Minnesota Private Grants

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.

The Art Project program provides funding of up to $5,000 to support relevant, meaningful arts activities with value to the community your organization serves. 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: Support may be used to create, perform, exhibit, or publish artistic works; or to present arts events by contracting the services of other organizations or individuals. Grants can be fund Art supplies such as canvas, paints, fabrics, clay, etc. Funds to pay volunteer and administrative costs associated with your project. Advertising, marketing, and other promotional materials. 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 State-registered and federally recognized non-profit, tax-exempt organizations Accredited schools Tribal governments Units of government Your organization must be primarily based (permanent address) in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, or St. Louis County (outside Duluth) or of the four Tribal Nations within region: Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, or Leech Lake (within Itasca County) for at least six months. All Duluth organizations are eligible regardless of budget size. Organizations outside of Duluth with minimum prior year arts operating expenses of $40,000 are eligible to apply to this program. Smaller groups outside of Duluth are eligible to apply to Rural & Community Art Project program. 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. In a single ARAC fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), an organization can receive grant funding of up to $25,000 total from applications reviewed in all eligible programs. For more information, visit ARAC.

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.

The Backyard Giving Grants initiative is designed to support organizations in the vicinity of CHS headquarters, which is located in the Twin Cities. This program aims to foster community unity, enhance agricultural education for the younger generation, and facilitate access to healthy food and stable housing for residents of the Twin Cities. Eligible organizations may receive up to $5,000 for hosting events that align with these objectives. The focus is on projects that offer basic needs services, promote agricultural education, and encourage community engagement. Grant renewed every year. Annual Fall opening/ closing deadline: October 1st to November 30th.

This program provides financial and technical assistance to businesses in Ramsey and Washington counties to reduce harmful pollutants and improve environmental health, with a focus on supporting minority-owned businesses and those in pollution-vulnerable areas.

This funding opportunity provides up to $10,000 to schools, businesses, and nonprofits in Ramsey and Washington counties, Minnesota, to enhance recycling and organic waste collection efforts over an 18-month period.

This grant provides expedited funding for small arts-related projects and planning initiatives to nonprofit organizations and local government units in southwestern Minnesota, aiming to enhance community arts engagement.

This grant provides up to $500 to teachers and students in Minnesota to help fund service-learning projects focused on water and sanitation initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for small businesses, property owners, developers, and nonprofit organizations to undertake renovation or new construction projects in specific areas of South and North Minneapolis.

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.

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.