For years, local organizations across Minnesota have relied on the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants (often called “Legacy Grants”) to keep their history alive. For many applicants, the Small Grants category has served as an accessible entry point: faster to award, easier to manage, and more attainable than the large grants program.
But there has always been a hurdle: the $10,000 cap.
In 2025, the Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) increased the maximum request amount for Small Legacy Grants from $10,000 to $20,000. This change marks a significant shift in how local history projects can be funded, effectively doubling the resources available for the same streamlined application process.
For historical societies, libraries, and nonprofits who have been piecing together budgets or shrinking scopes to fit the previous limit, this is a game-changer.
Why This Shift Matters for Your Local Project
This 100% increase could change the viability of projects that were previously stuck in funding limbo.
In the past, a project costing $18,000 may have forced you into seeking Large Legacy Grants. Large grants come with a more rigorous review process, a mandatory pre-application phase, and only one deadline per year. By contrast, small grants are reviewed quarterly and are generally easier to manage.
With the new $20,000 limit, you can now fund more substantial work without the administrative heavy lifting of a Large Grant.
Projects can include…
- Planning: Developing strategy for how your site’s stories are told—ensuring your exhibits, tours, and digital media all work together to engage visitors in meaningful and impactful ways.
- Heritage Tourism Planning: developing frameworks to attract visitors, boost economic impact, and connect your historic assets with broader regional tourism efforts.
- Wayfinding for Historic Resources: Designing cohesive signage systems that guide visitors through historic districts or trails, improving accessibility and visibility.
- Research & Writing: Covering the full scope of research for a community book or exhibit.
Deadlines and How to Apply
Typical Quarterly Deadlines: Early January, April, July, and October (Note: always check the specific dates for the current year on the MNHS website)
Who is eligible? To apply, you generally need to be a Minnesota-based non-profit 501(c)(3), a unit of state or local government, a federally recognized tribe, or an educational institution.
Resources for Getting Started:
- Read the Manual: Download the latest Grants Manual (look for Version 9.0 or newer) to ensure your project fits the new guidelines.
- Check out the MNHS Getting Started: If you haven’t already, register on the MNHS Grants Portal.
- Read our article on how to write winning grants!
Need help launching a project or crafting a winning application? 106 Group partners with you to turn ambitious ideas into reality. Contact us today to discuss how we can support you and your organization’s unique mission.
Keep Reading: How to Write Winning Grants
Bill Walker
Bill is a seasoned historian, interpreter, and cultural resources manager with over 25 years of service in the field. His wide-ranging experience with the National Park Service, regional park systems, and a variety of museums and historical societies has taken him all over the country.
Ben Duckworth
Ben is a proposal writer for 106 Group, with a background in copywriting and professional communications.
