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 has open grants rounds through our mission-driven grants programs, as well as local funds in our family of funds. NMF is home to more than 450 local funds, many of which offer grant funding for groups and organizations to benefit their communities.
Information and applications available
Below you will find details and links on the grant opportunities that are currently accepting applications.
Open grants
NMF provides the following listing of grant opportunities offered through our family of funds, as well as own mission-driven discretionary grants.
Warroad Area Community Fund
The Warroad Area Community Fund is now accepting grant applications for funding through the Warroad Area Community Fund, Warroad Education Endowment and Project Fund, and Gaylord Gunderson Education Fund.
Applications will close on April 30th.
Hallock Area Community Fund
The Hallock Area Community Fund is now accepting grant applications in support of charitable, educational and public purpose projects that will enhance or improve the quality of life for residents and/or visitors of the Hallock area.
The deadline to apply is April 30th.
Greenbush Area Community Fund
The Greenbush Area Community Fund invites grant applications in support of charitable, educational, and public purpose projects that will enhance or improve the quality of life for residents and/or visitors of the Greenbush area. Preference will be given to grants with in-kind or matching funds.
Applications will close at 4:30 p.m. on April 15th.
Thief River Falls Area Community Fund
The Thief River Falls Area Community Fund invites nonprofit or public entities within the Thief River Falls School District area to apply for a grant for either projects, programs or activities that improve the quality of life enjoyed by Thief River Falls area residents and visitors.
Applications are due by May 1st.
Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund
The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is partnering with the Otto Bremer Trust to deliver $525,000 in grant funding to organizations across Northwest Minnesota through the 2026 Community Responsive Fund.
Funding priorities and eligibility criteria for this program are established by Otto Bremer Trust and focus on supporting organizations that provide essential, direct services to meet basic needs in our communities.
Due to the specific eligibility criteria set by the Otto Bremer Trust, this is an invite-only application process. If you have reviewed the criteria and believe your organization is a strong fit, we encourage you to reach out to grants@nwmf.org
2026 Funding Priorities
Eligible organizations must align with one or more of the following areas:
- Food: Programs that directly operate meal sites or food pantries to meet daily needs
- Shelter: Short-term or emergency shelter for individuals experiencing housing instability or homelessness
- Low-Income Healthcare Clinics: Affordable medical, dental, or mental health services for uninsured or underinsured individuals
- Disability Services: Programs supporting individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities
- School-Based Mental Health: Established mental health services delivered within school settings
Key Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, organizations must:
- Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with at least five years of operating history
- Have $2 million or more in actual expenses in the most recent fiscal year
- Apply as a single organization (coalitions are not eligible)
- Not apply through a fiscal sponsor
Applications open April 20th and are due by June 1st.
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: