Minnesota Grants

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.

This program provides funding for feasibility studies that promote economic development and improve community resources in rural areas of Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

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 flexible funding to individuals and organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and 23 Native nations to develop and implement innovative ideas that drive positive change in their communities.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofits in the Fargo-Moorhead area focused on arts, education, social services, youth recreation, civic projects, and health initiatives.

The Grain Storage Facility Safety Cost-Share Program, managed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), is designed to assist Minnesota farmers in enhancing safety at on-farm grain bins and silos. For the fiscal year 2024, approximately $75,000 is allocated to this program, which also encompasses the Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Rebate programs. This initiative offers financial assistance for the purchase, shipment, and installation of eligible safety equipment, focusing on retrofits for existing facilities. Eligible equipment includes fall protection systems, engineering controls, dust collection systems, personal protective equipment, grain silo air quality monitoring equipment, and other specified safety gear. The program reimburses 75% of the eligible expenses, up to $400 per bin or silo, with a yearly cap of $2,400 per farm.

This grant provides funding to Great Lakes states and tribes for projects that prevent and control aquatic invasive species, benefiting the Great Lakes ecosystem.

This grant provides funding to Great Lakes states to implement their plans for managing and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, benefiting both the states and the Great Lakes ecosystem.

This program provides funding to Silver Bay residents and business owners for exterior property improvements to enhance neighborhood aesthetics and pride of ownership.

This funding opportunity provides financial support and technical assistance to develop affordable supportive housing for Hennepin County's most vulnerable residents, including those with extremely low incomes, disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness.

This funding opportunity supports community-driven projects that enhance public spaces and amenities in Hastings, encouraging local partnerships and civic engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations and entities in Minnesota to improve the competitiveness of specialty crops through research, food safety, and sustainable practices.