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.
Bemidji Area Arts Endowment
Nonprofits a 30-mile radius of Bemidji, Minnesota may apply for grants of up to $1,500 to support art-related projects. Grants are designed to foster and support artistic endeavors that enrich the local community and enhance cultural experiences.
Applications are due by June 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: