Minnesota Community Development Grants

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.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Minnesota that are dedicated to improving services and resources for individuals and families facing homelessness and food insecurity.

This grant program, offered by the Minnesota Department of Education, aims to support the Minnesota's LSTA Five-Year Plan (2023-2027) by funding projects that align with Goals A, B, and C. The overarching mission is to reduce barriers to access, promote equity, showcase libraries' contributions to the community, and empower Minnesota's library workforce. This aligns with the state's broader strategic priorities of closing racial and economic achievement gaps and supporting the goals of the World's Best Workforce, as highlighted in Goal C. The target beneficiaries of this grant are legally established public libraries, library cooperatives or consortia, libraries in Minnesota’s public schools or public colleges and universities, and special libraries operated by Minnesota registered 501(c)(3) organizations. The impact goals are centered around increasing collective impact through coalition building (Goal A), reimagining access through partnerships (Goal B), and changing the narrative to better showcase libraries' vital contributions to thriving communities (Goal C). The program prioritizes and focuses on new projects that can serve as models or pilots. However, it also considers new phases of existing projects or ongoing projects that reach new audiences, incorporate new methods, or significantly expand their reach. Collaboration and partnerships with community-based organizations are highly encouraged, reflecting a strategic priority to leverage collective efforts for greater impact, though not a strict requirement for application. Expected outcomes and measurable results are tied to the achievement of the LSTA Five-Year Plan's goals, particularly in areas like reducing access barriers and promoting equity. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided text, the focus on "changing the narrative" and "increasing collective impact" suggests qualitative and quantitative improvements in community engagement, library service utilization, and workforce development. The grant period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, provides a timeframe for achieving these outcomes, with grant awards ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 to support these initiatives.

The Donaldson Foundation dedicates its efforts to making a positive impact in communities where Donaldson Company employees reside, focusing on supporting educational initiatives. It extends grant invitations exclusively to applications with an educational aim, scrutinizing each based on criteria such as educational focus, the need of beneficiaries, impact, sustainability, and connection to communities near company locations. Eligible recipients are required to be IRS-recognized tax-exempt entities. Funding is available in the Twin Cities and several U.S. locations where Donaldson has significant operations, with grants reaching up to $20,000. Grant renewed every year. Grant Annual Cycle 2 deadline: January 15th

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska that focus on improving financial literacy and employment readiness to help individuals achieve financial stability.

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 "2024 Workplace Safety Grants for Health Care Entities" program is designed to enhance safety in healthcare environments through grants supporting projects focused on training staff in de-escalation and positive support services and increasing safety measures. Authorized by 2023 Session Law, Chapter 70, Article 4, Section 109, it aims for long-term improvements in safety and stability for both staff and patients. The program will distribute funds competitively, with anticipated multiple funding cycles depending on fund availability. The total program funding allocated is $4,400,000, with this cycle's estimated amount at $1,500,000 aimed to support around 30 awards.

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 grant provides funding for innovative community-based projects that promote joy as a vital element of social justice for Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and AMEMSA communities in the Upper Midwest.

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 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 community organizations in Hennepin County to implement innovative waste prevention and recycling projects that benefit underserved communities.

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.

This program provides financial assistance to homeowners in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, for exterior home improvements that enhance curb appeal and neighborhood aesthetics.

This funding is designed to support local organizations in Beltrami County that implement community-based programs and outreach initiatives aimed at preventing child abuse and promoting family well-being.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Minnesota that aim to reduce economic disparities and enhance workforce development for Southeast Asian residents facing employment barriers.

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.

Art Project Program Grant Application Program Overview: 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. 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. Important Dates for FY24: Open: April 1, 2024 Deadline: Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Project Start Date: July 1, 2024 Deadlines are firm, applicants are encouraged to finish in advance of the deadline. Assistance is available during normal business hours via email at admin@aracouncil.org or grants@aracouncil.org. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants include: State-registered and federally recognized non-profit, tax-exempt organizations Accredited schools Tribal governments Units of government Eligibility Criteria: 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 our 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. No outstanding or overdue final reports from past funding. Applicants may apply only once per grant round and cannot receive funding from the same grant program twice in a fiscal year. Fiscal sponsorship is allowed for groups without non-profit, tax-exempt status. What Can I Fund? Art supplies Volunteer and administrative costs Advertising, marketing, and promotional materials Equipment or technology purchases (integral to the artistic project, <25% of total request) How Do I Apply? Applications must be completed using the ARAC Grant Portal. Submissions in any other format will not be accepted. Instructions for navigating the online system can be found by clicking on the ‘Apply Now’ button on our website. Ensure your application includes all required materials. Contact Us: For assistance or inquiries, please contact us at admin@aracouncil.org or grants@aracouncil.org during normal business hours. Grant renewed every year.

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.