Minnesota grants for County governments

The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minn. Created in 1944 by Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting a better quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Since its founding, OBT has invested nearly $1 billion and provides ~$105 million annually to nonprofit organizations in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Applications are due on a rolling basis on these dates: February 4, 2024; April 4, 2024; June 6, 2024; August 1, 2024. - General Operations Application: General operations grants provide unrestricted funding that enables an organization to carry out its mission. Typical uses could include support for an organization’s administrative and infrastructure costs, maintaining core programs and/or staffing. This application is for organizations seeking $75,000 or more in general operations support. - General Operations Short Application: This application is for organizations seeking general operations support of less than $75,000. - Restricted Application: Restricted grants provide funding for a specific program or project. These funds may not be used for other purposes, although a portion may be utilized for overhead or indirect costs of administering the program or project. - Capital Application: Capital grants support constructing, repairing, renovating, or rehabilitating an organization’s physical space. Capital grants can also support the purchase of equipment necessary for an organization to carry out its work.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently accepting applications for its Metro Grant Cycle, focusing on the enhancement, restoration, or protection of natural resources. This grant program aligns with the broader mission of preserving Minnesota's diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, prairies, and critical habitats for fish, game, and wildlife. By funding projects that directly address habitat benefits, the DNR aims to promote ecological health and biodiversity within the state. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are the ecosystems and wildlife within the seven-county metro area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington) and the cities of Duluth, Rochester, or St. Cloud. Projects funded through this cycle are expected to result in measurable improvements in specific species populations, ecosystem functions, and the overall quality of various habitat types. The impact goals are centered on tangible, on-the-ground conservation efforts that lead to healthier and more resilient natural environments. The grant prioritizes projects that contribute to the direct habitat benefits, emphasizing the identification of specific species, ecosystems, habitat types, and natural heritage features. Restoration and enhancement activities are specifically restricted to lands that are permanently protected by a conservation easement, in public ownership (including tribal, federal, state, county, city, school district, special district), or in public waters as defined by Minnesota Statutes. This focus ensures that the funded efforts contribute to long-term conservation and are implemented on lands with secure protection. Expected outcomes include the successful restoration and enhancement of natural habitats, leading to improved conditions for various wildlife and plant species. Measurable results will likely involve metrics related to habitat acreage restored, species diversity increases, or improvements in water quality, all of which must be explicitly identified in the application. The DNR's strategic priority, as reflected in this grant, is to invest in projects that demonstrate clear ecological benefits and contribute to the state's natural heritage. The underlying theory of change is that by supporting localized, well-defined conservation projects, the state can achieve broader, cumulative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Funding requests can range from $5,000 to $500,000, with a typical grant period lasting 3 to 3.5 years once the contract is executed. Eligible expenses are those directly incurred and necessary for the project, such as contracts, supplies, materials, and salaries. This ensures that the grant funds are utilized efficiently and effectively to achieve the stated conservation objectives. Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities, with partnerships highly encouraged. This broad eligibility criterion allows for a diverse range of organizations, from land trusts and lakes associations to cities and tribal governments, to contribute to the conservation efforts. Private individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply, ensuring that the grants are directed towards public good and conservation initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to arts organizations in specific Minnesota counties for creating and promoting diverse artistic activities that engage local communities, particularly those benefiting underserved populations.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is offering a grant of over $1 million to public, private, and nonprofit owners of heavy-duty diesel vehicles in Minnesota to replace their old vehicles with new, cleaner models, aiming to reduce diesel emissions and improve air quality.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in Douglas County, Minnesota, to support initiatives that create meaningful community change in areas such as education, social services, health, arts and culture, and civic engagement.

The 2024 Northwest Ohio Nonprofit Excellence Awards, presented by the Greater Toledo Community Foundation and The Blade in partnership with The Center for Nonprofit Resources, aim to honor and recognize outstanding nonprofit organizations and their achievements. This program aligns with the foundation's mission by fostering excellence and impact within the nonprofit sector, ultimately strengthening the community. The awards are structured to identify and celebrate best practices across various operational and programmatic areas, reinforcing a strategic priority to support robust and effective community-based initiatives. The program targets nonprofit organizations operating in northwest Ohio or southeast Michigan, with a focus on those demonstrating exceptional collaborative programming, strategic action, or organizational operations. The overall impact goal is to elevate the standard of nonprofit work, encourage innovative solutions to community challenges, and promote sustainable organizational health. By recognizing these achievements, the awards intend to inspire further excellence and positive community change, ultimately benefiting the residents of these regions. The awards have specific priorities and focuses across three categories: "Excellence in Collaborative Programming," "Excellence in Strategic Action," and "Excellence in Organizational Operations." Collaborative Programming prioritizes joint initiatives that leverage multiple partners to deliver excellent service, reach underserved audiences, and avoid duplication. Strategic Action highlights organizations that have strategically expanded programming or pivoted to new service delivery models, emphasizing data-driven approaches and alignment with community-wide planning. Organizational Operations recognizes overall excellence, particularly demonstrating active involvement by staff, board, volunteers, and constituents, with a focus on strong governance, financial management, fundraising, and community impact evaluation. Expected outcomes include improved service delivery to residents, enhanced community impact through creative partnerships, and more efficient resource utilization. Measurable results for Collaborative Programming focus on how projects are evaluated and the positive results achieved. For Strategic Action, success is measured by how the strategic change addressed a need, its sustainability, and metrics illustrating impact. For Organizational Operations, outcomes are demonstrated through examples of best practices in governance, financial management, fundraising, and how outcome data is used to achieve the mission and impact the community. The awards provide a $7,500 unrestricted grant from the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, a $1,000 unrestricted grant from The Andersons, and a half-page ad in The Blade, offering tangible support and recognition to further enable winning organizations to achieve their missions.

This program provides funding and resources to Minnesota residents for creating pollinator-friendly gardens in their outdoor spaces to support at-risk pollinators.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in the Brainerd Lakes region to support projects that improve community quality of life and address local needs.

The East Central Regional Arts Council offers grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 for arts projects in Minnesota's Region 7E, supporting activities such as performances, exhibitions, residencies, and workshops, with eligibility open to local units of government, schools, tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and groups with a qualifying fiscal sponsor.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Minnesota to strengthen infection prevention and control practices in long-term care facilities serving older adults, particularly in rural areas.

This grant provides funding to public and private entities to develop a network of fast-charging electric vehicle stations along major highways in Minnesota, promoting accessible and reliable EV infrastructure.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups in the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area to support projects that promote environmental stewardship, community beautification, and economic vitality.

This funding opportunity supports public arts projects in northwestern Minnesota, providing financial assistance to cities, counties, and nonprofit organizations to enhance community cultural life through performances, public art, and workshops.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and local governments in the Pine River Watershed of Minnesota to implement projects that improve water quality, promote sustainable land use, and protect local habitats.

This grant provides funding for programs and services that empower women and girls in Northwest Minnesota, focusing on entrepreneurship, safety, leadership, and personal development.

This fund provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in the St. Cloud area to empower girls and young women through outdoor activities and initiatives that promote self-esteem and mutual respect.

This funding initiative provides financial support to small arts organizations in the seven-county metropolitan area of Minnesota, particularly those led by individuals from historically marginalized communities, to help sustain or expand their arts programming and operations.

This funding opportunity supports projects that celebrate cultural diversity, strengthen community connections, and empower residents in the West Bank neighborhood of Minneapolis.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit and government-operated clinics in Minnesota to improve access to essential primary care services for underserved populations, particularly those with low incomes or living in rural areas.

This funding opportunity supports schools, nonprofits, government units, and community arts organizations in Region 7E of Minnesota to create and host diverse arts initiatives that enhance community access to the arts.