Funding search · early childhood education · Minnesota
Who funds early childhood education work in Minnesota
15 funders have a record of paying for early childhood education work by Minnesota recipients: 128 grants totaling $4.9M, most recently in 2025 — mostly grantmaking charities, which often run real application cycles. The largest by matched giving are First Children'S Finance ($781,713), The Walser Foundation ($87,500) and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation ($118,700).
From IRS Form 990-PF and 990 Schedule I filings, 2019–2025. Grants already paid to Minnesota recipients — evidence of what these funders back, not open calls.
First Children'S FinanceMinneapolis, MNCharity · may take applications
57 matching grants · $781,713 · through 2024Largest: $20,850 to TRINITY PRESCHOOL — to address facility improvements and related equipment needs for child care sites.
Southern Minnesota Initiative FoundationOwatonna, MNCharity · may take applications
21 matching grants · $292,681 · through 2024Largest: $20,000 to NORTHFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY EDUCATION — hand in hand extended preschool / childrens books distributed through early childhood program literacy grants
Largest: $10,000 to LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES — grant - families together therapeutic preschool
Beth El Foundation of MinnesotaSt Louis Park, MNCharity · may take applications
4 matching grants · $1.9M · through 2024Largest: $707,223 to BETH EL SYNAGOGUE — support synagogue programs, including camp scholarships, aleph preschool, general scholarships & synagogue operations
Largest: $135,000 to WAY TO GROW — great by 8 early childhood education
Largest: $150,000 to CLUES COMUNIDADES LATINAS UNIDAS EN SERVICIO — early childhood education and family wellness center
Northland FoundationDuluth, MNCharity · may take applications
9 matching grants · $232,217 · through 2023Largest: $60,000 to HAPPY DAYS PRESCHOOL INC — to support the initial start-up of the child care center program.
United Way of GoodhuewabashaRed Wing, MNCharity · may take applications
6 matching grants · $62,000 · through 2024Largest: $17,000 to YMCA SUNSHINE CORNER PRESCHOOL — program operating cost for general support.
Largest: $50,000 to THE FAMILY PARTNERSHIP — multicultural therapeutic preschool
United Way of Douglas & Pope CountiesAlexandria, MNCharity · may take applications
5 matching grants · $60,500 · through 2024Largest: $18,000 to ALEXANDRIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS — to provide early education scholarships to preschoolers.
Severson Family FoundationSaint Louis Park, MN
3 matching grants · $63,850 · through 2025Largest: $33,250 to Rise Early Learning Center — early childhood education
Initiative FoundationLittle Falls, MNCharity · may take applications
4 matching grants · $108,805 · through 2024Largest: $50,000 to AUSTIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS EARLY CHILDHOOD — to provide additional staffing support and build capacity in early childhood preschool programming.
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Start with one paperBroader: early childhood education funders nationally · all Minnesota-based grantmakers