Guide for nonprofits

Grants and free programs for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Minnesota

2 verified programs limited to Minnesota, with what each gives, who qualifies and how to apply.

Nationwide programs and other states: Free grants, ad credits and software for 501(c)(3) nonprofits
Open now · closes October 31, 2026Cash grant

Minnesota Energy Resources charitable giving

Minnesota Energy Resources (WEC Energy Group)For nonprofitsOnly in Minnesota

Minnesota Energy Resources supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the Minnesota Energy Resources service area in Minnesota working on community and neighborhood development, health and human services, arts and culture, education and environment. Applications are accepted through an online portal with quarterly deadlines (January 31, April 30, July 31 and October 31), and an organization can receive funding once per calendar year.

What you get
Amount not stated
Who qualifies
  • Qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization located in the area served by the company (the Minnesota Energy Resources service area in Minnesota)
  • Project in a funding area: community and neighborhood development, health and human services, arts and culture, education, environment
  • Not funded: fraternal, religious or political organizations; trips, tours, pageants or athletics; team or extracurricular school events
  • Funding once per calendar year
How to apply
  1. Review the eligibility guidelines on the charitable giving page
  2. Create a Blackbaud account (required for all applicants since July 1, 2026) and apply for a program, project or capital grant or a sponsorship grant online
  3. Submit by a quarterly deadline: January 31, April 30, July 31 or October 31
Go to the program

Program page checked on October 16, 2026. The amount or dates aren't published, so confirm them on the program page.

Opens in roundsCash grant

Rewarding Responders grants (We Energies, WPS, Minnesota Energy Resources, Michigan Gas Utilities)

WEC Energy GroupFor nonprofits and local governments and tribesOnly in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota

WEC Energy Group's utility foundations offer Rewarding Responders grants of up to $2,000 to county, local and volunteer fire, law enforcement and rescue agencies in their service areas for lifesaving equipment (AEDs, thermal cameras, gas detectors, protective gear) and professional development. The We Energies Foundation awards $150,000 a year; applications are accepted May 1 to June 15 and winners are notified by August 31. Wisconsin Public Service, Minnesota Energy Resources and Michigan Gas Utilities run the same grant with a June 15 deadline.

What you get
Up to $2,000
Who qualifies
  • County, local and volunteer fire, law enforcement and rescue agencies (nonprofit or government) providing emergency response in the company's natural gas or electric service area
  • Special, one-time safety projects; equipment must stay with the department at least five years
  • Not funded: generators, buildings, large vehicles, real estate, software, promotional items, travel, stipends or meals
  • 2026 recipients are ineligible for the 2027 cycle; one application per organization
How to apply
  1. Prepare an organization and project budget, project description, impacts and timeline
  2. Apply online for your utility's Rewarding Responders grant between May 1 and June 15
  3. Winners are notified by August 31; questions to foundation@we-energies.com or 414-221-2107
Go to the program

Checked against WEC Energy Group's own page on October 16, 2026.

Every program here was checked against the provider's own website on the date shown on its card. Offers change, so confirm the details on the program page before you apply. GrantFinder isn't affiliated with these companies.