Minnesota Education Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations in Minnesota for projects that enhance education, health, and economic stability, particularly in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is offering the 2025 Clinical Dental Education Innovations Grant Program. This program aims to address the limited opportunities for clinical training, which is a requirement for dental professionals to become licensed. Under the authority of Minnesota Statutes, the Commissioner of Health is authorized to award grants to sponsoring institutions and clinical dental training sites. The core mission alignment is to increase dental access for underserved populations and to promote innovative clinical dental education or clinical training programs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are underserved populations in Minnesota, who will benefit from increased dental access. The grant also benefits teaching institutions and clinical training sites that train dental professionals, enabling them to enhance their programs. The impact goals are to improve the availability of clinical training for dental professionals and, consequently, to expand access to dental care for those who need it most. The program prioritizes projects that increase dental access for underserved populations and foster innovative clinical dental education or training. Eligible applicants include teaching institutions and clinical training sites that provide accredited clinical training, with an exception for organizations actively seeking accreditation with a reasonable assumption of success. Grant funds are not transferable. The expected outcomes include an increase in the number of trained dental professionals, leading to improved dental access for underserved communities. Measurable results would involve tracking the number of grants awarded, the number of individuals receiving clinical training through these programs, and ultimately, the impact on dental care access for the target populations. The grant agreements are estimated to begin on January 1, 2025, and end on December 31, 2025. The estimated total amount to grant is $1,122,000, with individual awards ranging from approximately $30,000 to $150,000.

The Greenbush Area Community Fund, managed by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, offers grants to nonprofit or public entities within the Greenbush area of Minnesota. This grant program aims to support projects or activities that enhance and/or promote educational experiences and other related purposes aligned with the Greenbush Area Community Fund's mission. While the explicit mission of the Greenbush Area Community Fund is not detailed, the focus on community enhancement and specific areas of impact suggests an alignment with broader community development and quality of life improvement goals. The target beneficiaries of these grants are qualifying programs and services within the Greenbush area that serve the community. The impact goals are to support economic development, education, aesthetic enhancement, or youth and senior enrichment. The selection criteria emphasize how a project meets the Greenbush Area Community Fund's mission, its capacity to extend beyond traditional opportunities, and the number of participants or organizations served. This indicates a desire to foster innovative and far-reaching community initiatives. The grant program prioritizes projects within the areas of economic development, education, aesthetic enhancement, and youth and senior enrichment. Special consideration is given to applicants who partner with other qualifying organizations or include cash or in-kind matches, highlighting a strategic focus on collaboration and shared investment. This encourages a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to community improvement. Expected outcomes include enhanced educational experiences, improved economic conditions, more aesthetically pleasing community spaces, and enriched opportunities for youth and seniors. Measurable results would likely be tied to the number of participants served, the scope of the projects, and the demonstrable impact within the prioritized areas. The strategic priorities and theory of change appear to center on empowering local organizations to drive positive change through targeted investments that foster education, development, and community well-being, leveraging partnerships for greater collective impact.

The Health Professionals Clinical Training Expansion (HPCE) grant program, supported by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), aims to establish or expand clinical training for eligible health professional training programs within Minnesota. This initiative is designed to strengthen the state's healthcare workforce, particularly by increasing access to primary care and mental health services in rural and underserved urban communities. The grant program directly aligns with MDH's mission to improve public health by addressing workforce shortages and enhancing healthcare accessibility across the state. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are rural and underserved urban communities in Minnesota, who will benefit from increased access to health care, and eligible health professional programs and their students, who will gain expanded clinical training opportunities. The impact goals are to strengthen Minnesota’s health care workforce and increase access to primary care and mental health services for these target communities. The grant funds activities related to planning and implementing new clinical training programs, as well as expanding existing ones in these identified areas. Key priorities for this grant include health equity, with a specific focus on increasing the number of health professionals serving rural and underserved urban communities. Other competitive priorities emphasize programs that advance health equity, incorporate a strong model of team-based primary care, and demonstrate a likelihood of sustainability beyond the grant period. The program's theory of change posits that by expanding clinical training opportunities, more qualified health professionals will be available to serve these critical areas, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing disparities. Expected outcomes include greater access to health care in rural and underserved urban Minnesota communities and a measurable increase in the number of clinical training opportunities for health professionals. The Minnesota Legislature has appropriated $500,000 annually for this program, with eligible clinical training programs potentially receiving up to $75,000 for a one-year planning project or up to $300,000 for a three-year expansion project. Eligible expenses cover a broad range of activities, from establishing and expanding clinical training for various health professionals to recruitment, training, student support, site improvements, and program evaluations, all designed to achieve these specific and measurable outcomes.

This grant provides financial support to small rural hospitals in Minnesota for strategic planning and service transition projects to maintain essential health services in communities with fewer than 15,000 residents.

The Community Livability Grant (CLG) program, provided by Prosper Portland, offers grants to community-based organizations. Its mission is to support projects that cultivate healthy, complete, and resilient neighborhoods, while also respecting and responding to the diversity of their residents. This aligns with Prosper Portland's broader objective to foster vibrant and healthy neighborhoods and enhance the prosperity of local residents and businesses. The funding for this program is derived from tax increment financing (TIF), specifically allocated for permanent, physical improvements to real property. The CLG program targets a diverse range of beneficiaries, including nonprofit organizations, neighborhood and business associations, and neighborhood groups. These eligible entities must be located within specific Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Districts, such as the Central Eastside, Gateway Regional Center, Interstate Corridor, Lents Town Center, and North Macadam. Private property owners or for-profit entities may also qualify if they lease or provide space at a reduced rate to non-profits, or if they offer a significant community benefit that enhances resident livability. Schools are also eligible if their projects provide broad community benefit, are publicly accessible, and do not support core educational functions. The primary impact goal is to improve the prosperity of area residents and businesses by strengthening community assets and opportunities. The CLG program prioritizes projects that benefit historically underserved communities and promote widely shared prosperity. Specific focuses include improving access to jobs and workforce development services, supporting wealth creation opportunities for small business owners, honoring and enhancing the cultural diversity and history of neighborhoods, and delivering community assets tailored to expressed community priorities. This strategic focus aims to address systemic inequities and foster inclusive economic growth within Portland's communities. Expected outcomes of the CLG program include enhanced community livability, increased access to economic opportunities, preservation and celebration of cultural heritage, and the development of valuable community assets. While the description doesn't explicitly detail measurable results, the focus on physical improvements and community benefits suggests that successful projects would demonstrate tangible improvements in community infrastructure, economic indicators for residents and businesses, and increased engagement with local cultural resources. The grants, typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, with a maximum total award of $300,000, are intended to support projects completed within one year, ensuring a timely impact on the targeted communities.

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.

This program provides financial support to artists and culture bearers in specific Minnesota counties to help them enhance their creative development and pursue artistic opportunities.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

The Food Recovery Grant, supported by BizRecycling, is designed to combat food waste and address food insecurity by funding programs that recover surplus, edible food from various businesses and organizations for distribution to those in need. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of environmental sustainability through waste reduction and social welfare by ensuring access to nutritious food. The program's foundation is built on the principle of resource optimization, transforming potential waste into a valuable community resource. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are people in need within Ramsey and Washington counties of Minnesota, who will receive recovered food. The grant also supports a wide array of eligible organizations including food producers, distributors, grocers, cafeterias, food shelves and banks, colleges with donation and food shelf programs, and farmers markets. The impact goals are two-fold: to significantly increase the amount of edible food recovered and redistributed, thereby reducing landfill waste, and to improve food access for vulnerable populations. The grant prioritizes both food recovery and donation, as well as education and engagement. Funds can be used for materials such as collection buckets, boxes, bags, and food mobility equipment, as well as storage and transportation costs. Limited staffing costs related to food recovery/gleaning work and infrastructure/equipment for these efforts are also supported. Additionally, the grant allows for staff recycling training, demonstrating a focus on comprehensive waste reduction strategies beyond just food. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the volume of food recovered and distributed, a reduction in food waste sent to landfills, and an expansion of the capacity of local organizations to engage in food recovery efforts. The grant awards, up to $20,000, are strategically deployed to foster sustainable food recovery ecosystems. By supporting operational costs and infrastructure, BizRecycling's strategic priority is to build resilient systems for food recovery that lead to tangible reductions in hunger and waste within the target counties, embodying a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to improved environmental and social outcomes.

The LifeCare Health Care Fund Grants, managed by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, offers financial support for charitable, educational, and health care-related activities, projects, and services in Roseau County, Minnesota. This aligns with the broader mission of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation to support community development and well-being. The fund comprises a general endowment and several sub-funds, each with specific purposes, reflecting a strategic approach to address diverse health and wellness needs within the community. Target beneficiaries include residents and visitors of Roseau County, with a particular focus on individuals and families impacted by specific health challenges. The impact goals are to provide financial support for various health care needs, including cancer care, diabetes and dialysis care, medical equipment updates, hospice projects, and financial assistance for those who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy or child. The fund aims to improve the overall health and well-being of the community by addressing critical gaps in health services and support. The grant program prioritizes requests from nonprofit organizations for monies from specific sub-funds. These include the General Endowment for broad health care, wellness, and senior living activities, the Roseau Eagles Auxiliary Diabetes and Dialysis fund for equipment, training, and patient support for diabetic and dialysis needs, the Think Pink Breast Cancer fund for patient transportation, education, equipment, and activities related to breast cancer programs, and the Roseau County Cancer fund for projects, programs, equipment, and services for cancer care and support. This structured approach allows for targeted funding in key areas of need. Expected outcomes and measurable results are tied to the specific objectives of each fund. For instance, the diabetes and dialysis fund aims to enhance equipment and patient support, while the breast cancer fund seeks to improve patient transportation and education. The selection criteria emphasize how a project or program fits within the mission of LifeCare Health Care Funds and the purpose of the accessed fund, as well as the scope of the project and the number of participants, communities, and organizations served. This focus on alignment and reach suggests an intent to support initiatives with demonstrable community impact. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly stated, the foundation's strategic priorities are evident in the creation and management of these specialized funds. By offering targeted support for various health conditions and community needs, the LifeCare Health Care Fund operates on the premise that strategic financial investment in these areas will lead to improved health outcomes, increased access to care, and enhanced community well-being in Roseau County. The emphasis on specific purposes within the sub-funds demonstrates a clear strategy to address identified health disparities and support vital services.

This funding opportunity supports K-12 schools in nine Minnesota counties to collaborate with professional artists on various arts projects, promoting access to the arts for historically marginalized communities.

This grant option, part of the Minnesota Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant Program, aims to support early-stage research into innovative treatments and rehabilitative techniques for spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. The Tier 1 Pilot Project Grant does not require preliminary data but encourages it, reflecting early investment as researchers prepare to seek larger grants. The funding amount can reach up to $125,000 for a project duration of two years with an additional one-year no-cost extension.

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) offers grants to support health and wellness within the Alexandria area, with a particular emphasis on addressing the health needs of individuals experiencing poverty. This initiative aligns directly with the AACF's mission to foster a healthier community by providing essential resources and support where it is most needed. The grants aim to create a tangible, positive impact on the well-being of residents, especially those who are vulnerable. The grant program targets residents within Douglas County, focusing on individuals who are underserved or experiencing poverty. The overarching impact goal is to improve overall health and wellness in the community. This includes providing health education to prevent disease, supporting food and nutrition education, and helping isolated individuals build social connections to combat the negative health effects of loneliness. The AACF prioritizes grant proposals that demonstrate innovative solutions to community challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. They also favor projects that build or support collaborative efforts among various community partners, including other nonprofits, government entities, businesses, and citizen groups. Sustainable positive impact, the building of social capital across diverse community segments, and highly visible projects that inspire additional investment are also key focuses. Furthermore, projects that support diversity, equity, and inclusion are highly regarded. Expected outcomes include a reduction in preventable diseases through increased health education, improved nutritional health within the community, and enhanced social connections for isolated individuals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the focus on health education, nutrition support, and social connection building implies a theory of change where targeted interventions lead to improved community health indicators and stronger social fabric. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on fostering a connected, healthy, and equitable community through collaborative and impactful initiatives.

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 Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering the AGRI Value-Added Grant, a reimbursement grant ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, to support value-added businesses such as bioenergy producers and hemp processors in increasing sales of Minnesota agricultural products through investment in equipment, production capacity, market diversification, and market access.

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation's 2024 Open Grant Round seeks to support community vitality through work that addresses six key areas: Community Connectedness, Economic Opportunity and Security, Education, Health, Housing and Transportation, and Human Services and Family Support. This grant program is deeply aligned with the Foundation's mission to foster community health and vitality by investing in solutions informed and led by those facing the highest barriers. The Foundation offers both general operating support and capital grants, aiming to provide flexible funding for nonprofits and support investments in buildings, facilities, and equipment within the East Metro area. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on marginalized communities. This includes BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, low-income communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, formerly incarcerated people, women, veterans, and young people. The overarching impact goal is to advance equity and strengthen enduring community connections, heal and revitalize communities, and promote independence and stability for individuals and families. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on supporting organizations that prioritize marginalized communities and those that demonstrate a clear connection to the "Informs, Forms, Benefits" framework, where those experiencing barriers not only benefit from the work but also inform, form, and lead it. Key priorities and focus areas within the Community Connectedness pillar include arts and culture organizations amplifying narratives from marginalized communities, civic engagement building capacity and power among these groups, and environmental justice work contributing to a multi-racial movement for safe and clean environments. For Economic Opportunity and Security, the focus is on strengthening the entrepreneur ecosystem, increasing local ownership, expanding access to culturally appropriate services, and prioritizing employment pathways for those facing barriers to wealth creation. In Education, the Foundation prioritizes organizations blending academic, social, and emotional supports for young people impacted by educational inequity, and those working towards robust early childhood systems. Within Health, the Foundation prioritizes organizations focusing on health equity, increasing access to affordable and culturally relevant health services, and addressing the growing demand for mental health, urgent care, reproductive health, and trauma-informed care for vulnerable communities. For Housing and Transportation, the emphasis is on ensuring marginalized people experiencing housing instability and homelessness can access safe, decent, affordable, and prejudice-free housing with necessary supports, and work that addresses racial justice, climate justice, economic opportunity, and health equity in transportation. Finally, Human Services and Family Support prioritizes grants that help residents navigate life transitions, find safety and stability, and promote independence, with special attention to disability, child welfare, family, older adult, immigration, legal, and re-entry support services. Expected outcomes include a more equitable, connected, and vital East Metro region where all residents have opportunities to thrive.

This grant provides funding for schools in northwestern Minnesota to purchase equipment that enhances artistic programs and supports local artistic development.

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 Alaska Sustainable Salmon Fund (AKSSF), managed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), is seeking proposals through its Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF to support salmon conservation statewide. This grant program aims to conserve and restore Alaska's salmon populations and their habitats. The broader mission, aligned with these efforts, is likely to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of salmon resources for both ecological balance and the benefit of communities reliant on them. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include various entities such as nonprofit organizations, universities, government organizations, tribal organizations, commercial organizations, and individuals, all working towards salmon conservation. The ultimate impact goal is the protection and recovery of Alaska's salmon populations, particularly those utilized for subsistence. This will ensure the continued availability of salmon for both ecological and human needs, supporting the cultural and economic well-being of Alaskan communities. The program has three primary funding priorities: habitat conservation or restoration in areas utilized by subsistence stocks, habitat conservation, restoration, or resiliency assessment in areas that may or may not be utilized by subsistence stocks, and monitoring and assessment of salmon populations utilized for subsistence. These priorities indicate a strategic focus on direct habitat improvements, comprehensive assessments of habitat health, and robust monitoring of salmon populations, with a particular emphasis on supporting subsistence communities. Expected outcomes include improved salmon habitats, increased resiliency of salmon populations, and a better understanding of salmon population dynamics through enhanced monitoring and assessment. Measurable results could include the number of acres of habitat conserved or restored, the increase in salmon population sizes in targeted areas, and the establishment of new or improved monitoring programs. The ADF&G anticipates making up to $9 million available, with specific allocations for each project category. The foundation's strategic priorities, as evidenced by the funding categories, focus on a comprehensive approach to salmon recovery, integrating habitat work with scientific assessment. The implicit theory of change is that by investing in habitat protection, restoration, and rigorous scientific monitoring, the health and abundance of Alaska's salmon populations, especially those vital for subsistence, will be sustained and improved for future generations.