Minnesota Education Grants

The Ramsey County Trusted Messenger Initiative Grants aim to foster and develop innovative approaches for delivering public health services, resources, and information. The overarching mission alignment for this initiative is to address health inequalities, language barriers, and isolation from county services, particularly for racially and ethnically diverse communities, immigrant families, and new Minnesotans. By empowering trusted messengers, the program seeks to ensure equitable access to crucial public health support and information, aligning with a strategic goal of community well-being and health equity. The program targets specific beneficiaries across several priority areas. For "Healthy Communities," the focus is on racially and ethnically diverse communities, immigrant families, and new Minnesotans, with an impact goal of increasing awareness and access to culturally informed public health information in areas like healthy aging, Hmong health, sexual violence, adolescent health, and child/teen checkups. The "Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)" priority specifically targets pregnant and postpartum women and their children, especially early in pregnancy and multigenerational African American populations, with the goal of increasing WIC program awareness and referrals for healthy food, nutrition education, and lactation support. The "Family Health and Home Visiting" area is dedicated to promoting equity in birth outcomes for diverse communities, including African American, Native American, Latino/x, and immigrant populations, aiming to support families, fathers, and other caregivers in navigating pre- and post-birth care with a holistic approach. Key priorities also include "Clinical Services," which seeks to increase awareness and access to vaccines, immunizations, tuberculosis care, sexual and reproductive health services (HIV/STD testing, syringe services), wound care, and naloxone training for people using drugs. "Environmental Health" prioritizes finding creative ways to boost participation in food scraps pick-up, hazardous waste drop-off, and electronics recycling programs, especially within racially and ethnically diverse communities, while also raising awareness of the Environmental Service Center. Finally, "Climate Action" aims to increase awareness of climate change's health impacts and county resources to mitigate them. The expected outcomes and measurable results revolve around enhanced public health service delivery and increased community engagement. The initiative anticipates awarding approximately 10 grants, each up to $36,000, with an emphasis on reaching underserved populations. Success will be measured by improved access to health information, increased participation in public health programs, and a reduction in health disparities among the targeted communities. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its encouragement of applications from organizations that have not previously contracted with Ramsey County, ethnically and culturally diverse, women-owned, or veteran-owned organizations, and those with fewer than 50 employees, indicating a theory of change that values community-led, grassroots efforts and seeks to broaden the network of trusted service providers. Organizations serving adjacent counties like Dakota County are also encouraged, signaling a broader regional impact goal.

The City of St. Petersburg is offering Social Action Funding grants of up to $100,000 to social service agencies providing homeless services and/or homeless prevention services. This grant program aims to offer financial support for initiatives that positively influence the lives of homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness within the city. The program aligns with a broader mission to advance the health, economic, or social well-being of persons in need. The target beneficiaries include a wide range of vulnerable populations. Priority is given to agencies serving families with children (ages 0-5 and 6-17 years), elderly individuals over 62, unaccompanied youth, youth aging out of foster care, chronically homeless individuals (as defined by HUD), veterans, and victims of domestic violence. The overarching impact goal is to reduce and prevent homelessness in St. Petersburg by supporting comprehensive social service programs. The program prioritizes agencies that utilize a "housing first" and low-barrier approach. Specific critical services, such as storage units for personal items, call centers for homelessness prevention and assistance, and discretionary funds for street outreach, are also encouraged, allowing agencies to submit additional applications for these services. While there are no bonus points for matching funds or sole source proposals, all agencies are required to enter client data into the Pinellas Homeless Management Information System, with domestic violence providers being the sole exception. Expected outcomes include improved well-being for residents who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals and families served, successful housing placements, and the overall impact on reducing homelessness within the city. The grant period for projects is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, allowing for a one-year duration of funded services. This strategic approach emphasizes direct intervention and support for those most in need, with a clear focus on actionable and impactful services.

This grant provides research and evaluation support to culturally specific nonprofits in Minnesota, helping them enhance their capabilities to better serve their communities.

This grant provides funding to Minnesota-based organizations to develop and expand primary care residency programs, particularly in underserved and rural areas, to help address the shortage of primary care physicians in the state.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Minnesota and Wisconsin for planning projects that improve water quality and watershed management through innovative methods, education, and outreach.

This grant provides financial support to enrolled tribal members and descendants who are artists residing in select Minnesota counties, helping them with costs related to creating and showcasing their artistic work.

The St. Croix Valley Foundation is offering Music Education Grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 for K-12 schools in specified counties of Minnesota and Wisconsin, to enhance music education programs through funding materials, guest artists, community outreach, and collaborations, with a preference for hands-on activities over technological innovations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Minnesota-based nonprofits, businesses, and governments for projects that promote waste reduction and reuse, focusing on sustainable practices and community education.

This funding opportunity is designed for non-profit organizations in Minnesota to implement lead hazard mitigation services, including education, blood lead testing, and environmental interventions, particularly in communities at high risk for lead exposure.

This program provides funding and support to develop affordable housing with services for Hennepin County's most vulnerable residents, including those experiencing homelessness, severe health issues, or complex needs.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Minnesota to celebrate and preserve the 50-year history of Southeast Asians in the state through various cultural and historical projects.

This grant provides financial support to artists in specific Minnesota counties to help them advance their careers through various artistic projects and professional development opportunities.

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)

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in Douglas County, Minnesota, to support health and wellness initiatives that address the needs of residents experiencing poverty.

The **Mardag Foundation** is now accepting applications for its **2024 Grant Program**, supporting organizations that promote equity, strengthen communities, and improve quality of life for Minnesotans. Rooted in collaboration and racial equity, the foundation’s approach emphasizes community-informed work that empowers marginalized populations and fosters lasting, inclusive change. Grant funding is available to organizations serving residents in **Greater Minnesota** and the **East Metro counties of Dakota, Ramsey, and Washington**. The foundation’s giving focuses on three primary areas. The first is **improving the lives of low-income children, youth, and families** who face barriers to opportunity. Priority is given to organizations serving marginalized communities—especially Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)—and addressing intersections of education, mental health, basic needs, employment pathways, healthcare access, and housing stability. Projects that eliminate inequities and expand equitable opportunities for youth and families are especially encouraged to apply. The second focus area supports **older adults who face isolation, financial hardship, or barriers to full participation in community life**. Funding will prioritize organizations serving low-income older Minnesotans, particularly those who are also members of marginalized groups such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ individuals, or people with disabilities. Grants may support efforts to meet basic needs, improve caregiving quality, promote mental health, reduce isolation, and enable aging in place through stable and safe housing. The foundation also welcomes programs fostering **intergenerational connections**, which enrich both older adults and younger participants through shared experiences. The third priority is **strengthening community vitality through arts and culture**. The Mardag Foundation believes that the arts play a vital role in honoring diverse cultures and fostering shared understanding. Funding will support arts and culture organizations that elevate underrepresented voices and amplify the creative contributions of BIPOC, low-income, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Through these efforts, the foundation aims to build stronger, more connected, and culturally vibrant communities across Minnesota. The foundation offers two types of grants: **General Operating Support** and **Capital Project grants**. General operating grants provide flexible funding to nonprofits that serve at least 50% of their beneficiaries in the East Metro or Greater Minnesota. Capital grants support facility improvements or equipment purchases for projects based in these same regions, typically distributed over multiple years. Eligible applicants include **501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies, and religious organizations**. Preference is given to entities whose work is led or informed by the people most affected by the issues they address. The Mardag Foundation does not fund organizations using fiscal sponsors, those exclusively serving Minneapolis or the West Metro, scholarships, sectarian programs, or large-scale capital campaigns for private schools or universities. By focusing its support on community-led efforts that address inequality and strengthen social infrastructure, the foundation continues its mission of advancing opportunity, dignity, and well-being for all Minnesotans—especially those facing the greatest barriers to success.

The Thief River Falls Area Community Fund is inviting applications for grants from nonprofit or public entities within the Thief River Falls School District area. Grants are intended for projects, programs, or activities that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors of the Thief River Falls area. Primary focus areas include youth engagement, social need, senior enrichment, and overall quality of life enhancement. Applications are open until May 1, 2024. The fund is a component of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, which serves 12 northwestern Minnesota counties. More information and application details can be found on their website.

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Partnership Grant Program is seeking applications to provide funding of $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers, aiming to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education activities related to sustainable agriculture.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations in Richfield, Minnesota, to help community members recover from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on issues like housing stability, food insecurity, and economic support for low-income households.

The New American in the Long-Term Care Workforce grant, administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) in Minnesota through its Grants, Equity, Access, and Research (GEAR) Division, aims to support New Americans in obtaining, maintaining, and growing within the long-term care (LTC) workforce. This initiative directly aligns with the broader mission of strengthening the LTC sector by addressing workforce shortages and promoting diversity and inclusion. The grant is designed to provide specialized services and supports to New Americans, fostering their professional development and contributing to the stability and quality of LTC organizations across all counties in Minnesota. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are New Americans seeking to enter or advance in the LTC workforce. The program's impact goals include increasing the number of New Americans in LTC, enhancing their skills and career pathways, and ultimately improving the capacity and cultural competency of LTC organizations. By focusing on this specific demographic, the grant seeks to create a more inclusive and robust workforce, which is a critical component of ensuring high-quality care for residents. The grant prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include offering onsite Occupational English classes and training, establishing in-house mentorship programs, providing cultural competency and humility training for LTC employers and staff, and offering hiring bonuses and incentives. Furthermore, the program emphasizes digital skills training, developing mentorship and career-pathways programs for employee retention, career navigation and education, financial literacy coaching, and training stipends or tuition reimbursement. Crucially, it also provides wraparound support services such as mental health assistance, medical career education, childcare, and transportation, recognizing the holistic needs of New American workers. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in the number of New Americans successfully placed and retained in LTC positions, improved career progression and skill development among participants, and enhanced cultural competence within LTC facilities. The grant anticipates awarding up to $12 million in the first round of applicants, indicating a significant investment in these outcomes. The grant period from August 1, 2024, through July 31, 2026, allows for a two-year window to implement and measure the effectiveness of these programs, with an emphasis on creating sustainable pathways for New Americans in the LTC sector. Eligible applicants for this grant include nonprofit organizations, community-based agencies, educational institutions, LTC employers, and government entities that demonstrate a strong commitment to serving New Americans. This broad eligibility ensures that a diverse range of organizations can contribute to the grant's goals. The strategic priorities of DHS, as evidenced by this grant, include fostering equity and access within critical sectors like long-term care, leveraging grant contracts to achieve workforce development goals, and supporting underserved populations. The theory of change behind this program is that by providing targeted support, training, and resources to New Americans, the state can simultaneously empower individuals, strengthen the LTC workforce, and enhance the quality of care provided to its residents.

The McKnight Fellowship for Ceramic Artists, administered by the Northern Clay Center, is designed to support outstanding mid-career ceramic artists in Minnesota. This fellowship aligns with the broader mission of recognizing and fostering artistic excellence and sustained accomplishment within the state's vibrant arts community. The program aims to empower artists, regardless of their specific methodology—be it functional, sculptural, or relational—by providing resources that enable growth and innovation in their craft. The primary beneficiaries of this program are mid-career Minnesota ceramic artists who demonstrate a consistent level of commitment and artistic excellence. The program's impact goals include providing significant financial support, encouraging experimentation with new techniques and materials, facilitating collaborations, and offering opportunities for education, exhibition, or travel. By investing in these artists, the fellowship seeks to strengthen the ceramic arts landscape in Minnesota and contribute to the artists' long-term career development. The fellowship prioritizes artists who have maintained Minnesota residency for at least one year prior to application and for the duration of the fellowship year. It focuses on supporting those who have not received a McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowship in any artistic discipline within the last five years, ensuring equitable distribution of support. Furthermore, the program looks for artists who can demonstrate ongoing artistic growth and development since any previous McKnight fellowship. Expected outcomes include the creation of new works, the acquisition of new skills or materials, successful collaborations, and participation in educational or exhibition opportunities, all contributing to the artists' continued artistic advancement. The measurable results are the two $25,000 grants awarded annually, directly supporting the selected artists in achieving these outcomes. This investment reflects a strategic priority to cultivate a thriving artistic community in Minnesota by directly supporting the careers of accomplished artists and fostering innovation within the ceramic arts.