For Grantseekers

Grant Opportunities

We offer funding in a variety of program areas, each with its own application procedures and guidelines. Below, you’ll find a brief summary of the funding opportunities we make available.

Early Care and Education Grants

This grant program helps fund early care and education services for children birth to age five in SMIF’s 20-county region.

This grant is currently closed.

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Early Literacy Grants

The Early Literacy Grant Program is designed to support early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age eight by providing children with books. Organizations working with these children are encouraged to apply for books to be given to families to keep and read to their children. The Early Literacy Grant Program receives books through partnerships with Mankato-based publishing companies, ABDO and Capstone.

This grant will open in 2027.

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Economic Development Grant

SMIF’s Economic Development Grant supports projects that strengthen local business activity, promote steady economic growth across SMIF’s 20-county region and Native nation, encourage innovation, job creation and broader access to opportunity.

This grant will open in 2027.

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Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund Grant

The Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) was founded in 1944. Since then, it has granted more than $1 billion to help further Otto Bremer’s mission in communities across Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and Wisconsin. As a trusted partner to the Otto Bremer Trust, SMIF will award grants to organizations from the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive fund.

This grant is currently closed.

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Paint the Town Grants

Free paint and coating products are available for community mural, community welcome sign, historic structure or public art/creative placemaking projects and to refresh public spaces in preparation for significant community milestone celebrations. This year, projects that lift up marginalized community members will be prioritized and the grant is open to all communities within SMIF’s 20-county region.

This grant will open in 2027.

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Small Town Grants

The Small Town Grant program seeks to invest in collaborative initiatives which improve the way communities work to address challenges. SMIF seeks proposals from communities under 10,000 which impact the culture, education, economy and/or social aspects of the town.

This grant will open in summer 2027

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Taylor Rural Childcare Grants

This grant supports capital projects related to childcare needs in our smallest communities. These grants are supported by a generous donation from Glen A. Taylor through the Taylor Family Farms Foundation.

This grant is currently closed.

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Taylor Rural Improvements Grants

This grant supports capital projects that can make a big impact on the vibrancy of small towns. These grants are supported by a generous donation from Glen A. Taylor through the Taylor Family Farms Foundation.

This grant is currently closed.

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