Minnesota Private Grants

The Mid-Career Professional Development Grant, provided by Forecast, offers $5,000 to Minnesota-based artists to fund activities like residencies, conferences, travel, study, and project development, aimed at advancing their public art careers, with the grant period running from January 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to dairy farms and processing facilities in select Midwestern states to promote product development, diversification, and value-added dairy innovations.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in Douglas County, Minnesota, to support health and wellness initiatives that address the needs of residents experiencing poverty.

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.

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Partnership Grant Program is seeking applications to provide funding of $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers, aiming to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education activities related to sustainable agriculture.

The McKnight Fellowship for Ceramic Artists supports outstanding Minnesota ceramic artists who identify with any methodology—whether it be functional, sculptural, or relational—all techniques are welcome. Donor Name: Northern Clay Center State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Fellowship Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The intent of this program is to recognize and support midcareer artists living and working in Minnesota who demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence. Funding Information Two $25,000 grants will be awarded in 2024.  Fellowship support may be pursued for, but not limited to: experimenting with new techniques and materials; purchasing materials and equipment; collaborating with other artists; or pursuing education, exhibition, or travel opportunities. Eligibility Criteria Have or maintain MN residency for at least one year prior to application and for the duration of the fellowship year. Are mid-career with a body of work that demonstrates a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence. Can only apply to one McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowship in any artistic discipline within a year. Have not been a recipient of a McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowship within any artistic discipline in the last five years. Demonstrate growth and ongoing artistry since their most recent McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowship. Are not staff, board, or immediate family of the McKnight Foundation or fellowship administrative partners. Are not enrolled full-time in an academic program. For more information, visit Northern Clay Center.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Minnesota that provide essential services to individuals and families facing housing and food insecurity, helping them acquire necessary tools and infrastructure to improve their support efforts.

The Crookston Area Community Fund (CACF) invites grant applications to support charitable, educational, and public purpose projects that will enhance or improve the quality of life for residents and visitors of the Crookston area. Donor Name: Northwest Minnesota Foundation State: Minnesota City: Crookston Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 10/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $500 to $10,000 Details: Grants will be considered from any nonprofit organization or public agency whose project addresses one of the topics, which include education, economic development, healthcare, environment and recreation, and cultural and community service. Funding Information Applications of $500 to $10,000 will be considered with a total amount of $25,000 in awards planned for this grant round. For more information, visit Northwest Minnesota Foundation. Related Posts:Minnesota: Gary Area Community Fund & Joseph Urdahl…Ohio: Nelsonville Community Foundation Grant Program 2024Grants to benefit Perry County Communities in OhioSubmit Applications for Community Fund Grant Program…2025–2026 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health…Funding available for Non-profit Organizations in IowaCommunity Foundation of Jackson County Grants in Iowa2025 Nixa Community Foundation Grant Program - MissouriField of Interest Grant Program – MichiganOhio: Gallia Community Foundation Grant ProgramGrants to benefit Guernsey County Residents and…Harrison County Community Foundation Fund (Ohio)Apply now for Highland County Community Fund – OhioGrants for Nonprofit Organizations benefitting…Ohio: Jackson County Community Foundation Grant ProgramFunding available to benefit Lawrence County…Meigs County Foundation Grant Program – OhioApplications open for Monroe County Community…2024 Morgan Community Fund – OhioNoble County Community Foundation Grant Program - Ohio2024 Vinton County Community Fund – Ohio

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Research and Education (R&E) Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity offering $100,000 to $500,000 for up to 3 years to researchers, educators, and organizations exploring sustainable agriculture, with the aim of improving economic viability, environmental quality, and quality of life in the North Central Region's agricultural sector.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

The 2024-25 Giving Project Grant specifically seeks to support organizations whose work advances gender justice in Minnesota. Donor Name: Headwaters Foundation for Justice State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Giving Project is dedicated to funding Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-led, grassroots, community-based organizations across Minnesota that use community organizing as a core strategy to advance equity and justice. Areas of interest for the 2024-25 Giving Project Grant include but are not limited to: reproductive justice; bodily autonomy; queer and trans justice; gender equity; healthcare equity and access; anti-gender-based violence; and leadership development for gender-oppressed folks of color. Funding Information The organizations selected for the 2024-25 Giving Project Grant will receive unrestricted, general operating grants of $40,000 paid out over two years, $20,000 per year. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, an organization must: Be a legally incorporated entity with 501(c)(3), or, 501(c)(4) status, or have a fiscal sponsor, or be a tribal nation/tribal entity. Be based in and carry out their work in Minnesota. In addition, eligible organizations may: Be a current or past Headwaters’ grantee partner. Be new to Headwaters. Be either an emerging or established organization. For more information, visit Headwaters Foundation for Justice.

This grant provides funding for organizations in Minnesota and Wisconsin to implement impactful water quality improvement projects and promote environmental stewardship within their communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for solar energy projects that enhance energy independence and benefit low-to-moderate income communities.

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 Women’s Foundation of Minnesota Fund for Safety resources innovation to end gender-based violence, a continuum that includes sex trafficking, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. Donor Name: Women’s Foundation of Minnesota State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/20/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Fund for Safety continues and expands investment in women’s safety as it works with communities to end gender-based violence. In partnership with community leaders, the Women’s Foundation follows an ethos of listening and responding to community concerns to drive strategic, cross-sector plans and create collective impact. The focus on Safety prioritizes ending all forms of violence that affect women, girls, and gender-expansive people including sexual violence, physical violence, state and structural violence, and exploitation and abuse experienced by elders and people with disabilities. The Fund responds to community concerns and drives strategic cross-sector plans for collective impact as they eliminate barriers that create health, economic, gender, and racial inequities. WFM is committed to investing in organizations working with Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander communities, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, Greater and rural MN communities, and immigrant and refugee populations. The Fund for Safety has three priorities with anticipated outcomes listed below. As a result of listening to communities and grantee-partners, WFM invests in healing from trauma and cultivating community-centered solutions for survivors of gender-based violence, which includes sex trafficking, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse of elders and people with disabilities, as well as state and structural violence. Goals Strengthen systems and infrastructure to sustain the movement to end genderbased violence, which includes sex trafficking, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse of elders and people with disabilities, as well as state and structural violence. Build and sustain the movement for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls; missing and murdered Black women and girls; and preventing violence against Latina women to address systemic inequities and reform policies that perpetuate gender-based, state-sanctioned violence. Prevent cycles of gender-based violence with young women, men, and gender-expansive people to address misogyny, misogynoir, and toxic masculinity through education to promote healthy gender norms and relationships. Grant Amount Grant is a one-year investment of $20,000 in general operating support. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofit tax-exempt organizations and schools that are based in Minnesota and operate programs in Minnesota. Unincorporated organizations with a tax-exempt fiscal sponsor. American Indian Nations. Funding Criteria Programs located in Minnesota Programs are specific to benefit Minnesota women, girls, and gender-expansive people and/or organizations serving at least 50 to 75 percent of women, girls, and gender-expansive people. The definition of a 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. Organizations demonstrate the ability to work in partnership with other organizations Programs are driving innovative solutions that advance gender and racial equity and justice by increasing access to safety. For more information, visit WFMN.

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.

Grant Name: Community Response Grant (Minnesota) Offered by: United Way of Bemidji Area Focus Areas: 1. Education: Supporting the achievement of full potential for children, youth, and adults. 2. Basic Needs/Income: Promoting financial stability, increasing self-sufficiency, and providing basic needs/crisis emergency services. 3. Health: Improving people's health and social well-being. Requirements: - Services supported by United Way funds must be clearly defined. - Impact of the services must be documented by the receiving organization.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Good Relatives Collaborative Grant Program. Donor Name: Good Relatives Collaborative State: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grant Amounts/Stages Exploring. This grant is for Native-led and Native-serving groups, collaboratives, or organizations who are not necessarily organized as a non-profit yet but are considering it and/or are doing the work in the community already. This is for new organizations that do not have much experience writing or managing grants yet and have an annual operating budget from $0-$25,000. The exploring grant is for those who may not already have a fiscal agent and may not have started the formal process to become a 501(c)3. The amount you can request is up to $20,000. Emerging. This grant is for new or currently-applying Native-led and Native-serving 501(c)3 organizations. This is for small organizations with annual operating budgets between $25,000-$75,000 and who may already work with a fiscal agent. This grant is for those who may already have and manage a small number of grants but need more experience with the grant process. The amount you can request is up to $40,000. Growing. This grant is for emerging Native-led and Native-serving 501(c)3 organizations with a track record of receiving grants and an annual budget of $75,000-$200,000. This is for organizations that have experience writing and managing smaller grants but have limited experience with larger grants. This is for organizations that may need guidance and assistance in managing and reporting and/or other phases but can also provide guidance for younger organizations in writing or accessing grants. The amount you can request is up to $50,000. Maturing. This grant is for mature Native-led and Native-serving 501(c)3 organizations with annual operating budgets from $200,000-$500,000. This is for experienced 501(c)3 organizations with track records of managing foundation, state, and federal grants. This is for those who have experience accessing, writing, and managing smaller grants and can provide guidance for younger organizations in all phases and aspects of grant writing, reporting, and management. The amount you can request is up to $60,000. Grant Eligibility The following are eligible for grant funding: Native-led, Native-serving organizations with operating budgets under $500,000. Organizations, community collaborators, and nonprofits with a 501(C)(3) public charity or a fiscal sponsor. Organizations must be serving Native communities in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota or one of the 23 Native nations that share the same geography GRC’s definition of a Native-led organization is that at least 60% of its board members are Native, and its senior leadership/ED is Native. If you are not a nonprofit organization yet, you will need to both identify a fiscal sponsor and procure a fiscal sponsor agreement. Please reach out to the Good Relatives Collaborative for fiscal sponsorship assistance as needed. The following are ineligible for grant funding: Organizations with operating budgets over $500,000 Individuals Pow-wows Tribal enterprises Requests for projects that support beneficiaries outside of our three-State region Religious programs for the purpose of religious education or proselytizing Sporting teams and events Servicing or paying off previously incurred debt or expenses Bringing programs and/or buildings in government compliance. For more information, visit Good Relatives Collaborative.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Minnesota that are dedicated to improving services and resources for individuals and families facing homelessness and food insecurity.