Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota, 2025

If you’re a nonprofit organization in Minnesota aiming to enhance your internal operations, leadership, or infrastructure, several private and philanthropic grants are available to support your capacity-building efforts.

What “Capacity Building” Really Covers

Think beyond salaries. Minnesota funders are increasingly willing to pay for:

• Financial software and donor databases
• Board and staff training
• Strategic planning
• Staff wellness and leadership development
• Coalition building and community research
• Pilot projects and planning work

In short, anything that strengthens the organization itself rather than a single program. Always read each RFP carefully—many funders explicitly list allowable (and prohibited) expenses.

2025 Capacity-Building Grants in Minnesota

1. Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program (NIGP)

Funder: Propel Nonprofits & MN DEED
Award: Up to $65,000
Eligibility: 501(c)(3) orgs with budgets under $500,000, culturally led or serving underserved communities statewide
Focus: Technology upgrades, financial systems, staff training, and partnerships. Includes technical assistance from Propel.
Learn More »

2. Initiative Foundation – Nonprofit Capacity-Building Grants

Award: $1,000 to $10,000
Eligibility: 501(c)(3) orgs ≤ $1M budget in Central Minnesota
Focus: Basic needs, economic mobility, support for impacted individuals, non-clinical mental health services.
Rolling applications.
Learn More »

3. Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation – Building Community Capacity

Award: Varies (general operating, capital, or project)
Eligibility: Nonprofits in Dakota, Ramsey, Washington counties
Focus: Capacity building and community infrastructure.
Note: Next open call expected in 2026.
Learn More »

4. Minneapolis Foundation – Economic Mobility Capacity-Building Grants

Award: Flexible
Eligibility: Organizations advancing racial and economic justice in the Twin Cities
Focus: Adapting to policy and funding shifts
Deadline: March 14 – April 15, 2025
Learn More »

5. Greater Twin Cities United Way – Community Partners Program

Award: Varies
Eligibility: Nonprofits in the Twin Cities area
Focus: Multi-year capacity building, innovation, and agile funding across education, jobs, and household stability
Learn More »

6. Blandin Foundation – Rural Minnesota Programs

Award: Varies
Eligibility: Organizations in rural Minnesota
Focus: Planning, leadership development, placemaking, and system-change efforts
LOI opens March annually
Learn More »

7. Bush Foundation – Community Innovation Grants & PRIs

Award: Ranges from ~$472,000 to $8M over 3–8 years
Eligibility: Organizations in MN, ND, SD, and 23 Native nations
Focus: Big-idea development, leadership investments, scaling change
Rolling application
Learn More »

8. Women’s Foundation of Minnesota

Award: Varies (minimum $10,000 earmarked for staff wellness)
Eligibility: Organizations advancing gender and racial equity
Focus: Reproductive freedom, economic security, staff development
Learn More »

9. Otto Bremer Trust – Community Responsive Fund

Award: Varies
Eligibility: Larger-budget organizations (typically $2M+)
Focus: Responsive grants supporting planning, infrastructure, and intermediary work
Learn More »

Tips for Applying

• Assess Your Needs: Be specific about what your organization needs to grow or stabilize.
• Match the Mission: Make sure your proposal aligns clearly with the funder’s values and focus areas.
• Show the Impact: Describe how the investment will strengthen your effectiveness and increase community impact.
• Think Long-Term: Explain how the improvements will be sustained beyond the grant period.
• Tell a Strong Story: Capacity building isn’t flashy—but a well-written proposal can make it powerful.

By leveraging these opportunities, Minnesota nonprofits can strengthen their organizational foundations, enhance service delivery, and increase their impact across communities.