Foundations
1,984
Total Assets
$24.9B
Total Giving
$8.4B
Active Grants
589
National Rank
#21
Minnesota Grants: Strong Public Investment in Small Business, Infrastructure, and Community Well-Being
Minnesota has earned a reputation as one of the most well-organized states in the country for grant funding, thanks in large part to its centralized Grants Minnesota portal and a network of state agencies that distribute hundreds of millions of dollars annually to businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and individuals. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) serves as the primary engine for business and workforce grants, while specialized agencies address health, transportation, environment, and the arts. The state's commitment to equitable funding is evident in programs that prioritize underserved populations, rural communities, and organizations serving communities of color, veterans, and people with disabilities. DEED's business financing programs represent some of the most significant grant opportunities in the state. The PROMISE Act Grant Program, created by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023, allocated over $86 million to support small businesses and nonprofits that did not receive state assistance during the pandemic, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for businesses with gross annual revenue under $750,000.
The Small Business Assistance Partnership awards more than $12.5 million to 41 nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, community development financial institutions, and community development corporations that provide small business development services, with a particular focus on entrepreneurs who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, people with disabilities, and residents of Greater Minnesota. The Minnesota Investment Fund further supports companies seeking to expand and create high-quality jobs with awards up to $1 million. Minnesota's grant portfolio extends well beyond business development into areas critical to community well-being. The Minnesota Department of Health offers grants for market nutrition programs and perinatal health initiatives. The Department of Transportation administers the $18.1 million Port Development Assistance Program for economic development projects and the Safe Routes to School program for student safety.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has approximately $12.5 million available for organics management infrastructure projects to expand composting capacity. Community Development Block Grants support cities, townships, and counties with housing, public infrastructure, and commercial rehabilitation. This comprehensive approach ensures that grant seekers in virtually every sector can find relevant state funding opportunities through Minnesota's well-structured system.
Key State Programs
PROMISE Act Grant Program
Created by the Minnesota Legislature with over $86 million in total funding, this program provides grants of $10,000 to $50,000 to small businesses and nonprofits that did not receive state pandemic assistance. Eligible businesses must have had gross annual revenue under $750,000 in the previous tax year.
Small Business Assistance Partnership
DEED awards more than $12.5 million to 41 organizations including nonprofits, higher education institutions, and CDFIs that provide small business development services, with a focus on entrepreneurs who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, people with disabilities, and Greater Minnesota residents.
Minnesota Investment Fund
Provides financing up to $1 million to help companies expand, add workers, and retain high-quality jobs in Minnesota. Funds are released after specified job creation and capital investment goals are achieved, ensuring accountability and economic impact.
Port Development Assistance Program
With $18.1 million in grant funding, this MnDOT program supports port infrastructure projects that advance economic development across Minnesota, funding improvements to commercial navigation, intermodal freight, and transportation infrastructure.
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
Federal funds administered by the state to help cities, townships, and counties with housing rehabilitation, public infrastructure improvements, and commercial revitalization projects, divided into housing, public facility, and comprehensive categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Grants Minnesota portal and how do I use it to find state funding?
Grants Minnesota (mn.gov/grants) is the state's centralized online portal where grant seekers can search for funding opportunities across all state agencies. You can filter opportunities by agency, subject area, eligibility, and deadline. The portal consolidates grant listings from departments including DEED, Health, Transportation, Education, and more, making it the recommended starting point for any organization seeking Minnesota state grant funding.
What is the PROMISE Act Grant Program and who is eligible?
The PROMISE Act was created by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023 to support small businesses and nonprofits that did not receive state grants during the pandemic. The program distributes over $86 million in grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Eligible businesses must have had gross annual revenue of no more than $750,000 in the previous tax year. Grants can be used to invest in existing operations or planned growth. Multiple rounds of funding are awarded across the state.
Does Minnesota offer specific grant programs for minority-owned and underserved businesses?
Yes, Minnesota places strong emphasis on equitable access to grant funding. DEED provides loan capital specifically for businesses owned and operated by minorities, low-income persons, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities. The Small Business Assistance Partnership program directs over $12.5 million to organizations that focus on entrepreneurs who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and people with disabilities. DEED also supports Native-owned businesses and promotes economic opportunities for Native peoples statewide.
What environmental and infrastructure grants does Minnesota offer?
Minnesota offers several significant environmental and infrastructure programs. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has approximately $12.5 million available for organics management infrastructure to expand composting capacity. MnDOT administers the $18.1 million Port Development Assistance Program and the Safe Routes to School program. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure grants are available for Greater Minnesota sites. Community Development Block Grants fund public infrastructure improvements for cities, townships, and counties.
How can Minnesota nonprofits find and apply for state grants?
Minnesota nonprofits should begin with the Grants Minnesota portal (mn.gov/grants) to search across all state agencies. Key programs include the PROMISE Act grants for nonprofits that missed pandemic funding, DEED's Small Business Assistance Partnership for organizations providing business development services, Minnesota Department of Health grants for health and wellness initiatives, and various community foundation grants. The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation and other regional foundations also distribute state-funded grants to local nonprofits.
Explore
Minnesota Funding Resources
Top Foundations
Largest Foundations in Minnesota
| # | Foundation | Assets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Margaret A Cargill Foundation | $3.3B |
| 2 | Mcknight Foundation | $2.7B |
| 3 | Fred C And Katherine B Andersen Foundation | $1.7B |
| 4 | Bush Foundation | $1.5B |
| 5 | Otto Bremer Trust | $1.4B |
Active Grants