Building Better Lives grants
Building Better Lives grants support projects in Northwest Minnesota that foster economic growth, wellness, civic engagement, and stability, with a focus on communities facing barriers.
Funder: Northwest Minnesota Foundation
Due Dates: July 27, 2026 | November 30, 2026 | March 30, 2027
Funding Amounts: Typical awards $5,000–$15,000; maximum $15,000; one-year grant period; total available funding per cycle approx. $100,000.
Summary: Supports projects in Northwest Minnesota that foster economic growth, wellness, civic engagement, and stability, prioritizing communities facing barriers.
Description
The Building Better Lives grants, offered by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation, are designed to support people and communities in Northwest Minnesota, particularly those who have faced barriers to opportunity. The program invests in initiatives that strengthen local economies, expand access to critical resources, create opportunities for civic engagement, and foster pathways to stability and growth. Funding priorities include strengthening families, promoting mental and physical health and wellness, cultivating welcoming communities, enhancing economic mobility and workforce development, and building nonprofit capacity. Grants are awarded three times per year and are intended to provide flexible, right-sized investments for community-based projects.
