Minnesota Environment Grants

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.

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.

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 program provides funding for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region to develop and share sustainable agricultural practices through research and educational projects.

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 grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

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 grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and community groups for projects that promote sustainable and environmentally responsible use of lakes and watersheds in Hubbard County, Minnesota.

This grant provides funding to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in specific regions to support programs that assist low- to moderate-income individuals and families in areas such as community development, education, health services, arts, and the environment.

This program provides financial support to Tribal governments and local organizations in Minnesota for managing harmful invasive aquatic plants to protect natural ecosystems and recreational waters.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the St. Croix Valley region of Minnesota and Wisconsin that address community needs in areas such as healthcare, affordable housing, youth education, and human services.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and Tribal governments in Minnesota for projects that protect and restore the state's water resources, including initiatives like clean water workshops and stormwater filtration systems.

This grant provides financial support to counties in Minnesota for their agricultural inspectors to effectively manage and control noxious weeds, ensuring the protection of public health, the environment, and agricultural resources.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups in the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area to support projects focused on environmental stewardship, economic vitality, sustainable farming, and community pride.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to gasoline-dispensing facilities in Minnesota for installing or upgrading systems that capture harmful emissions during fuel transfers, promoting cleaner air and environmental compliance.

This program provides financial assistance to local governments in Minnesota for the environmental investigation and cleanup of contaminated properties to facilitate redevelopment and enhance community benefits.

This grant provides financial support to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Duluth, Minnesota, for projects in areas such as arts, education, health, and human services.

This program provides funding for graduate students in the North Central Region to conduct research that promotes sustainable agriculture practices.

This program provides financial assistance to local governments in Minnesota for improving roads that enhance access to state parks and recreational areas, ensuring safer travel for visitors.

This funding opportunity is designed to help small businesses, government entities, educational institutions, and nonprofits repair high-emitting vehicles in Minnesota, particularly in underserved communities, to improve air quality and reduce pollution.