Discover top Nonprofit Grant Opportunities from the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, including emergency support, capacity-building funds, community solutions grants, and more for Minnesota nonprofits.
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Nonprofit Foundation continues to be one of the strongest pillars of support for nonprofits and community-led initiatives across the East Metro and statewide. Each year, the Foundation opens a variety of Nonprofit Grant Opportunities designed to strengthen communities, empower local leadership, and address urgent needs. This article breaks down all available programs—rolling, open, and upcoming—so nonprofits can better prepare and take full advantage of these funding windows.
Understanding Nonprofit Grant Opportunities at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation
The Foundation is known for delivering Nonprofit Grant Opportunities that support crisis relief, organizational growth, leadership development, and systems change. With programs ranging from emergency financial assistance to multi-year strategic grants, the Foundation ensures that both small and large organizations can find a suitable pathway to funding.
These grants operate across several key focus areas, including community development, arts and culture, democracy, food access, housing, and youth empowerment. Whether your organization serves the East Metro or broader Minnesota, there is always a program designed with you in mind.
Rolling Nonprofit Grant Opportunities Available Now
Community Sharing Fund – Emergency Support
One of the most accessible Nonprofit Grant Opportunities is the Community Sharing Fund. It provides emergency assistance to individuals and families in crisis across Dakota, Washington, and Ramsey counties. Applications must be submitted through caseworkers, ensuring that all requests are verified and tied to a genuine emergency.
Management Improvement Fund – Strengthening Organizations
This rolling fund awards up to $15,000 to help nonprofits expand organizational capacity, develop strong management systems, and support BIPOC leadership. Eligible organizations must be based in Minnesota and have annual operating budgets of $5 million or less.
J.C. & L.A. Duke Employees’ Assistance Fund
This fund supports 3M employees who have experienced significant financial hardship due to catastrophic illness or accidents. Although limited to a very specific group, it remains an important part of the Foundation’s Nonprofit Grant Opportunities because it works through nonprofit channels and case managers.
Major Nonprofit Grant Opportunities Opening Soon
Several competitive, high-impact grant programs will begin accepting applications in 2025 and 2026. These include:
Minnesota Community IDEAS Program (January 2026)
A statewide initiative focused on uplifting innovative, community-led ideas. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, government entities, and groups with fiscal sponsors.
Bush Prize: Minnesota (Spring 2026)
This prestigious prize celebrates organizations creating exceptional, community-driven solutions. Funds can be used for any charitable purpose within Minnesota.
MN Forward Pooled Fund (May 2025)
Focused on communities affected by major federal shifts, this fund supports initiatives addressing both the short- and long-term impacts of these changes.
Issue-Focused Nonprofit Grant Opportunities for 2026
Community Solutions Grant Programs
Offered through multiple foundations (Saint Paul & Minnesota, F. R. Bigelow), these grants support community development, health, human services, arts, youth programs, and more.
Arts & Culture Grant Program
Multi-year funding aimed at strengthening Minnesota’s arts ecosystem to ensure cultural sustainability and artistic resilience.
Democracy Grant Program
Supports organizing and leadership efforts that build power and advocacy for long-term community change.
Food Access and Housing Grant Programs
Offered through the Mardag Foundation and the Our Home State program, these grants focus on eliminating barriers in food access and housing—particularly for low-income and immigrant/refugee communities.
BIPOC Leadership and Systems Change Programs
These multi-year grants center on transforming systems and elevating BIPOC leadership within Minnesota’s nonprofit landscape.
Preparing for Future Nonprofit Grant Opportunities
The Foundation’s Grant Redesign Hub, launching in 2026, will reshape how nonprofits engage with funding opportunities. It aims to simplify applications, improve accessibility, and strengthen alignment between grantmakers and communities.
Nonprofits are encouraged to stay engaged, prepare documentation early, and join the Foundation’s mailing list for timely updates.
Eligibility Criteria
Each program has its own eligibility criteria.
Deadline: Jan, 2026
For more information and to apply, please visit HERE