Funding Opportunities

This statewide funding supports projects that prevent food waste and expand food rescue/recovery, helping keep edible food in the human food system while reducing landfill waste and emissions. Projects often include rescue logistics (storage, cold chain, transport), prevention strategies, partnerships between food generators and recipients, and infrastructure that increases volume and reliability of recovery. The program typically includes multiple project-size tiers and requires at least a 20% match.

This emergency fund supports small businesses experiencing extraordinary hardship due to recent ICE activity across MN, with particular emphasis on impacts connected to Operation Metro Surge (starting Dec 15, 2025). Priority uses include commercial lease/mortgage, payroll, and business-related debt. The request amount is a one-time emergency grant with a maximum request of $10,000, and awards may be less than requested depending on eligibility, completeness, and limited funding availability.

The Environmental Response Fund (ERF) supports environmental assessment and cleanup activities that facilitate redevelopment of contaminated or underutilized properties in Ramsey County. Funding helps reduce financial barriers associated with brownfield redevelopment and supports projects that advance economic development and community revitalization. Eligible applicants include local government entities, for-profit developers, and nonprofit organizations, subject to program restrictions.

Provides funding assistance to automotive refinishing facilities to reduce air pollution and comply with environmental standards. Eligible projects may include equipment upgrades, process improvements, or pollution-control measures that improve air quality and reduce emissions.

Supports installation of solar energy systems on eligible commercial, nonprofit, and multifamily (5+ unit) properties located in Minneapolis. Funding helps offset project costs and supports the City’s climate, clean energy, and emissions reduction goals. Applicants must meet technical and program-specific eligibility requirements.

AGRI Urban Agriculture Grants (FY26) is a reimbursement grant program supporting urban agriculture work in Minnesota, designed for organizations and businesses building stronger local food systems through community projects and/or youth-focused learning. Awards typically range from $5,000 to $75,000 and require a 25% cash match. Applications are due February 26, 2026 (4:00 PM CT).

Annual prize honoring an individual working to better the world; $50,000 award, plus two finalists receive $5,000 each; fields include arts, education, environment, law, medicine, nutrition, social justice, and social reform.

This fund supports the preservation of historic interiors, helping organizations plan and carry out interior restoration, conservation, and related professional services. Typical award sizes are often in the $2,500–$15,000 range, and projects are strongest when the interior significance is clearly documented and the work is tied to best-practice preservation methods. A match is often encouraged.

The Favrot Fund supports a broader set of historic preservation activities, including preservation planning, education, and hands-on preservation work that helps historic places remain active and valued in their communities. Grants are commonly $2,500–$15,000, and strong projects show clear public benefit, feasible scope, and a preservation approach aligned with standards.

Supports innovative projects that reduce air pollution or environmental impact for eligible commercial and nonprofit properties. Projects are evaluated based on measurable pollution reduction and alignment with City sustainability goals. Funding levels and match requirements vary by project.

The Partner Housing Catalyst Program supports partner-led projects that increase National Park Service workforce housing availability. NPF is seeking a wide range of proposals—any size and at various stages of development—focused on unlocking housing capacity for the NPS workforce. Only nonprofits are eligible to receive grant funds, though NPF welcomes LOIs from NPS units and community/municipal entities in collaboration with eligible nonprofit partners.

Neighborhood STAR funds Saint Paul capital improvement projects that strengthen neighborhood vitality—often supporting physical improvements with a long-term community benefit (building upgrades, site improvements, redevelopment components, and similar durable investments). Smaller requests may not require match, but larger awards require a 1:1 match above $50,000. Strong applications clearly connect the capital project to neighborhood outcomes.

$1,000–$2,500 for preliminary reporting (records requests, early reporting trips, initial interviews). Paid up-front; can later apply for full grants after securing outlet commitment.

Early Music America offers up to $2,500 annually to support engagement projects that build awareness and participation in early music and historical performance. Eligible projects can include school-based or community learning programs, workshops, lifelong learning courses, and web/video/podcast content that expands public enjoyment of early music—especially projects that reach underserved audiences and historically underfunded communities. The application window listed is March 3 through April 26, 2026.

Funding for organizations (including arts + eligible non-arts orgs/public entities) delivering arts programming in SEMAC’s region.

Project support for individual artists and culture bearers in SEMAC’s region; supports creative growth/experimentation.

Supports individual artists and culture bearers in advancing their creative practice or professional development. Funding may be used for creation, experimentation, training, or opportunities that help artists move into their next stage of growth.

Cartier Women’s Initiative Regional Awards support women-led, impact-driven businesses with significant grant funding plus a fellowship experience designed to accelerate growth and leadership capacity. Prize levels of $100k / $60k / $30k, typically paired with mentorship, visibility, and a cohort network. Applicants are generally evaluated on the strength of the business model, evidence of traction, scalability, and measurable social/environmental impact.

Cultural STAR invests in Saint Paul’s arts and cultural sector by supporting projects that strengthen organizations, expand cultural programming, and improve spaces where arts/culture happen. The program typically funds capital and non-capital activities. Requests generally start at a minimum threshold (minimum $5,000) and applicants benefit from showing strong community impact, clear audience benefit, realistic budgets, and readiness to execute within the eligible period.

The LCCMR ENRTF cycle funds Minnesota projects tied to environment and natural resources—often including conservation, restoration, research, public access, and innovation that benefits Minnesota lands, waters, wildlife, and communities. This program is known for a structured review process (proposal review, presentations for selected applicants, legislative approval/work plans), so projects must be well-defined, evidence-based, and realistically implementable.

This program provides up to $2,500 to help eligible organizations move forward quickly on arts-related work or capacity needs. Funds can support things like planning for a public art project, strategic planning or board training, costs to apply for 501(c)(3) status, small equipment purchases, or small arts projects. It’s designed for smaller, targeted needs that can be executed on a short timeline, and can also support newer groups using a fiscal sponsor if they are not yet incorporated as a nonprofit.

Restaurant recovery support created to help stabilize MN restaurants facing critical operating challenges—focused on preserving Minnesota’s food culture and supporting restaurants “that serve us.” Use details in the app to confirm what costs are covered (operating expenses, rent, payroll, etc.).

Provides flexible funding to organizations and groups that create and sustain access to the arts in the seven-county Twin Cities metro area. Funds may support artistic programming, general operations, or capacity-building activities that strengthen organizational sustainability and community impact.

The Next Generation Consumer Product Founders Grant is a partnership between Goodie Nation and SHOPLINE to help consumer product brands scale faster with non-dilutive funding and operational support. The opportunity offers up to $50,000 in non-dilutive capital plus access to SHOPLINE’s e-commerce platform with white-glove support, mentorship, and monthly e-commerce roundtables. This is a strong fit for growth-stage founders looking to upgrade e-commerce infrastructure, increase conversions, and scale with expert support while keeping equity.

Provides short-term financial assistance to individual artists and arts organizations experiencing unexpected emergencies that threaten their ability to continue creative or organizational work. Eligible emergencies may include sudden loss of income, unexpected expenses, or other urgent circumstances. Funding is intended for stabilization and immediate relief rather than long-term project support.

The Levitt Foundation supports U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that present free, outdoor music festivals designed to build community, activate public spaces, and increase access to live music. Funded festivals must be free to attend, held in outdoor or public settings, and feature professional musicians who are paid for their performances. The program emphasizes inclusivity, community engagement, and cultural vibrancy.

This grant helps small employers manage staffing costs when an employee has taken Paid Leave. SEAG funds can reimburse eligible costs such as hiring temporary workers, increasing hours or wages for coverage, or training staff during the leave period. Grants offer up to $3,000 per leave, with a maximum of $6,000 per employer per calendar year. Applications are submitted by requesting a SEAG application packet inside the employer’s Paid Leave administrator account, and the program runs on annual funding until exhausted.

Quarterly microgrant awarding $1,000 to support one selected small business per cycle. The business application requires a $15 debit card payment to submit. Strong applications are specific and time-bound—clearly stating what the funds will purchase or complete (inventory, equipment, marketing, operating costs, a pilot activity, or a small expansion), why the need is urgent right now, and what measurable impact will occur within the next 30–90 days.

Operation Round Up is a community giving program that awards grants to local organizations and projects serving the cooperative’s region. Funding comes from members “rounding up” electric bills, so awards often prioritize practical, community-benefit projects that are local, achievable, and clearly impactful. Because decisions align with quarterly cycles/meetings, applicants should plan ahead and submit well before the applicable review date. Strong requests are specific (what will be purchased/delivered), demonstrate local reach within the service territory, and explain how the grant will create tangible community benefit within a defined timeframe.

Provides grant awards up to $250,000 to community-led nonprofits working to improve health and well-being for under-resourced groups; applicants are expected to meet the listed eligibility thresholds (budget size + 3 years financials).

Through Minnesota’s 2025–2027 biennial legislation and the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund (Legacy), the Minnesota Humanities Center is administering $472,500 in Ethnic Media Grant funding to support ethnic media organizations across Minnesota. The Legislature’s intent is to support organizations creating video content in a language other than English and to strengthen cultural identity, heritage preservation, humanities programming, and community empowerment, especially for Indigenous communities and historically underrepresented groups. Applicants may request up to $75,000. Funded work must be new or an expansion of existing work. Key dates include an optional MHC feedback deadline of March 9, 2026, application deadline of March 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM CST, and a grant term ending May 31, 2027 (reporting due June 30, 2027).

Wildseeds Fund’s Wildseeds Grants Program is the fund’s primary grant opportunity for grassroots nonprofit organizations and tribal governments working to transform food and farm systems through power building, communications strategy, and movement infrastructure. The program supports strategic communications projects. Wildseeds prioritizes organizations led by and serving communities directly impacted by food and farm systems, especially BIPOC-led organizations. Grants range from $20,000 to $50,000 for one year, with limited two-year awards up to $75,000 total. 2026 timeline notes: applications opened Feb. 17, reviews occur April–May, awards announced early June, and funds distributed late June.

$350,000 total in grants for individuals/organizations working in agriculture, food justice, and/or land sovereignty. Typical awards ~$11,000 (range $1,500–$30,000). No 501(c)(3) required.

The Farm to Food Security (F2FS) Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity to help individuals and organizations buy foods grown and raised in Minnesota and distribute them at no cost to Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity. Eligible applicants include individuals, nonprofits, for-profit businesses, Tribal governments, government entities, agricultural cooperatives, economic development organizations, and educational institutions. All food distributions must take place in Minnesota. Eligible expenses include Minnesota-grown foods (whole, minimally processed, processed) and up to 15% of total project costs for administrative costs related to food storage, transportation, and supporting expenses.

Growth Fund offers $2,500 grants to support creative entrepreneurs and creative small businesses, using a randomized selection process within eligibility requirements rather than traditional panel scoring. Applicants typically must show the business is established (your notes: operating 12+ months) and complete a required consultation during the cycle window, which is part of the program’s “support + funding” model. Because selection is randomized, success is less about perfect narrative polish and more about being eligible, complete, and clear on how the $2,500 will directly support growth—equipment, marketing, space needs, production costs, or business systems improvements.

Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to support impact litigation advancing economic, environmental, and social justice. Funding helps cover litigation-related costs and is repayable only if attorneys’ fees or costs are recovered in the case. If no recovery occurs, repayment is not required. The program supports nonprofit organizations, public interest law groups, and attorneys pursuing cases with the potential for broad public impact.

Up to $10,000 for investigative reporting projects; requires investigative angle + publication/broadcast path.

Quarterly microgrant awarding $1,000 to support one selected nonprofit per cycle. The nonprofit application has no submission fee. Competitive applications describe a concrete, immediate use of funds—such as program supplies, outreach/marketing, a small operational gap, a pilot service, or a short-term capacity boost—and clearly explain what will be done, why it matters now, and the impact that will be achieved within a short timeframe (often 30–90 days).

The Business Development Fund provides a reimbursement-based grant of up to $25,000 to help eligible applicants start, expand, or strengthen business activity in Cook County. Awards are structured with tiered matching requirements (so you typically pay first and are reimbursed after approved proof of purchase and completion steps). The program generally allows only one active grant at a time, meaning you must close out one award before applying for another. Ideal uses often include business-ready investments like equipment, build-out/repairs, operational upgrades, and other eligible growth expenses—especially those that improve stability, capacity, and local economic impact.

Rapid Response Grants provide time-sensitive support—often up to $10,000—to cover urgent, out-of-pocket expenses tied to active litigation in civil rights and social justice cases. This is designed to help legal organizations move quickly when immediate costs would otherwise slow down case activity. Because funds may be recoverable if litigation costs are later awarded, applicants should be prepared to explain the urgency, the specific expenses being covered, the expected impact on the case, and how the organization will manage repayment if applicable. This program is best suited for active legal matters with clear short-term financial needs and strong public-interest outcomes.

STEP Grants fund innovative planetary science and technology projects aligned with exploring worlds, finding life, or defending Earth. Funding may support stand-alone projects or components of larger efforts, including research, technology development, hardware, or public-facing science initiatives. Projects are selected through a competitive proposal process supported by Planetary Society members and donors.

Stevens Square Foundation supports nonprofit organizations providing community-based services that help older adults age with dignity, stability, and independence in the Twin Cities metro area. Priority is given to programs that deliver direct services such as care coordination, caregiver support, food security, housing stability, legal support, transportation when integrated with other services, and social or emotional support. The foundation also prioritizes innovative approaches to aging services, collaboration with other community agencies, and evidence of cost-sharing or client contribution strategies when appropriate.

The Halstead Grant is a business-focused award designed to support emerging jewelry entrepreneurs. The program provides cash support and business development recognition to early-stage jewelry businesses, with an emphasis on silver jewelry. Applicants are evaluated based on design quality, business strategy, and growth potential.

This grant supports licensed/eligible childcare providers serving the East Grand Forks community, with a focus on strengthening childcare capacity, stability, and access for local families. Awards are typically tied to specific, approved uses and require recipients to (1) sign a contract or award agreement, (2) spend funds within the required window (noted as within 6 months), and (3) submit a final report showing how dollars were used and what outcomes were achieved. The program follows a defined timeline for review and announcement, so applicants should plan to submit a complete request with clear justification, budget detail, and impact statement.

Grants of $20,000–$30,000 to support direct costs for small-scale visual arts orgs producing experimental, temporary new work (e.g., temporary exhibitions, screenings, film festivals, installations, residencies, archive interventions, interdisciplinary projects where visual art is central, and some community partnership–originated projects). Competitive proposals should emphasize the opportunity for creative risk-taking and growth for the participating artist(s) (not primarily community/audience/institution impact). Proposal is no more than 3 pages and should include project dates, location/venue, duration, artists, curators/organizers, work description/evolution, related programming/publications, plus a one-year operating budget, project budget (direct costs like artist pay + production + outreach), and the org’s 501(c)(3) statement. Reviewed twice yearly (March 1 and Sept 1). Spring awards: project start no sooner than July 1; fall awards: start no sooner than Jan 1. Expected project completion within one year of award notification. Cannot apply for multiple projects in the same round; funded orgs must wait one year after completing the project and submitting final report before applying again (if unsuccessful, can apply next round).

E-bikes for Business (FY26) is a business grant program in Minnesota aimed at helping companies reduce transportation costs and emissions by shifting commercial travel to electric bikes. The grant is best for organizations using bikes for delivery, service calls, or other business operations (not just employee commuting), and can help cover purchasing e-bikes and related equipment needed to deploy them as part of day-to-day work. Awards range from $3,000 to $24,000 with a 25% match, making it a strong fit for small businesses that already have a clear use case and can show how e-bikes will be integrated into operations. Applications are due February 27, 2026, and it’s smart to have your deployment plan (routes, staff use, storage, maintenance) ready so the request feels practical and immediately implementable.

These small business innovation grants provide up to $3,000 to help businesses invest in practical improvements that strengthen operations and competitiveness. Eligible uses commonly include equipment purchases, capital improvements, technology/IT upgrades, and training, especially where the expense produces clear business benefit and measurable improvement. The program requires at least a 1:1 match, so applicants must show they can fund the other half and document both the project cost and how it supports growth, efficiency, or job impact within the county.