Minnesota Energy Resources – Charitable Grants
Community, Health, Education, Arts, and Environment Across Minnesota Energy Resources Service Areas
Organization: Minnesota Energy Resources
Funder Partner: Wisconsin Public Service Foundation (funded by WEC Energy Group shareholders)
Support Type: Charitable grants
Geographic Focus: Minnesota Energy Resources service area
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026 (quarterly cycle)
About the Funder
Minnesota Energy Resources invests in nonprofit organizations that strengthen communities across its Minnesota service territory. Contributions are made in partnership with the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation as part of WEC Energy Group’s broader commitment to community well-being. In 2024, the Foundation donated $150,000 to nonprofit organizations. Minnesota Energy Resources also matches employee charitable giving aligned with its priority funding areas.
What This Program Supports
Minnesota Energy Resources welcomes funding requests for programs, projects, and limited operating supportaligned with the following focus areas:
- Community & Neighborhood Development
- Health & Human Services
- Arts & Culture
- Education
- Environment
Support Types
- Program or project funding (preferred)
- Capital campaigns and event sponsorships
- Limited general operating support
While operating support is available, Minnesota Energy Resources rarely provides operating funds to individual United Way agencies that already receive company support. United Way–supported organizations may still apply for project, program, capital campaign, or event sponsorship funding.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- Be located within the Minnesota Energy Resources service area
- Align with one or more of the funding priorities listed above
Ineligible Requests
Minnesota Energy Resources does not fund:
- Individuals
- Fraternal, religious, or political organizations
- Trips, tours, pageants, or athletics
- Team or extracurricular school events or student exchange programs
- Organizations outside service areas (unless funding a specific project delivered directly to customer communities)
- Organizations without IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) status
- Organizations that discriminate on any basis, including race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, national origin, or sexual orientation
Funding Amounts
Grant amounts vary based on the project, organization capacity, budget, impact, and alignment with funding priorities. Minnesota Energy Resources does not publish standard award sizes.
Timeline & Review
📅 Quarterly Deadlines: January 31, April 30, July 31, October 31
📩 Review Considerations: Mission alignment, organizational strategy, financial health, community impact, and overall project budget
Application Process
- A new applicant portal will launch in 2026, providing a single Blackbaud account to manage applications across funders.
- Important: Application histories will not carry over to the new system; organizations are encouraged to download prior submissions.
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.wecenergygroup.com/community/minnesota-energy-resources-charitable-giving.htm
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This grant program is a strong fit for nonprofits that:
- Serve communities within Minnesota Energy Resources’ service territory
- Are seeking project-based or modest operating support
- Can demonstrate local impact in community development, health, education, arts, or environmental initiatives
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
- Review Type: Quarterly deadlines
- Next Deadline: April 30, 2026
- Best Suited For: Local and regional nonprofits delivering community-centered programs in Minnesota
