Small Town Grant Program 2026 (Minnesota) - fundsforNGOs

The Small Town Grant Program seeks to invest in collaborative initiatives which improve the way your community works together, solves challenges, creates a welcoming community and sense of belonging for all.

Donor Name: Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

State: Minnesota

County: Selected Counties

Type of Grant: Grant

Deadline: 08/28/2025

Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000

Grant Duration: 1 Year

Details:

SMIF seeks proposals which focus on collaboration throughout the project and will impact the culture, education, economy and/or social aspects of your community. This is a competitive grant round, and projects that prioritize making the community more welcoming and/or foster a sense of belonging for all will be prioritized above other projects.

Funding Information

SMIF offers up to $10,000 for projects in communities located in 20-county region with populations of 10,000 or less to be completed over a 12-month timeframe between October 15, 2025 and October 15, 2026.

Geographic Areas

Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation serves south central and southeastern Minnesota which includes 20 counties, 175 communities and one Native nation. This includes the counties of Blue Earth, Brown, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Goodhue, Martin, Le Sueur, Nicollet, Mower, Rice, Olmsted, Steele, Sibley, Waseca, Wabasha, Winona and Watonwan, as well as the Prairie Island Indian Community.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible organizations are units/agencies of government, IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations (current status, not pending), and public institutions (public schools, public higher education, etc.) Organizations which do not comply with the above status may seek a fiscal agent who holds one of the above legal statuses.

Exclusions