Minnesota Food and Nutrition Grants

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.

The City of St. Petersburg is offering Social Action Funding grants of up to $100,000 to social service agencies providing homeless services and/or homeless prevention services. This grant program aims to offer financial support for initiatives that positively influence the lives of homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness within the city. The program aligns with a broader mission to advance the health, economic, or social well-being of persons in need. The target beneficiaries include a wide range of vulnerable populations. Priority is given to agencies serving families with children (ages 0-5 and 6-17 years), elderly individuals over 62, unaccompanied youth, youth aging out of foster care, chronically homeless individuals (as defined by HUD), veterans, and victims of domestic violence. The overarching impact goal is to reduce and prevent homelessness in St. Petersburg by supporting comprehensive social service programs. The program prioritizes agencies that utilize a "housing first" and low-barrier approach. Specific critical services, such as storage units for personal items, call centers for homelessness prevention and assistance, and discretionary funds for street outreach, are also encouraged, allowing agencies to submit additional applications for these services. While there are no bonus points for matching funds or sole source proposals, all agencies are required to enter client data into the Pinellas Homeless Management Information System, with domestic violence providers being the sole exception. Expected outcomes include improved well-being for residents who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of individuals and families served, successful housing placements, and the overall impact on reducing homelessness within the city. The grant period for projects is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, allowing for a one-year duration of funded services. This strategic approach emphasizes direct intervention and support for those most in need, with a clear focus on actionable and impactful services.

Healthy Living Grant Program – Minnesota supports communities in building social connections through healthy eating, physical activity, mental health awareness, and community building. The purpose of the grant is to increase well-being through community-driven action, with a $1,000 grant award limit per applicant and activity or program. Eligible activities include new programs or initiatives that support physical or mental well-being and social connections, and are inclusive for all members of the community. Examples of eligible uses for grant funds include promotional materials, healthy foods at wellness activities, mental health support groups, meditation classes, exercise equipment for public use, gardening materials, tobacco cessation groups, and space rental and event materials.

This funding opportunity is designed to support organizations in Beltrami County that provide housing solutions, including construction, rehabilitation, and supportive services, to improve the availability and affordability of safe housing for low to moderate-income families and individuals.

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

This funding opportunity is designed for non-profit organizations in Minnesota to implement lead hazard mitigation services, including education, blood lead testing, and environmental interventions, particularly in communities at high risk for lead exposure.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that conserve and improve natural resources, targeting municipalities, nonprofits, schools, and private property owners in Hennepin County.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities in Douglas County, Minnesota, to support health and wellness initiatives that address the needs of residents experiencing poverty.

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 North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Partnership Grant Program is seeking applications to provide funding of $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers, aiming to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education activities related to sustainable agriculture.

This grant provides financial support to non-profit organizations in Richfield, Minnesota, to help community members recover from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on issues like housing stability, food insecurity, and economic support for low-income households.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Minnesota that provide essential services to individuals and families facing housing and food insecurity, helping them acquire necessary tools and infrastructure to improve their support efforts.

The Make it Minnesota Marketing Investment Cost-Share Program, funded by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's AGRI Program, supports Minnesota-based consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies in food, beverage, or pet food sectors. The program reimburses 50% of eligible marketing investments up to a maximum of $3,000 per company per fiscal year. This funding can be used for in-store demonstrations, Minnesota Pavilion events, and B2B tradeshow costs, among other high-impact marketing activities. The program aims to help these companies increase their market presence both domestically and internationally.

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Research and Education (R&E) Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity offering $100,000 to $500,000 for up to 3 years to researchers, educators, and organizations exploring sustainable agriculture, with the aim of improving economic viability, environmental quality, and quality of life in the North Central Region's agricultural sector.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local public health agencies in Minnesota to improve food security and promote local food economies in low-income and disadvantaged communities through regional collaboration.

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 Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is offering the International Medical Graduate Career Guidance and Support Program to address barriers faced by international medical graduates (IMGs) in becoming licensed and practicing medicine in Minnesota. This initiative aligns with the broader mission of strengthening the state's healthcare workforce, expanding access to care, fostering healthy communities, and providing culturally responsive care to underserved populations. The program aims to integrate the potential of IMGs into Minnesota's health system, recognizing their significant contributions. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are immigrant international medical graduates who are seeking to enter the Minnesota health workforce. The program's impact goals are centered on supporting these IMGs through career guidance and support services, ultimately facilitating their licensure and practice in the state. By doing so, the program contributes to a more diverse and robust healthcare workforce capable of meeting the diverse needs of Minnesota's communities. The program's priorities and focuses include awarding grants to eligible nonprofit organizations and postsecondary educational institutions. These organizations must be located in Minnesota, be in good financial standing, and demonstrate strong experience in working with immigrants and refugees, working with IMGs, and providing health care career guidance and support. This ensures that the awarded funds are channeled through organizations with proven capabilities in supporting the target population. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of IMGs successfully integrated into the Minnesota health workforce. Measurable results will be tied to the number of awards distributed (estimated one or two awards) and the range of funding provided ($100,000 to $400,000 per award, with an estimated total of $400,000-$500,000 available). While specific quantitative metrics for IMG licensure are not explicitly detailed, the success of the program will be evident in the enhanced support and guidance offered to IMGs, leading to their increased participation in the state's healthcare system. The program's strategic priority is to address a critical workforce gap and promote equitable access to healthcare for all Minnesotans.

The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota (WFM) Fund for Safety is dedicated to innovating and resourcing initiatives that aim to end gender-based violence, encompassing sex trafficking, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. This grant program is deeply aligned with WFM's mission to invest in women’s safety and work collaboratively with communities to eliminate gender-based violence. The foundation operates with an ethos of listening and responding to community concerns, which drives its strategic, cross-sector plans and efforts to create collective impact. The Fund for Safety prioritizes ending all forms of violence affecting women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals, including sexual violence, physical violence, state and structural violence, and the exploitation and abuse experienced by elders and people with disabilities. WFM is committed to investing in organizations that serve Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander communities, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, Greater and rural MN communities, and immigrant and refugee populations. The definition of a woman for this program is inclusive of anyone who identifies as a woman, including transgender, gender nonconforming, gender nonbinary, and all gender-expansive people who experience gender-based structural harm. The program has three core priorities, with anticipated outcomes focused on healing from trauma and cultivating community-centered solutions for survivors. These priorities include strengthening systems and infrastructure to sustain the movement to end gender-based violence, building and sustaining movements for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, missing and murdered Black women and girls, and preventing violence against Latina women. Additionally, the fund aims to prevent cycles of gender-based violence among young women, men, and gender-expansive people by addressing misogyny, misogynoir, and toxic masculinity through education to promote healthy gender norms and relationships. Expected outcomes and measurable results stem from these priorities, aiming to address systemic inequities and reform policies that perpetuate gender-based and state-sanctioned violence. The grant specifically offers a one-year investment of $20,000 in general operating support. Eligibility criteria include Minnesota-based nonprofit tax-exempt organizations, schools, unincorporated organizations with a fiscal sponsor, and American Indian Nations, all operating programs within Minnesota that benefit women, girls, and gender-expansive people, or organizations serving at least 50 to 75 percent of these populations. Programs must demonstrate the ability to work in partnership with other organizations and drive innovative solutions that advance gender and racial equity and justice by increasing access to safety.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Minnesota that are dedicated to improving services and resources for individuals and families facing homelessness and food insecurity.