,000. Eligibility Criteria Rural Health grant recipients are eligible to submit an application for funding in consecutive years. Funding is limited to organizations located and based outside of the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area in Minnesota, where fundraising is conducted on a solely local level and not supported by a main office elsewhere. Organizations seeking to do work within the service area but do not have a physical presence in Greater Minnesota are ineligible. Funding requests for events, camps, sponsorships and seminars are ineligible. For more information, visit Medica Foundation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers with employment services, training, and housing solutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for community-based projects in Goodhue County that aim to prevent opioid misuse and promote healthy lifestyles.

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 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 established nonprofits in Southern Minnesota that focus on improving literacy, children's health, mental health, and related services to address urgent community needs.

This funding opportunity supports innovative research and outreach projects that improve the health and sustainability of Lake Superior and Minnesota's inland waters, targeting academic institutions, nonprofits, and collaborative teams focused on aquatic resources.

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 funding is designed to support local organizations in Beltrami County that implement community-based programs and outreach initiatives aimed at preventing child abuse and promoting family well-being.

The Greenbush Area Community Fund provides grants to nonprofit or public entities within the Greenbush area. Donor Name: Northwest Minnesota Foundation State: Minnesota City: Greenbush Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $5,000 Details: Grants are rewarded for qualifying programs and services including those that provide support for projects or activities that enhance and/or promote educational experiences or other related purposes recommended and supported by the Greenbush Area Community Fund. Grants will be considered in the areas of: economic development, education, aesthetic enhancement, or youth and senior enrichment. Selection criteria will focus on how the project meets the Greenbush Area Community Funds’ mission, if it reaches beyond traditional opportunities and the number of participants or number of organizations that are served. Special consideration will be given to applicants that partner with other qualifying organizations or include cash or in-kind match. Funding Information There is a total amount of $5,000 in awards planned for this grant round. For more information, visit Northwest Minnesota Foundation. Related Posts:Minnesota: Gary Area Community Fund & Joseph Urdahl…Submit Applications for Early Care and Education…Jones County Community Foundation Grants (Iowa)2025 Nixa Community Foundation Grant Program - MissouriWashington County Riverboat Foundation Grant Program in IowaGrants to Improve Quality of Life of Hancock County…Ohio: Nelsonville Community Foundation Grant Program 2024Grants to benefit Perry County Communities in OhioRocky Community Improvement Fund Grant 2024 in Ohio2025–2026 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health…Funding available for Non-profit Organizations in IowaMissouri: American Association of University Women /…Community Foundation of Jackson County Grants in IowaTown of Castle Rock Council Community Grant Program…2024 Lyon County Riverboat Foundation Competitive…2025 Discover Ames Community Grant Program - IowaBerrien Community Foundation announces "For Good"…Ohio: Gallia Community Foundation Grant ProgramGrants to benefit Guernsey County Residents and…Harrison County Community Foundation Fund (Ohio)Apply now for Highland County Community Fund – Ohio

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, to develop programs that improve access to education and career readiness for children and families facing inequities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers, focusing on enhancing job training, education, employment services, housing stability, and youth development initiatives.

This grant provides funding for schools in northwestern Minnesota to purchase equipment that enhances artistic programs and supports local artistic development.

The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minn. Created in 1944 by Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting a better quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Since its founding, OBT has invested nearly $1 billion and provides ~$105 million annually to nonprofit organizations in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Applications are due on a rolling basis on these dates: February 4, 2024; April 4, 2024; June 6, 2024; August 1, 2024. - General Operations Application: General operations grants provide unrestricted funding that enables an organization to carry out its mission. Typical uses could include support for an organization’s administrative and infrastructure costs, maintaining core programs and/or staffing. This application is for organizations seeking $75,000 or more in general operations support. - General Operations Short Application: This application is for organizations seeking general operations support of less than $75,000. - Restricted Application: Restricted grants provide funding for a specific program or project. These funds may not be used for other purposes, although a portion may be utilized for overhead or indirect costs of administering the program or project. - Capital Application: Capital grants support constructing, repairing, renovating, or rehabilitating an organization’s physical space. Capital grants can also support the purchase of equipment necessary for an organization to carry out its work.