Minnesota Youth Grants

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public agencies for innovative projects that improve the quality of life in the St. Charles, Minnesota area, with a focus on economic development and early childhood support.

This funding opportunity supports innovative projects that connect diverse Minnesotans to careers in public health through experiential learning and strategic partnerships.

This funding opportunity supports community-driven projects that improve water quality and promote environmental stewardship in the Twin Cities area, targeting eligible non-profits, schools, and local organizations.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Minnesota to develop and implement trauma-responsive care practices in pediatric health settings, particularly for marginalized communities.

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.

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 grant provides funding to organizations and initiatives focused on improving access to newborn hearing screening and services in Minnesota.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

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 funding opportunity supports Minnesota communities in preventing youth substance use by implementing a proven prevention framework and fostering local coalitions to address risk factors.

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 **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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations, schools, and healthcare providers in Cass County, Minnesota, to develop or expand programs that address the impact of opioid use and promote prevention, education, and treatment initiatives.

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

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant, offered by Kansas City, Missouri, is a program designed to foster community engagement, enhance neighborhood identity, and improve public safety and overall quality of life. The program aims to reduce violent and other crime, spur neighborhood investment and development, and address code violations through Association and resident-led projects. While the text doesn't explicitly state a "foundation" in the traditional sense, the city's strategic priority is clearly aligned with empowering local neighborhoods to address their unique challenges and build stronger, safer communities from within. This grant serves as a direct mechanism for the city to achieve its broader goals of urban improvement and resident well-being. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are not-for-profit Neighborhood Associations registered with the City of Kansas City and the State of Missouri, or those partnering with registered associations. The impact goals are comprehensive, aiming to improve resident health and safety, enhance dignity, support aging in place, and address other necessary quality of life repairs. By empowering these associations, the program seeks to create a ripple effect, positively impacting all residents within the participating neighborhoods. The grant prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include promoting active participation and involvement of residents through community engagement, celebrating unique neighborhood identities, enhancing community safety through public safety strategies, facilitating necessary repairs and upgrades for quality of life enhancements, reducing violence and other crimes, encouraging internal and external neighborhood investment, and implementing measures to reduce code violations. These focus areas collectively form a strategic approach to holistic neighborhood development and improvement. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in violent and other crime, increased neighborhood investment and development, a decrease in code violations, and an overall improvement in residents' health, safety, and well-being. The program's theory of change posits that by empowering local associations and residents to lead projects focused on these priority areas, communities will experience enhanced value through stronger partnerships, leading to increased strength and stability. The grant aims to facilitate positive interactions and outcomes, fostering resident collaboration and improving messaging within the neighborhoods. The current round of funding offers $400K for local projects, with a maximum of $20K per applicant, indicating a commitment to supporting numerous community-led initiatives.

The Minnesota School-Based Health Centers (SBHC) Grant is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to support both the development of new school-based clinics and the sustainability or expansion of existing ones. SBHCs are healthcare facilities located in or near schools that provide comprehensive, high-quality, accessible healthcare to K–12 students, regardless of their ability to pay, insurance status, or immigration status. These centers offer preventive and behavioral health services and may also include care for chronic conditions, acute illness, oral and vision care, nutritional and reproductive health, substance abuse counseling, referrals, and services that address social determinants of health. This grant opportunity is funded through Minnesota state funding and supports two categories: "Category 1: New and Emerging Clinics" and "Category 2: Operating Clinics." The New and Emerging Grant offers a one-time, three-year funding package totaling $187,500 to help organizations plan, establish, and begin operating a new SBHC site. The Operating Clinic Grant provides tiered funding of $50,000 to $100,000 per year for three years based on combined operating hours to enhance existing clinics. This funding is not renewable within the same application cycle but may be extended for an additional year based on performance and funding availability. Eligible applicants include public schools, school districts, charter schools, Tribal schools, alternative learning centers, community-based organizations, tribal clinics, local health departments, and medical or mental health organizations intending to sponsor an SBHC. A sponsoring organization must meet the legal definition outlined in MN Statute 145.903 Sub. 1. Collaboration with a school district and participation with MDH and the Minnesota School-Based Health Alliance (MNSBHA) are required throughout the grant period. Applications are due by July 10, 2025, through the Child and Family Health Online Grant Portal. Interested applicants can attend an informational session on June 3, 2025, at 4 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Questions must be submitted via email by June 30, 2025, to be addressed in the final Q&A posting by July 2, 2025. Required components of the application include a Grant Applicant Face Sheet, Project Narrative, Workplan, Budget Details (Excel format only), and supplemental forms including a Due Diligence Form, Indirect Cost Questionnaire, and Conflict of Interest Disclosure. Applications will be scored based on clarity, organizational capacity, collaboration, health equity considerations, and sustainability strategies. MDH will make final funding decisions based on reviewer scores, community needs, geographic representation, and funding availability. Successful applicants will be notified by email.

The Medica Foundation's Rural Health Grants program aims to fund nonprofit, community-led solutions addressing health needs and social determinants of health in rural Minnesota. This aligns with the Foundation's mission to support the well-being of communities, particularly by focusing on localized efforts in areas outside the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. The strategic priority here is to empower grassroots initiatives where fundraising is conducted solely at the local level, fostering self-sufficiency and direct community impact. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries within rural communities, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, children and youth, families, immigrants and refugees, LGBTQ+ communities, seniors, survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence, and veterans. The impact goals are to improve health outcomes and address social determinants of health for these specific vulnerable populations. By focusing on these groups, the Foundation seeks to create a more equitable and healthier environment for those who often face greater challenges in accessing healthcare and support services in rural settings. The grant program prioritizes funding across several critical areas: behavioral health, culturally-focused care, domestic violence and sexual assault services and prevention, early childhood health, oral health, primary care for underserved communities, senior care, sexual health, and transportation. These focus areas reflect a comprehensive approach to health and well-being, acknowledging the interconnectedness of various factors that contribute to a healthy life. The Foundation's theory of change appears to be that by supporting these specific interventions, it can create a ripple effect of positive change within rural communities, improving overall public health. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the expected outcomes are a reduction in health disparities and an increase in access to essential services for rural populations. The individual grants, awarded up to $10,000, are intended to provide vital support for organizations working towards these goals. The eligibility criteria emphasize local presence and local fundraising, reinforcing the Foundation's strategic priority of empowering genuine community-led solutions and ensuring that the funding directly benefits the regions it intends to serve.