Minnesota Private Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to rural volunteer fire, rescue, and ambulance departments for essential emergency response equipment and life-safety tools to enhance their capabilities and ensure responder safety.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofits and public agencies in designated U.S. states to initiate and promote community-driven historic preservation projects.

This program provides funding for feasibility studies that promote economic development and improve community resources in rural areas of Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations focused on improving the welfare of dogs and cats in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, particularly those addressing urgent issues like animal cruelty, pet overpopulation, and promoting adoption and spay/neuter initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that support affordable housing, economic resilience, financial health, homeownership, and small business development for low- and moderate-income communities across 26 states.

This program provides funding to community organizations near TC Energy's operations in North America to support projects that promote equity, sustainable development, and community engagement.

This funding initiative provides $5,000 to organizations in Northwest Minnesota to help meet the immediate needs of individuals and families facing urgent challenges, such as food insecurity and assistance with essential supplies.

This funding opportunity provides up to $10,000 to schools, businesses, and nonprofits in Ramsey and Washington counties, Minnesota, to enhance recycling and organic waste collection efforts over an 18-month period.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in specific communities to support initiatives that enhance social and financial empowerment, improving the well-being of residents through access to resources and capacity building.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to established nonprofit organizations in Central Minnesota that are addressing urgent community needs in areas such as food access, housing, healthcare, disability services, and mental health initiatives.

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 funding opportunity provides multi-year financial support to nonprofit and public sector organizations in Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin that are working on community-driven solutions to address systemic inequities and promote opportunity, resilience, and belonging for historically marginalized populations.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in Douglas County to support innovative projects that improve community quality of life across various focus areas such as education, health, and social services.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small to midsize nonprofits in Minnesota that serve low-income communities, helping them improve their organizational capacity through technical assistance and consulting services.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in the Twin Cities area that serve disinvested communities and demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and sustainable operations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, tribal nations, and local government entities in northeastern Minnesota to address critical community needs such as food security, housing, and education.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based non-profit organizations to support projects that promote Japanese arts and culture, particularly in areas with limited access to such events.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Minnesota that support children facing adversity by promoting strong family relationships and emotional well-being through community initiatives and school programs.

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) is inviting applications from organizations committed to building inclusive and welcoming entrepreneurial environments that expand equitable opportunities for all. This grant aims to empower communities in southern Minnesota to support diverse and traditionally underserved populations in pursuing entrepreneurship. By strengthening local ecosystems that remove barriers to participation, SMIF seeks to drive lasting economic vitality and ensure that prosperity is shared across racial and cultural lines. The foundation is particularly focused on initiatives that cultivate equitable access to entrepreneurial resources and that foster collaboration among community members to create long-term change. Eligible applicants include IRS-designated 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and public institutions that provide direct services or resources to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. Grassroots and informal organizations may also apply, provided they have an eligible fiscal sponsor. Proposed initiatives might include entrepreneurial education programs designed for BIPOC or underserved populations, community dialogues promoting inclusivity in business, or systems that expand access to funding, mentorship, and professional development. Successful proposals will articulate how their projects create tangible economic opportunities and address the systemic inequities faced by entrepreneurs of color in the region. The foundation will award grants of up to $10,000 per project, with a grant duration of up to 18 months for implementation. Each recipient is required to provide a 10% cash match and to submit both interim and final reports detailing progress and outcomes. Projects must demonstrate clear alignment with SMIF’s mission, show measurable community impact within its 20-county region, and present a plan for sustaining efforts beyond the grant period. Proposals that show strong collaboration and innovation in addressing racial and economic disparities will be viewed favorably. Certain activities and applicants are not eligible for funding. Exclusions include individuals, for-profit businesses, and general operating expenses unrelated to the project. The grant will not support capital purchases, real estate investments, feasibility studies without implementation, or re-granting activities. Likewise, projects already underway or completed before application are not eligible, nor are those focused on research or school-based internships. Organizations with an open Inclusive & Equitable Communities Grant from SMIF are also ineligible until the previous project concludes. Through this program, SMIF continues its mission to advance equitable economic growth across southern Minnesota. By investing in community-led efforts to uplift diverse entrepreneurs and dismantle barriers to opportunity, the foundation is helping to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous regional economy.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that create hands-on STEAM workshops for underserved youth, enhancing technical skills and career exploration opportunities within the Best Buy Teen Tech Centers network.