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.
Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations
The Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations (HC COLA) Charitable Fund is accepting grant applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and community groups. The geographic eligibility area is Hubbard County and watersheds that impact Hubbard County.
The HC COLA Charitable Fund provides financial support for charitable and educational programs, projects and activities that facilitate cooperation among member lake associations and to assist in encouraging environmentally sustainable use of lakes and watersheds that protect, preserve, and enhance the quality of area lakes and their environs.
Applications are due by October 19th.
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: