Minnesota Youth Grants

This grant provides funding and support for a professional poet to serve as an ambassador for Minneapolis's literary culture, engaging the community through poetry projects and educational initiatives over a two-year term.

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 grant provides funding to non-profit arts organizations, community groups, and K-12 schools in specific Minnesota counties to support various arts activities and projects that benefit local communities.

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.

This scholarship provides financial support for Minnesota students in grades 3-12 to pursue arts education opportunities with professional artists or organizations.

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 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 grant provides financial support to enrolled tribal members and descendants who are artists residing in select Minnesota counties, helping them with costs related to creating and showcasing their artistic work.

This funding opportunity supports local communities in Northwest Minnesota by providing resources to enhance and expand quality child care services, benefiting public entities, tribal nations, community service agencies, and nonprofit organizations experienced in child care.

The Julianne Williams Fund, managed by the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, offers grants between $1,000 and $8,000 to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, schools, or government entities within a 30-mile radius of St. Cloud, Minnesota, that aim to empower girls and young women through physical and outdoor activities, and promote mutual respect between genders, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Ramsey County is seeking applications for its Ramsey County Trusted Messenger Initiative Grants. Donor Name: Ramsey County State: Minnesota County: Dakota County (MN), Ramsey County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of these grants is to generate and grow innovative ways to deliver a variety of public health services, resources and information. Focus an Scope Services Each organization must only submit one application and can only select one priority area below. Healthy Communities: The applicant collaborates to increase awareness and access to culturally informed public health information and programs which include healthy aging, Hmong health, sexual violence services, adolescent health, and child and teen checkups. Extra effort is made to reach racially and ethnically diverse communities, immigrant families and new Minnesotans who face the greatest health inequalities, language barriers, and/or may be isolated from county and other community services. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): The applicant collaborates to increase WIC program awareness and referrals of pregnant and postpartum women and their children so they may receive healthy food, nutrition education and lactation support. Extra effort is made to reach people early in pregnancy and multigenerational African American populations. Family Health and Home Visiting: The applicant collaborates to promote equity in birth outcomes for racially and ethnically diverse communities, especially African American, Native American, Latino/x and immigrant populations. Extra effort is made to support families, fathers and other caregivers, to navigate care before and after birth and to increase cultural and community connections using a holistic approach. Clinical Services: The applicant collaborates to increase awareness and access to vaccines and immunizations, tuberculosis care, sexual and reproductive health services such as HIV and STD testing and treatment, syringe services, wound care, naloxone training and outreach for people using drugs. Environmental Health: The applicant collaborates to find creative ways to increase participation in food scraps pick-up, household hazardous waste drop-off and electronics recycling programs, especially within racially and ethnically diverse communities. They also increase awareness of the Environmental Service Center, the future “one stop shop” for recycling and waste collection. Climate Action: The applicant collaborates to increases awareness of climate change and its impacts on health as well as the county’s resources and programs to lessen those impacts. Funding Information Ramsey County Public Health is continuing this initiative and anticipates awarding approximately 10 grants, up to $36,000 each. Eligibility Criteria Current and former Trusted Messenger organizations may apply. The following are not requirements, however these people or organizations are encouraged to apply: Those who have never contracted with Ramsey County before. Ethnically and culturally diverse, women-owned or veteran-owned organizations. Organizations with less than 50 employees. Organizations serving not only Ramsey County but also adjacent counties including Dakota County. For more information, visit Ramsey County.

Applications are now being accepted for the Hunger and Homeless Grant Program towards agencies serving adults, families and youth experiencing homelessness and food insecurity throughout Minnesota. Donor Name: Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The primary goal is to ensure that these providers of crisis services have the tools, equipment, and infrastructure necessary to best serve those in need. Preference is given to services for people who are currently homeless – on the street or in shelters. Funding Priorities The focus of agency services is on the front end of the continuum. For agencies serving individuals, families and youth experiencing homelessness, preference is given to services for those who are currently homeless – on the street or in shelters (Emergency or Domestic Violence Shelters). Transitional housing has lower priority than shelter. Permanent supportive housing programs are unlikely to receive funding. Hunger programs must be open and free to all in need. Geographic service boundaries are acceptable, but agencies requiring program participation, membership, purchase of food, attendance/participation in religious service, etc., as a requirement to receive food are unlikely to be funded. Infrastructure or equipment for shelters or food shelves must benefit the areas where clients are served improve access to services. Administrative areas, parking lots, etc., are unlikely to be funded. Preference is given to projects that remove barriers, increase the numbers of people served and/or improve the quality of services provided. Funding Information $7,000 Eligible Activities The primary purpose of the Hunger and Homeless Grant is to assist agencies in increasing the number of people served and/or improving the quality of services provided. This can be reflected through facility enhancements within areas directly serving those in need such as repair/replacement of HVAC, added shelter beds and increased refrigeration and storage; through activities that remove barriers for homeless youth in their educational pursuits such as program fees, transportation, and activity costs; and through the funding of hotel vouchers, street outreach supplies, and funding towards securing identification. Eligibility Criteria Agencies serving Minnesotans experiencing food and or housing insecurity as the agency’s primary function. Agencies serving children and youth (up to 24) experiencing housing insecurity in Minnesota. Agencies must have 501(c)3 status OR be recognized as tax exempt by the IRS (i.e., schools, units of government or tribal governments) OR use a fiscal agent with 501(c)3 status. Agencies must have completed the grant closure form for previously awarded grants and returned any unused funds to OYH to follow OYH grant requirements.  Agency does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, disability, age (40 or older) or genetic information (including family medical history). For more information, visit OYH.

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 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.

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 Women’s Foundation of Minnesota has launched the Innovators Program. Donor Name: Women’s Foundation of Minnesota State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota (WFM) believes in the leadership and ideas of young women and gender-expansive leaders in state. Through the Innovators program, WFM provides microgrants of $3,000 directly to young women and gender-expansive people (ages 16-24) to fuel their ideas and support their development as leaders with microgrants, cohort-based learning, and individual leadership coaching. Innovators leadership, ideas, and solutions advance key recommendations in the Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota’s (YWI MN) Blueprint for Action. Grants through the Innovators program fund projects that advance gender and racial equity and justice, led by visionary leaders who are leading within their communities from the intersections of their identities and experiences. Innovators meet as a cohort in-person for technical support and leadership development.  Focus Areas GOAL 1: Build Pathways to Economic Opportunity. GOAL 2: Improve Safety and Well-being. GOAL 3: Promote Young Women’s Leadership. Project Period The funds must be used within 12 months. Funds can be used Think creatively: How can this microgrant uniquely help move your leadership and ideas forward? How can it help you be more effective in the impact you want to make? Example projects could be executed in the following ways: Start or continue a social change initiative. Design and pursue a personal learning plan. Attend a conference and share learnings with community for impact. Organize an event for impact. Supply resources to organize people for advocacy. Research Travel as part of greater learning and share in Minnesota for impact. Participation Leadership Convenings & Coaching – WFMN will engage young women in mandatory online and/or in-person convenings for leadership development, advocacy, and building community. The convenings will give young women an opportunity to support, develop, and scale their leadership and ideas. This leadership development includes direct professional coaching to support Innovators in their grant-funded projects and to deepen their leadership for the long term. Eligibility Criteria The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota is accepting applications from eligible applicants in the state of Minnesota. Eligible candidates: Must be 16-24 years old at the date of program kickoff. Identify as a young woman and/or gender-expansive youth. The definition of a young 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. Applicants must reside in the state of Minnesota throughout the grant period. Priority given to young women and gender-expansive leaders who identify with at least one of the priority communities of the Young Women’s Initiative of Minnesota: Black/African American, African Immigrant, American Indian, Hispanic/Latina, Asian/Pacific Islander, LGBTQ+, Disabilities, Greater/Rural Minnesota. Citizenship is not required For more information, visit WFMN.

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

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.