Minnesota Grants

The "2024 Workplace Safety Grants for Health Care Entities" program is designed to enhance safety in healthcare environments through grants supporting projects focused on training staff in de-escalation and positive support services and increasing safety measures. Authorized by 2023 Session Law, Chapter 70, Article 4, Section 109, it aims for long-term improvements in safety and stability for both staff and patients. The program will distribute funds competitively, with anticipated multiple funding cycles depending on fund availability. The total program funding allocated is $4,400,000, with this cycle's estimated amount at $1,500,000 aimed to support around 30 awards.

This grant option, part of the Minnesota Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant Program, aims to support early-stage research into innovative treatments and rehabilitative techniques for spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. The Tier 1 Pilot Project Grant does not require preliminary data but encourages it, reflecting early investment as researchers prepare to seek larger grants. The funding amount can reach up to $125,000 for a project duration of two years with an additional one-year no-cost extension.

The Sexual Violence Prevention Grant Program in Minnesota, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Rape Prevention and Education program, aims to prevent sexual violence by enhancing health equity and addressing social determinants of health. The program supports activities in three priority areas: strengthening economic supports for families, creating protective environments, and promoting social norms that protect against violence. The program emphasizes interventions that prevent violence through community and societal level changes and prioritizes projects that address systemic inequalities and promote health equity.

The Cultural STAR Capital Project program offers grants to acquire or upgrade physical assets like buildings and equipment. These activities must demonstrate the potential for significant or long-term impact, and the expenditures must be depreciable. The program's core mission aligns with promoting cultural vitality and economic growth, particularly within Saint Paul's downtown Cultural District, by strengthening its arts and culture community. The target beneficiaries of the Cultural STAR fund are primarily nonprofit arts and cultural organizations located within the City of Saint Paul. For-profit businesses located in the Cultural District are also eligible for projects that enhance visitor enjoyment. The program aims to build and diversify audiences, promote a broad range of cultural offerings, produce a long-term impact, and leverage additional financial support. The expected outcomes include attracting audiences, developing and improving cultural facilities, and building the capacity of artists and cultural organizations. The program's geographic focus prioritizes the Cultural District, with at least 80% of funds allocated to nonprofit organizations within this area. The remaining 20% can go to for-profit businesses in the Cultural District for visitor enhancement projects or nonprofit organizations in Saint Paul but outside the Cultural District. The Cultural District is specifically defined 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. The Cultural STAR program offers various funding types: Special Projects Grant, Organizational Development Grant, or Capital Project Grant. Applicants can apply for only one type per funding round, and grants can generally be received once per calendar year. However, Saint Paul-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations outside the Cultural District may apply twice per round and receive funding up to two times per calendar year. The minimum grant request is $5,000, with estimated available funding in 2024 being $796,366 for the Cultural District and $199,091 for outside the Cultural District and for-profit businesses. The project period for successful applications is from August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2026.

The City of St. Petersburg is offering Social Action Funding grants of up to $100,000 to social service agencies providing homeless services and/or homeless prevention services. This grant program aims to offer financial support for initiatives that positively influence the lives of homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness within the city. The program aligns with a broader mission to advance the health, economic, or social well-being of persons in need. The target beneficiaries include a wide range of vulnerable populations. Priority is given to agencies serving families with children (ages 0-5 and 6-17 years), elderly individuals over 62, unaccompanied youth, youth aging out of foster care, chronically homeless individuals (as defined by HUD), veterans, and victims of domestic violence. The overarching impact goal is to reduce and prevent homelessness in St. Petersburg by supporting comprehensive social service programs. The program prioritizes agencies that utilize a "housing first" and low-barrier approach. Specific critical services, such as storage units for personal items, call centers for homelessness prevention and assistance, and discretionary funds for street outreach, are also encouraged, allowing agencies to submit additional applications for these services. While there are no bonus points for matching funds or sole source proposals, all agencies are required to enter client data into the Pinellas Homeless Management Information System, with domestic violence providers being the sole exception. Expected outcomes include improved well-being for residents who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals and families served, successful housing placements, and the overall impact on reducing homelessness within the city. The grant period for projects is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, allowing for a one-year duration of funded services. This strategic approach emphasizes direct intervention and support for those most in need, with a clear focus on actionable and impactful services.

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.

The Organizational Development program, funded by the City of Saint Paul through its Cultural STAR fund, provides grants for projects aimed at strengthening the management, administration, or operations of recipient organizations. This program aligns with the broader mission of the Cultural STAR fund, which is to promote cultural vitality and economic growth, particularly in the downtown Cultural District, by strengthening the arts and culture community. The intent is to challenge organizations, infuse new thinking, develop new systems, or strengthen existing systems to foster growth and development, thereby contributing to the overall cultural and economic health of Saint Paul. The target beneficiaries of this program are primarily nonprofit arts and cultural organizations located within the City of Saint Paul, with a significant focus on those within the Cultural District of downtown Saint Paul. Informal or unincorporated arts-focused groups, individuals, and one-time arts projects can also apply if associated with an eligible nonprofit and serving as a fiscal and contract sponsor. Additionally, businesses in the Cultural District may apply for projects that enhance visitor enjoyment, and City departments or divisions are eligible when partnered with an eligible organization. The program explicitly excludes churches, religious organizations, political groups, and federal, state, and county agencies. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around several key areas. Cultural STAR dollars are intended to build and diversify audiences, promote a broad range of cultural offerings, produce long-term impact, and leverage additional financial support. Specifically, the grants aim to attract audiences, develop and improve cultural facilities, and build the capacity of artists and cultural organizations. A geographic focus is maintained, with at least 80% of funds allocated to nonprofit organizations within the Cultural District, and the remaining 20% to businesses in the Cultural District or nonprofits located in Saint Paul but outside the Cultural District. Expected outcomes and measurable results include projects that advance the mission of the recipient group and have the potential for significant or long-term impact. The program anticipates strengthened management, administration, or operations within grantee organizations, leading to enhanced cultural vitality and economic growth within the city. While specific quantitative metrics for "significant or long-term impact" are not explicitly detailed beyond the general aims, the emphasis on audience development, facility improvement, and capacity building suggests an increase in public engagement with arts and culture, improved infrastructure for cultural activities, and a more robust and sustainable arts community. The grant size of $1,000 to $10,000, with a minimum request of $5,000, indicates a focus on projects that can achieve these outcomes within a one-year grant duration.

On March 26, the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Northland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) jointly announced the launch of a Promise Act grant opportunity tailored for business owners in northeastern Minnesota. Pat Campanaro, serving as the Cook County consultant for the Northland SBDC, expressed her pride and happiness regarding the collaboration between the EDA and SBDC. The competitive Promise Act grant initiative, sanctioned during the 2023 legislative session, aims to extend assistance to businesses and communities grappling with economic adversity induced by the pandemic. The Northland SBDC has allocated $1.1 million in grants for eligible small businesses and certain nonprofits in northeast Minnesota. The grant application criteria for businesses are delineated as follows: Grants are accessible to currently operating businesses with gross annual revenues ranging from $10,000 to $750,000, as substantiated by their 2021 and 2022 tax returns or Forms 990. Grant amounts will be determined based on 2022 revenues, with the following tiers: Revenues of at least $10,000 but not exceeding $100,000 may qualify for a $10,000 grant. Revenues ranging from at least $100,000 to $350,000 may merit a $25,000 grant. Revenues between $350,000 and $750,000 may be eligible for a $50,000 grant. Preference will be given to applicants who did not receive substantial COVID-19 relief funding exceeding $10,000 from the State of Minnesota. Additionally, according to the Northland Foundation, nonprofit organizations may apply, provided they derive 30 percent or more of their revenue through non-tax-deductible sales or dues in a fee-for-service model. Grant applications opened on March 26 and will be accepted until May 21. The application form for the Promise Act grant program can be accessed through the provided link. To facilitate the application process and address queries, Campanaro and Theresa Bajda, the executive director of the EDA, announced weekly open office hours at the EDA office in Grand Marais, located at 425 W Hwy 61, Suite B. Bajda mentioned the availability of morning, afternoon, and evening sessions to accommodate diverse schedules. Interested individuals can find the scheduled office hours by contacting 218-387-3112 or reaching out to Campanaro via email at [email protected]. Campanaro emphasized their shared goal of fostering economic opportunity in Cook County and expressed satisfaction in collaborating with Bajda to advance this objective and inform businesses about available services that can positively impact their opportunities for growth. WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins conducted an interview with Pat Campanaro, the Cook County Northland SBDC consultant, and Theresa Bajda, the executive director of the EDA, discussing the Promise Act grant opportunity. The audio recording of the interview is accessible below.

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 grant provides funding to U.S.-based non-profit organizations to support projects that promote Japanese arts and culture, particularly in areas with limited access to such events.

The Patricia Ann Emberg Charitable Trust offers grants to tax-exempt, nonprofit, and governmental vocational, technical, and trade school programs situated in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. The foundation's mission is aligned with workforce development, specifically targeting the enhancement of skills and opportunities in prominent regional industries. Through these grants, the Trust aims to strengthen educational infrastructures that prepare individuals for successful careers in critical sectors, thereby contributing to the economic vitality of the specified regions. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are vocational, technical, and trade schools in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, along with the students who enroll in their programs. The impact goal is to create a skilled workforce that meets the demands of regional industries. By supporting these educational institutions, the Trust seeks to foster a pipeline of qualified candidates, addressing labor shortages and promoting economic stability within the community. The grants are designed to support programs that directly contribute to the employability of graduates in high-demand fields. A key priority for the Patricia Ann Emberg Charitable Trust is to give preference to programs of study that have the potential to provide qualified candidates for the workforce in prominent regional industries. Specifically, the Trust highlights areas such as forestry and aircraft maintenance, indicating a strategic focus on sectors vital to the local economy. This targeted approach ensures that the grant funding directly addresses specific industry needs and contributes to the growth and sustainability of these critical sectors. The expected outcomes of the grant program include an increased number of graduates equipped with the necessary skills for prominent regional industries, a more robust local workforce, and ultimately, enhanced economic development in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on workforce readiness in key industries suggests that success would be measured by job placement rates in these fields and the overall positive impact on regional employment statistics. The Trust's strategic priority is to invest in education that directly translates into employment opportunities, reflecting a theory of change where targeted vocational training leads to improved economic well-being for individuals and communities.

The Art Project program, administered by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC), offers funding of up to $5,000 to support meaningful arts activities that benefit the communities served by eligible organizations. This grant is designed to foster artistic creation, performance, exhibition, and publication, as well as the presentation of arts events through collaborations with other organizations or individuals. While the broader mission of ARAC isn't explicitly 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, tax-exempt organizations, accredited schools, tribal governments, and units of government. Crucially, these organizations must be primarily based in specific counties within 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 (within Itasca County). All Duluth organizations are eligible regardless of budget size, while those outside Duluth with prior year arts operating expenses of $40,000 or more are eligible. 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 cannot receive funding from the same program twice in a fiscal year. The program prioritizes activities that directly involve the creation, performance, exhibition, or publication of artistic works. Funds can cover a range of expenses, including art supplies, volunteer and administrative costs, advertising, marketing, and other promotional materials. Equipment or technology purchases are permitted 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. The expected outcomes and measurable results, though 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 of $25,000 per organization per fiscal year across all ARAC programs, 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.

The Individual Artist Equity program, provided by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, offers grants of up to $3,000 to individual artists. This funding is specifically designed to support artists who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, People with Disabilities, and/or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual/Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2+). The program aims to foster the growth and development of these artists by allowing them to undertake well-planned projects or seize impending opportunities that further their artistic practice or career. The target beneficiaries are individual artists from the specified underrepresented groups residing in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, or St. Louis County in Minnesota, or one of the four Tribal Nations within the region (BoisForte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, or Leech Lake within Itasca County). The impact goal is to empower these artists, providing them with the financial resources necessary to pursue creative endeavors and professional development. This aligns with a strategic priority to promote equity and inclusion within the arts community by directly supporting artists who may face systemic barriers. The program prioritizes activities that directly advance an artist's creative practice or career. This includes funding for art supplies, educational opportunities, and labor, such as services from other artists, babysitters, or paid time off for art creation. Equipment or technology purchases are also allowed, provided they are integral to the artistic project and constitute less than 25% of the total request. This focus indicates a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to enhanced artistic output, skill development, and career advancement for underrepresented artists. Expected outcomes include artists successfully completing projects that contribute to their growth, taking advantage of professional opportunities, and producing new works or developing new skills. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond project completion, the program's structure suggests an emphasis on the individual artist's development and the successful execution of their proposed artistic projects. The requirement for projects to begin within six months of approval also implies a focus on timely and impactful engagement with the grant funds.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to universities in specific states and territories to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering, aligning with the needs of the Department of Defense.

This program provides funding to universities in eligible states to enhance their research capabilities in science and engineering that support the needs of the Department of Defense.

The Office of Adult Career Pathways, part of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, is offering grants to eligible small businesses in Minnesota to support Diversity and Inclusion training. This initiative aims to enhance these businesses' abilities to attract, hire, and retain people of color across various roles. The program emphasizes equity, innovation, and performance in its awarding criteria, focusing on training participants facing significant employment barriers, fostering an inclusive skilled workforce, and implementing innovative solutions to workforce challenges. Grants are available up to $1,425,000 each state fiscal year, with a maximum of $30,000 available per business for the biennium, limited to one award per biennium. Applications are accepted on a continual basis until funds are depleted, with no awards exceeding $1,425,000 before July 1, 2024.

The Office of Adult Career Pathways, within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, is calling for applications from eligible Minnesota community-based organizations. The purpose is to enhance their capacity to provide workforce services and training to historically underserved communities of color or low-income communities. The grant aims to address the needs of areas with historical high unemployment rates, low academic achievement, and median income below the family sustainable wage. Eligible use of funds includes covering the costs of workforce program delivery staff, infrastructure, and the development of service models. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are allocated, with no more than $4,750,000 to be awarded before July 1, 2024.

The Minnesota State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Program, overseen by the Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, invites eligible Minnesota-based small businesses to apply for funding aimed at facilitating export development activities. This initiative is designed to support businesses either embarking on exporting or looking to expand their exports from Minnesota. With a fund of approximately $200,000 available for the program year ending on June 30, 2022, the STEP program offers financial and technical assistance to qualified applicants. The grant mandates a 50% matching fund from recipients, capped at $7,500. Applications are evaluated competitively upon receipt, with a recommendation for early submission to ensure timely review, especially for activities involving travel. Rolling (applications accepted until funds are fully allocated)

The Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program and the Low-Density Population Pilot Program, established by the Minnesota legislature in 2014 and continued in 2023, are aimed at promoting broadband infrastructure expansion in Minnesota's unserved or underserved areas. Managed by the State of Minnesota, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), these programs provide grants to assist broadband providers with the costs of infrastructure installation. The 2024 grant application cycle, announced by DEED, will open on March 12, 2024, with an application deadline of May 10, 2024. Applicants must register and submit applications via DEED’s Grants Management System, following the detailed instructions on DEED's website. The announcement of awards is anticipated in Summer 2024, with project completion required by December 31, 2026. DEED also hosts an information webinar to guide applicants through the application process.