Minnesota grants for City or township governments

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is seeking applications from Minnesota educational cooperative service units with prior experience in statewide leadership and technical assistance to ensure a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with low incidence disabilities. This grant aims to sustain and increase the capacity of Minnesota's special education workforce, aligning with the MDE's mission to support all students, particularly those with low incidence disabilities who comprise less than 10 percent of all students receiving special education services or require intensive support in specific categorical areas. The grant opportunity estimates $875,000 per year is available, with an initial grant period from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are educational professionals who provide education to students with low incidence disabilities in Minnesota, as well as the students themselves. The impact goals include enhancing the skills of educators and other educational professionals, addressing staff shortages, and improving early identification and support for students with low incidence disabilities. This initiative seeks to build a competent workforce capable of delivering high-quality special education services across the state. The program prioritizes providing aligned, requested, and anticipated technical assistance, including purposeful and sustained collaborative opportunities. This will involve a multi-tiered support framework for technical assistance (MTS-TA) to foster skill-building for educators. A key focus is coordination and partnership with local districts, coops, and other educational agencies, as well as collaboration with institutions of higher education to address workforce development and staff shortages. The categorical areas for necessary supports are outlined in the specific program expectations for grant-funded partners. Expected outcomes include a more robust and skilled special education workforce in Minnesota, improved technical assistance for educators, and enhanced educational outcomes for students with low incidence disabilities. Measurable results will likely involve metrics related to the number of professionals trained, the types of technical assistance provided, and improvements in early identification and support practices. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all students, especially those with low incidence disabilities, receive the necessary supports to achieve a free and appropriate public education.

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 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.

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 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.

This grant provides financial support to new and developing charter schools in Minnesota to assist with planning, program design, and initial implementation, particularly focusing on improving access and academic achievement for underserved students.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to locomotive owners in Minnesota for implementing technologies that reduce idle time and diesel emissions, improving air quality and public health.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to counties, municipalities, tribal governments, and weed management entities in Minnesota for projects aimed at controlling and eradicating harmful noxious weeds.

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 financial assistance to farmers, producer groups, and local governments in Minnesota to help cover the costs of purchasing or retrofitting equipment that improves soil health and promotes sustainable agriculture.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking proposals for its 2025 Tradition Grant Cycle. This grant program is habitat-focused, aiming to enhance, restore, or protect various natural environments across Minnesota. Eligible activities include work on forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitats vital for fish, game, and wildlife. All applications must clearly identify the direct habitat benefits, specifying species, ecosystems, habitat types, and natural heritage features that will be positively impacted. This program aligns with a mission to conserve and manage Minnesota's natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations, focusing on tangible, on-the-ground conservation efforts. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are the diverse ecosystems and wildlife within Minnesota, as well as the communities and organizations dedicated to their preservation. The impact goals are centered on measurable improvements in habitat quality and quantity. Restoration and enhancement projects are specifically funded on lands that are permanently protected by a conservation easement, in public ownership (including tribal, federal, state, county, city, school district, and special district entities), or within public waters as defined by MN Statutes. The program prioritizes projects that contribute directly to the health and sustainability of Minnesota's natural heritage, supporting a strategic approach to environmental stewardship. The funding information for the Traditional (Statewide) cycle totals $4,400,000, with up to two funding cycles available. Grant requests can range from $5,000 to $500,000, with a total project cost not exceeding $1,000,000. The grant period typically lasts 3 to 3.5 years, commencing upon the full execution of the grant contract. Eligible expenses are those directly incurred and necessary for the described project activities, encompassing contracts, supplies, materials, and salaries. This financial framework ensures that resources are directed towards impactful projects, with a clear understanding of funding limits and duration. Eligibility for the CPL funding is restricted to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Private individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply, though partnerships are highly encouraged. Examples of eligible non-profit applicants include land trusts, lakes associations, charitable organizations, private colleges and universities, fishing and hunting organizations, and "Friends of" groups. Government entities such as cities, counties, tribal governments, federal agencies, conservation districts, public universities, and school districts are also eligible. This targeted eligibility ensures that the grants support organizations with a proven commitment to public and environmental benefit, fostering a collaborative approach to conservation outcomes.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites proposals for a community air monitoring pilot grant program, targeting neighborhood-scale air quality monitoring in the Twin Cities metro area. Eligible organizations, primarily community nonprofits and their partners, will develop a dense network of fixed and mobile air sensors. Priority will be given to projects in environmental justice communities with robust community engagement. The objectives include monitoring air quality, fostering community cooperation, and providing actionable air quality data to MPCA. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. Central Time on June 28, 2024.

The Neighborhood STAR program, administered by the City of Saint Paul’s Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED), is a grant initiative established in 1993. It allocates revenue from the city’s half-cent sales tax to fund capital improvement projects that enhance the vitality of Saint Paul neighborhoods. This program offers reimbursement grants of $5,000 or more, aiming to strengthen the community through various physical improvements. The program's mission aligns with fostering neighborhood growth and economic development within Saint Paul. The target beneficiaries of the Neighborhood STAR program include public, private, non-profit, or for-profit entities located in or doing business within Saint Paul. Additionally, city departments, quasi-governmental entities, churches, and religious organizations can apply when in partnership with a neighborhood and/or community group, provided their projects are non-sectarian, open to the public, and for non-religious functions. The program specifically excludes political groups, federal/state/county agencies, and individual homeowners/condominium/townhome owners. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the vitality of the city's neighborhoods through tangible capital improvements. The program prioritizes a diverse range of capital improvement activities. These include renovation, rehabilitation, and construction of commercial, residential, or industrial properties; fixed interior and exterior improvements such as walls, ceilings, floors, lighting, and HVAC; minor public improvements; and beautification of public or private open spaces with elements like trees, rain gardens, and play equipment with a life expectancy of 7+ years. Creative placemaking/placekeeping activities, including public art, are also encouraged, especially those that promote cultural diversity. Non-profit neighborhood organizations providing funding programs for local businesses and homeowners are also eligible. Expected outcomes of the Neighborhood STAR program include revitalized commercial, residential, and industrial properties, improved public and private spaces, enhanced community aesthetics, and increased accessibility. Measurable results could include the number of properties renovated, the square footage of improved public spaces, the installation of new public art or infrastructure, and the successful completion of projects within the anticipated September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2026 timeframe. Grant requests up to $50,000 do not require matching funds, simplifying access for smaller projects and further demonstrating the city's strategic priority to support neighborhood-level improvements directly.

This funding opportunity provides $5 million to Minnesota's tribal nations and local governments for projects that improve community resilience against climate change impacts, such as extreme heat and wildfires.

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 innovative research and outreach projects that improve the health and sustainability of Lake Superior and Minnesota's inland waters, targeting academic institutions, nonprofits, and collaborative teams focused on aquatic resources.

The Community Foundation of Grand Forks' Women’s Fund Grant Program aligns directly with the foundation's mission to empower girls and women by providing ideas, energy, and resources to achieve economic, social, and political equity. This grant program is designed to support initiatives that address the challenges and concerns facing girls and women today, while also fostering their leadership skills and confidence. The foundation strategically uses this program to encourage philanthropy among women, reinforcing a cycle of support within the community. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are girls and women within Grand Forks, Walsh, and Polk Counties. The program's impact goals are centered on creating opportunities that build leadership skills and confidence, raising awareness of critical issues, and promoting gender equity. By supporting a diverse range of projects, the Women's Fund aims to generate tangible improvements in the lives of girls and women, contributing to a more equitable society. The program prioritizes initiatives that build leadership skills and confidence among girls and women, support opportunities, and encourage women to become philanthropists. While not explicitly detailed, the foundation's theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by investing in these key areas, they can create a ripple effect that leads to broader societal change and improved outcomes for women. Grants are typically awarded in the $5,000 range, indicating a focus on impactful, yet often localized, projects. Expected outcomes include increased awareness of issues facing girls and women, enhanced leadership capabilities, and greater participation in philanthropic activities. While specific measurable results are not explicitly stated, the program implicitly aims for improvements in economic, social, and political equity for its target demographic. The grant duration of one year, with a grant period of October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025, suggests a focus on projects with clear, achievable objectives within a defined timeframe. The foundation's strategic priorities for this fund include supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored nonprofits, public entities like libraries or schools, or units of government with principal operations in the specified counties. They also emphasize fiscal responsibility and timely reporting from previous grant recipients. This ensures that funds are directed to well-managed organizations capable of effectively implementing programs that align with the Women's Fund's vision.

The Initiative Foundation offers grants to nonprofits and local government units, focusing on program or capacity-building support, projects that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strategies to address workforce shortages. This aligns with the Foundation's mission to serve its 14-county region in Minnesota and Native nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe, by fostering community and economic development. The grants are intended to be strategic investments, not ongoing support, with individual grants seldom exceeding $7,500. The grants target 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or local government units serving specific counties and Native nations within the Initiative Foundation's geographic service area. The impact goals are to strengthen communities by addressing urgent needs, particularly in low-income communities, promote behavioral change towards diversity, equity, and inclusion, and develop community-based solutions for regional workforce shortages, leading to family-sustaining wages. The Foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrably contribute to these outcomes. Priority consideration is given to proposals focusing on capacity-building support for nonprofits, especially those addressing urgent needs or low-income communities, including business planning, fund development, training, or pilot programming. Other key focuses include cost-share for projects creating behavioral change related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and advancement of community-based strategies to tackle regional workforce shortages in sectors with family-sustaining wages. Support for early-stage feasibility or pilot projects by local and regional community and economic development entities is also a priority. Expected outcomes include strengthened organizational capacity for nonprofits, measurable progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and tangible reductions in regional workforce shortages. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided text, the emphasis on "behavioral change" and "community-based strategies" implies a desire for demonstrable and sustainable impact. The Foundation's strategic priorities are clearly laid out in the priority areas, indicating a theory of change that by investing in these key areas, they can foster stronger, more equitable, and economically resilient communities. Ineligible expenses include grants to individuals and businesses, expenses incurred before grant receipt, capital expenses, projects not directly benefiting residents in the service area, replacement of government funding, religious activities, lobbying, school curriculum development or athletic programs, and out-of-state travel. Healthcare, arts, and historic preservation are not focus areas for discretionary grants, and potential applicants in these areas are encouraged to consult with staff before applying.