Grant opportunities
As a force and resource for Northwest Minnesota, we champion ideas that stabilize and strengthen our communities. We are focused on projects that align with our mission to build better lives throughout our region.
Available grant funding
NMF offers Building Better Lives grants to support Northwest Minnesota’s people and communities. These grants, offered three times a year, are designed to empower our neighbors and local leaders to build a stronger, more resilient region.
Additionally, NMF is home to more than 400 local funds, many of which offer grant funding for groups and organizations to benefit their communities. These grants are posted as they are made available.
Building Better Lives grants
NMF hosts its Building Better Lives grant round three times a year. These grants are designed to ensure that our region’s communities and people – especially those who have faced barriers to opportunity – have the support they need to succeed. We invest in efforts that strengthen local economies, expand access to resources, create opportunities for meaningful civic engagement and pathways to stability and growth.
Funding priorities include:
- Strengthening families
- Mental and/or physical health and wellness
- Cultivating welcoming communities
- Economic mobility and workforce development
- Nonprofit capacity building
Additional details can be founded in these documents:
Please note: Applications for these grants are accepted three times a year:
- June 29th – July 27th
- November 2nd – November 30th
- March 2nd – March 30th
Informational webinars
To learn more about the Building Better Lives grant program or to connect with a program officer, our staff hosts informational webinars in advance of each grant round. Please email us at grants@nwmf.org to register.
Upcoming webinars will be held:
Thursday, June 16th, at 2 p.m.Thursday, October 15th, at 2 p.m.- Thursday, February 11th, at 2 p.m.
Open grants
The following grants are currently accepting applications.
Roseau Area Community Fund
The Roseau Area Community Fund and the Roseau Area Education Fund are accepting applications in support of projects that will enhance or improve the quality of life for residents and/or visitors of the Roseau area will be considered. Grants will also be considered that support the general educational programs, projects or activities of the Roseau Public School district.
Applications will be open through November 19th.
Building Better Lives grant (2nd round now open)
NMF hosts its Building Better Lives grant round three times a year. These grants are designed to ensure that our region’s communities and people – especially those who have faced barriers to opportunity – have the support they need to succeed.
Applications will be open through November 30th.
Eldor and Stella Omdahl Environment and Conservation Fund
The Eldor and Stella Omdahl Environment and Conservation Fund promotes and preserves natural resources through charitable, educational and scientific work that supports environmental and conservation causes. 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in the eligible Northwest Minnesota region may apply for projects that promote or preserve natural resources in the region.
Applications will be open through December 4th.
Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund
The Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund supports programs, projects and initiatives that improve opportunities and outcomes for women and girls across Northwest Minnesota. Organizations serving a broad range of populations are encouraged to apply, as long as the project shows a meaningful benefit to women and girls and fits the fund’s priorities.
Applications will be open through December 4th.
Other resources
Beyond our grant openings, we would encourage you to learn more about the programs, loan opportunities, resources, and staff at NMF who are here to help you.
If your needs don’t fit the criteria of our grant openings, be sure to check out these other possible funding opportunities: