Minnesota Private Grants

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.

This funding opportunity supports local nonprofits, schools, and government entities in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, to implement projects that foster community connections, inclusivity, and long-term positive change.

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

The Community Foundation of Grand Forks is currently accepting applications for its Women’s Fund Grant Program to provide ideas, energy, and resources so that girls and women are empowered to achieve economic, social, and political equity. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Grand Forks East Grand Forks & Region State: Minnesota, North Dakota County: Grand Forks County (ND), Polk County (MN), Walsh County (ND) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The vision of the Women’s Fund is to: raise awareness of challenges, concerns, and opportunities facing girls and women today support opportunities that build leadership skills and confidence among girls and women encourage women to become philanthropists. Funding Information ​​​ ​Grants are ​typically awarded in the $5,000 range. ​Grant Period  October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025,​. Eligibility Criteria  Grant applicants must fulfill the following criteria: Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with tax exempt status or be fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit with such tax exempt status. Or be a public entity, such as a library or school, or a unit of government. Have principal operations in Grand Forks, Walsh, or Polk County, unless prior approval received. Be current with all reports if a prior Community Foundation grant recipient. Demonstrate general fiscal responsibility and agree to use the funds in a manner consistent with the grant application. Have a Board of Directors that meets on a regular basis. ​​Submit a complete and accurate application, providing all requested information, by the stated deadline. ​For more information, visit Community Foundation of Grand Forks.

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.

The Initiative Foundation provides grants to nonprofits and local government units for program or capacity-building support; projects that advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and strategies to address workforce shortages. Donor Name: Initiative Foundation State: Minnesota County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Proposals that focus on at least one of the following areas will be given priority consideration: Capacity-building support for nonprofits, with priority to those addressing urgent needs and/or the needs of low-income communities. This includes support for business planning, fund development, training, or pilot programming. Cost share for projects intended to create behavioral change associated with advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. Advancement of community-based strategies to address regional workforce shortages in sectors which lead to family-sustaining wages. Support for local and regional community and economic development entities advancing early-stage feasibility or pilot projects. Funding Information Grants seldom exceed $7,500 and are not intended to provide ongoing support. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or local units of government that serve Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, and/or Wright counties, and/or the Native nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe within the boundaries of the 14-county region served by the Initiative Foundation. Ineligible Expenses  Funding requests from outside the Initiative Foundation’s geographic service area will not be considered. Individuals are not eligible to apply for grant funding. The following expenses are ineligible and will NOT be considered for funding: Grants or reimbursements to individuals and businesses. Expenses incurred prior to the receipt of a grant award. Capital expenses (e.g., buildings, equipment, vehicles, etc.). Programs or projects that DO NOT directly benefit residents in the Initiative Foundation’s 14-county service area. Replacement of or substitution for government funding. Religious activities. Lobbying or campaigning for a candidate, issue or referendum vote. Development or purchase of school curriculum or support for school athletic programs. Out-of-state travel. Healthcare, arts and historic preservation are not focus areas for the Initiative Foundation’s discretionary grants. Potential applicants are encouraged to speak with staff before beginning an application associated with one of these areas. For more information, visit Initiative Foundation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to eligible nonprofit organizations in northeast Minnesota for programs and projects that promote literacy, children's health, mental health services, and capital improvements for hospitals and clinics.

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

This funding opportunity provides financial support for large-scale public art projects in southwest Minnesota, aimed at organizations, cities, and tribal governments that will create a lasting arts legacy in the region.

The Aegon Transamerica Foundation Grant Program aims to support youth and families in the communities where it operates by investing in charitable organizations. The foundation provides grant funding to non-profit organizations in the categories of Arts & Culture, Civic & Community, Education & Literacy, Health & Welfare, and United Way initiatives. Additionally, a special fund may be established for employee donations, often matched dollar-for-dollar, and provided to an organization assisting in disaster relief efforts.

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

This program provides financial support to artists and culture bearers in specific Minnesota counties to help them enhance their creative development and pursue artistic opportunities.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

The Food Recovery Grant supports programs that recover surplus, edible food from businesses, organizations and/or farmer’s markets for distribution to people in need. Donor Name: BizRecycling State: Minnesota County: Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Recovery Grants are open to businesses (food donors, including food producers, distributors, grocers and cafeterias), nonprofit organizations and college food shelves in Ramsey and Washington counties. Funding Information Grant awards are up to $20,000. Uses of funds  Food Recovery & Donation Materials for food recovery activities, including collection materials (buckets, boxes, bags, etc.) and food mobility equipment (carts, pallets, etc.). Storage costs, including rental and/or equipment purchase. Transportation costs, including vehicle rental. Limited staffing costs related to food recovery/gleaning work. Infrastructure and equipment for use in food recovery and donation efforts. Education & Engagement Staff recycling training (one hour wage per employee). Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must meet the following criteria: Eligible businesses include: Businesses (food donors) Food producers Distributors Grocers Cafeterias Food shelves and banks Colleges (donation and food shelves) Farmers markets Be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State and the Minnesota Department of Revenue at time of application. All food recovery associated with this grant must take place in Ramsey or Washington counties of Minnesota. For more information, visit BizRecycling.

PRISM (Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities) grants support rural LGBTQ+ organizations from across PFund’s five-state service area. Donor Name: PFund Foundation State: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The PRISM program works to increase the capacity and connection of rural LGBTQ+ serving organizations through grants, trainings and cohort collaboration. PFund Foundation is awarding its second round of funding LGBTQ+ leaders and organizations from across rural Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, Wisconsin, and the Native Nations therein. Known as PRISM (Promoting Rural Interconnections for Sexual Minorities), the program creates networks for LGBTQ+ organizations and groups to share resources, learn as a community, and respond to the unique set of issues and challenges facing queer people in small towns and rural areas in the upper Midwest. Funding Information The size of the grants will range between $10,000 and $20,000. Grant Period The grant period will be for 12 months. Eligibility Criteria To apply for a PRISM grant, organizations must meet the following qualifications: Primarily serve LGBTQIA2S+ populations in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and/or the Native Nations therein. Been in operation at least 1-year as of September 1st. Organizations must be based in a rural community or serve rural populations (defined as small and mid-sized towns under 50,000 people). Registered as 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the IRS. Informal groups with a nonprofit organization serving as a fiscal sponsor are also eligible to apply. Have a senior organizational representative able to participate in monthly, virtual cohort meetings. An informational webinar was held on August 6th at 10 am central. Use this link to access a recording. For more information, visit PFund Foundation.

The LifeCare Health Care Fund Grants provides financial support for charitable, educational and health care related activities, projects and services benefiting residents and visitors of Roseau County. Donor Name: Northwest Minnesota Foundation State: Minnesota County: Roseau County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The fund includes a general endowment fund as well as several sub-funds that support specific purposes, such as cancer care, diabetes and dialysis care, updating and replacing medical equipment, hospice projects, and financial assistance for individuals and families that have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or child. Funding Information Grant more than $175,000. Grant Proposal Guidelines The LifeCare Health Care Fund will consider grant requests from nonprofit organizations for monies from the following funds: General Endowment – The purpose of this fund is to provide financial support for health care, wellness, and senior living related charitable and educational activities, projects or services benefiting residents and visitors to the LifeCare Medical Center service area.        Roseau Eagles Auxiliary Diabetes and Dialysis – The purpose of this fund is to provide direct financial support for equipment, training, patient support or other related purposes for diabetic and dialysis needs in Roseau County. Think Pink Breast Cancer  – The purpose of this fund is to provide financial support for patient transportation, education, equipment, and activities related to breast cancer programs within the communities served by LifeCare Medical Center.  Roseau County Cancer – The purpose of this fund is to provide funding for projects, programs, equipment, and services necessary to meet the needs of the community as they relate to cancer care and support of individuals being treated for cancer at Lifecare Medical Center or that reside in Lifecare’s service area. Selection Criteria  Selection Criteria will focus on: How the project/program fits within the mission of LifeCare Health Care Funds, as well as the purpose of the fund being accessed. The scope of the project/program. The number of participants served, number of communities served and number of organizations served. For more information, visit Northwest Minnesota Foundation.

This funding opportunity supports K-12 schools in nine Minnesota counties to collaborate with professional artists on various arts projects, promoting access to the arts for historically marginalized communities.

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation seeks to make grants that will support health and wellness in the Alexandria area – especially for the health needs of people in poverty. 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: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Support Strategies: Operations New or expanded programs/projects. Focus Areas Health: Provide health education to the public to prevent disease Support food nutrition or nutrition education Help people living in isolation to build social connections. 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 Are highly visible and have the potential to inspire additional investment in the community Projects/Programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion. Funding Information Funding Amount Range: $2,500-$5,000. Geographic Area Grants must serve the residents within Douglas County. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible organizations: 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations Schools Government entities. For more information, visit AACF.

The Individual Artist Equity program provides up to $3,000 to individual artists who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, People with Disabilities, and/or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual/Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2+). Donor Name: Arrowhead Regional Arts Council State: Minnesota County: Aitkin County (MN), Carlton County (MN), Cook County (MN), Itasca County (MN), Koochiching County (MN), Lake County (MN), Saint Louis County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The funding is designed to allow you to carry out a well-planned project that will allow you to grow as an artist or to take advantage of an impending opportunity. Grants can be fund Art supplies such as canvas, paints, fabrics, clay, etc. Educational opportunities that advance your creative practice or career. Labor such as services of other artists, babysitters, or paid time off from work to create art. Equipment or technology purchases are allowed but must be integral to the artistic project proposed and must be less than 25% of the total request. An approved project must begin within six months. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible to apply for this program, you must be: At least eighteen years old and not enrolled in an arts-related degree program. A U.S. citizen, or have permanent resident status. Have permanent residence(taxes/voting) in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, or St.Louis County or of the four Tribal Nations within region: BoisForte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, or Leech Lake(within Itasca County)for at least six months. A resident of the region for the duration of the project. If you have no outstanding or overdue final reports from past funding. Both artists and arts organizations may apply only once per grant round, and cannot receive funding from the same grant program twice in a fiscal year. For more information, visit ARAC.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.