Minnesota Private Grants

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 Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

Our grantees work to build on the entrepreneurial spirit, strong community ties, and untapped potential within Native nations, communities of color, rural communities, and other resilient communities who have fewer opportunities to thrive on their own terms. We envision strong, vibrant communities where people are connected to good jobs and have the financial capability to build their assets and provide a secure future for their families and communities. A Need to Close the Opportunity Gaps Our economic system doesn’t work for everyone. It widens income and opportunity gaps, restrains economic mobility, and traps people and communities in a cycle of poverty and injustice. A disproportionate number of Native Americans, people of color, refugees, immigrants, and rural Americans are living in crisis—or just a paycheck away from it. Nationally, six in 10 families of color don’t have the cash on hand to cover basic expenses—like rent, medical emergencies, or the need to fix a car—for three months.

The Medica Foundation's Rural Health Grants program aims to fund nonprofit, community-led solutions addressing health needs and social determinants of health in rural Minnesota. This aligns with the Foundation's mission to support the well-being of communities, particularly by focusing on localized efforts in areas outside the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. The strategic priority here is to empower grassroots initiatives where fundraising is conducted solely at the local level, fostering self-sufficiency and direct community impact. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries within rural communities, including 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, and veterans. The impact goals are to improve health outcomes and address social determinants of health for these specific vulnerable populations. By focusing on these groups, the Foundation seeks to create a more equitable and healthier environment for those who often face greater challenges in accessing healthcare and support services in rural settings. The grant program prioritizes funding across several critical 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, and transportation. These focus areas reflect a comprehensive approach to health and well-being, acknowledging the interconnectedness of various factors that contribute to a healthy life. The Foundation's theory of change appears to be that by supporting these specific interventions, it can create a ripple effect of positive change within rural communities, improving overall public health. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes are a reduction in health disparities and an increase in access to essential services for rural populations. The individual grants, awarded up to $10,000, are intended to provide vital support for organizations working towards these goals. The eligibility criteria emphasize local presence and local fundraising, reinforcing the Foundation's strategic priority of empowering genuine community-led solutions and ensuring that the funding directly benefits the regions it intends to serve.

This funding opportunity supports small, local news organizations in Minnesota that focus on original reporting for underserved communities, aiming to improve media representation and civic engagement.

The Forecast Public Art’s Midwest Memory Grant, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, is open to non-profit organizations in rural Midwest communities, aiming to elevate and preserve the stories of BIPOC communities through monuments, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and advancing racial justice.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities metro area that focus on improving health, economic stability, shelter, safety, and education for adult women.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska that focus on improving financial literacy and employment readiness to help individuals achieve financial stability.

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 funding opportunity supports local governments, Tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations in Central Minnesota to develop innovative projects that enhance workforce housing and attract and retain workers.

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 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 Art Project grant program, administered by the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (SMAC), aims to foster and support artistic creation, performance, and appreciation within its designated region. This program directly aligns with SMAC's mission to stimulate and encourage the arts by providing financial resources to eligible nonprofit organizations. The grant, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, specifically targets arts-related initiatives that enrich the cultural landscape of Southwest Minnesota, with individual project funding capped at $7,000. The primary beneficiaries of this program are nonprofit organizations, 501(c)(3) entities, and official units of city, county, or state government within the 18 counties and two tribal nations of the SW MN Arts Council service region. Public schools are also eligible for community projects. The program allows for fiscal sponsorship, enabling emerging or smaller organizations without formal nonprofit status to apply. The impact goal is to enhance community engagement with the arts, support local artists, and make artistic experiences accessible to residents of all ages. The program's priorities and focuses are broad, encompassing various art forms. Eligible projects include music, dance, and theater productions, visual art exhibits, author readings, arts classes for community members (excluding school-based projects), public art installations, and arts festivals. This wide scope reflects a commitment to a diverse and inclusive artistic environment, catering to different interests and forms of expression. The grant period for projects is from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and variety of art projects available to the community, greater participation in artistic activities, and the continued development of local artistic talent. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "stimulating and encouraging" the arts suggests that success would be measured by the vibrancy and accessibility of the arts in the region, as well as the organizational health and capacity of the grantee organizations. The grant duration of one year allows for focused project implementation and assessment within a defined timeframe.

The Forecast's 2025 Early Career Project Grant, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, invites Minnesota-based artists to apply for funding to support the creation of a temporary or permanent public artwork anywhere in the state, with the grant-funded period running from January 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Northwest Minnesota to strengthen their leadership and operational capacity through training and development initiatives.

The Minneapolis Foundation, in partnership with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, is offering grants between $1000 and $10,000 to Minnesota K-12 educators for the development and implementation of resources, curriculum, and activities that accurately teach Native content and support Native students, with a total of $150,000 available for the 2024-2025 school year.

The East Central Regional Arts Council is offering the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund Legacy Grant Program, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, for arts projects sponsored by eligible groups, organizations, nonprofits, and units of government in the Region 7E service area of Minnesota, supporting a variety of arts projects including performances, exhibitions, residencies, workshops, public art projects, and art equipment.

The Arts and Cultural Heritage (ACH) program, funded by the Arts and Culture Heritage Fund through the Minnesota State Legislature's Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, provides critical financial support to arts organizations. This initiative aligns with the foundation's mission to support the arts and preserve heritage, reflecting a commitment to fostering artistic creation, performance, and cultural activities within local communities. The program aims to ensure a vibrant cultural landscape across the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council region. The target beneficiaries of the ACH program include arts organizations actively involved in creating art, producing artistic performances, or sponsoring quality arts activities. Eligibility extends to non-profit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) arts organizations, non-profit community groups, schools (K-12, public or private non-parochial), public organizations, and units of government within the nine-county service area. The program specifically encourages outreach to historically marginalized and underserved groups such as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), People with Disabilities, LGBTQ+, and Senior Citizens, reinforcing a commitment to equitable, diverse, and inclusive access to the arts. The program prioritizes a broad range of artistic disciplines, including dance, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual art, and folk and traditional art. Activities eligible for funding include art and music festivals, community choirs, dance performances, literary readings, concerts, public art projects, theater productions, and visual art classes and exhibitions. Grants can be used for ongoing programs, in-person or virtual activities, and to enhance existing events or offer new ones. The three main types of grants—ACH Arts Project Grant, ACH Arts and Music Festival Grant, and ACH Arts Education Grant—each have specific focuses, with the Arts Education grant specifically fostering educational partnerships between artists, arts organizations, and schools. Expected outcomes include an increase in high-quality arts programming and performances within the region, enhanced access to the arts for diverse audiences, and strengthened educational opportunities through arts integration in schools. Measurable results for the Arts Project Grant include improved artistic capabilities of organizations through equipment purchases, while the Arts and Music Festival Grant aims for celebrations with a significant focus on Minnesota artists, diverse activities, and broad audience participation. The Arts Education Grant focuses on enhancing school arts curriculum through artist residencies, performances, workshops, and field trips. All projects are expected to be completed within a one-year grant duration. The foundation's strategic priorities, as reflected by the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, center on creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community through the arts. Their theory of change posits that by countering systemic inequities and providing financial support to a wide array of arts activities and organizations, they can ensure that individuals and communities, regardless of race, gender, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, class, age, or geography, have access to the transformative power of the arts. This holistic approach aims to enrich the cultural fabric and overall well-being of the Minnesota communities they serve.

This grant provides funding for innovative community-based projects that promote joy as a vital element of social justice for Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and AMEMSA communities in the Upper Midwest.

The Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) is implementing new grantmaking approaches to effectively invest in people, places, and opportunities in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. The new model includes Strategic Grants and Community Responsive Fund grants. Strategic Grants are awarded directly by OBT to organizations with at least $500,000 in expenses from the previous year, aligning with OBT's objectives. Community Responsive Fund grants are managed by intermediary partners, focusing on organizations with less than $500,000 in expenses.