Minnesota Nonprofit Resource Guide

24/7 helpline, care consultations, support groups across Minnesota (Twin Cities, Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, Mankato, Bemidji, Brainerd, Moorhead, and more), Walk to End Alzheimer's events statewide (Twin Cities, Rochester, Duluth, Mankato, and more), professional training, advocacy at the Minnesota Legislature, and research funding. Works closely with Mayo Clinic and U of M dementia research programs. Coordinates with all 7 AAAs and tribal aging programs for dementia caregiver support.

The Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center is one of NIA's nationally designated ADRCs and is among the world's most important Alzheimer's research programs. Mayo's Alzheimer's biobank is the largest of any academic institution in the world, with samples and longitudinal data on tens of thousands of patients. Mayo's research into tau protein biology (the other key protein in Alzheimer's alongside amyloid), Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia is internationally recognized. The ADRC conducts clinical research and provides clinical evaluations, closely integrated with Mayo Clinic's world-class neurology department and the Gonda Vascular Center.

Parkinson's Foundation Helpline, Moving Day Twin Cities and other Minnesota events, PF Gymnasium wellness programs, caregiver resources, and referrals to Mayo Clinic Movement Disorders Center and University of Minnesota Center for Neurological Restoration.

Mayo Clinic's Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center is one of the world's most recognized movement disorder programs — regularly treating patients from all 50 states and from countries worldwide who come specifically for Mayo's integrated team approach to Parkinson's evaluation and care. The center integrates neurology, neurosurgery (deep brain stimulation — DBS), physical/occupational/speech therapy, and palliative care in a single coordinated evaluation that is Mayo's hallmark. The center conducts clinical trials and translational research into Parkinson's biomarkers and neuroprotective therapies.

Free Care Manager services for Minnesota ALS patients, equipment loans, financial assistance, Walk to Defeat ALS Twin Cities event, research funding, and connection to Mayo Clinic and U of M ALS multidisciplinary clinics.

Patient navigation, Road to Recovery transportation, Look Good Feel Better, Relay for Life events statewide (Twin Cities, Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, Mankato, Moorhead, and more), 24/7 helpline, and research funding.

The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center has been NCI-designated since 1973 — one of the first six cancer centers designated under the National Cancer Act of 1971. Mayo Clinic is consistently ranked the #1 or #2 hospital in the United States by U.S. News & World Report across cancer and most other specialties. Mayo's cancer program draws patients from all 50 states and from 135+ countries annually — many of whom come specifically for Mayo's integrated, multispecialty team evaluation that delivers a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan in days rather than months. Research strengths: hematologic malignancies (blood cancers), prostate cancer (world's leading robotic surgery volume), melanoma (one of the world's largest melanoma programs), endocrine cancers, rare cancers, and cancer genomics (the Center for Individualized Medicine — CIM — at Mayo is one of the nation's foremost precision oncology programs). The Mayo Clinic Biobank — the world's largest university-affiliated biobank with 57,000+ participants — powers unique longitudinal cancer research. The Mayo Clinic Health System extends cancer care to patients across a 60-site network spanning Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

The Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota has been NCI-designated since 1976 — one of the original NCI cancer centers. The University of Minnesota is home to one of the most extraordinary cancer treatment milestones in history: in 1968, Dr. Robert Good performed the world's FIRST successful bone marrow transplant here, saving a young boy with a rare immune deficiency and launching the entire field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Today, the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at the University of Minnesota remains one of the world's top centers for bone marrow and stem cell transplantation, particularly for pediatric patients and rare immune deficiencies. The Masonic Cancer Center is particularly strong in blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma), clinical trials, and cancer disparities research for Minnesota's significant Native American, African American, and immigrant populations. The Masonic Cancer Center is named for the philanthropic support of the Masonic fraternal organization, which has supported children's cancer care in Minnesota since the early 20th century.

Financial assistance for blood cancer patients, Light the Night Twin Cities event, First Connection peer support, and research funding.

Heart disease and stroke education, CPR/AED training, Go Red for Women, Heart Walk Minnesota statewide events, advocacy at the Minnesota Legislature, and research funding.

MS Navigator helpline, support groups statewide, Walk MS Twin Cities and Rochester events, financial assistance, and referrals to MS specialists at Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota, M Health Fairview, HealthPartners, and Essentia Health.

Diabetes education, advocacy, Tour de Cure Minnesota, research funding, and connection to accredited diabetes education programs at Mayo Clinic, University of Minnesota, M Health Fairview, HealthPartners, and community health centers statewide, including Indian Health Service programs.

The International Diabetes Center (IDC) at Park Nicollet in St. Louis Park is one of the nation's most respected and largest outpatient diabetes care and education programs. The IDC has been a diabetes care leader since 1967 and has published landmark research on diabetes self-management education. IDC's CORE Diabetes Institute and its curriculum model for diabetes educators has trained diabetes educators across the country and around the world.

Mayo Clinic is the world's most widely known destination for patients with rare, complex, and undiagnosed diseases. Key programs: Mayo Clinic Undiagnosed Diseases Program (UDP) — provides comprehensive evaluation for patients who have gone undiagnosed elsewhere; Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine (CIM) — one of the nation's most advanced clinical whole-genome sequencing and precision medicine programs; Rare Disease Advisory Council; and specialized programs for lysosomal storage disorders, rare metabolic diseases, rare neurological conditions, rare connective tissue disorders, and more. Mayo's multi-specialty team-based approach — which can deliver a week-long comprehensive evaluation integrating 20+ specialties — has generated diagnoses for thousands of patients who had been undiagnosed for years or decades. Mayo treats patients from 135+ countries.

NORD patient support, disease information, rare disease clinical trial connections, and financial assistance programs for Minnesota rare disease patients.

Advocacy, free programs (Family-to-Family, Peer-to-Peer, NAMI Basics, In Our Own Voice), HelpLine, support groups statewide, and policy work at the Minnesota Legislature. NAMI Minnesota has been central to mental health reform advocacy, the Governor's Mental Health Task Force, and the Crisis Now model for mental health crisis services.

Free legal advocacy for Minnesota residents with disabilities including mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, and physical disabilities. Investigates abuse and rights violations in hospitals, group homes, nursing facilities, and state institutions statewide.

Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is one of the world's most important addiction treatment organizations — and Minnesota is its home. Hazelden was founded in 1949 in Center City on a farm donated by a wealthy businessman, growing into the global leader in addiction treatment. Hazelden pioneered the '28-day residential treatment model' and the 'Minnesota Model' (also called the Hazelden Model) — a 12-step-based residential treatment approach that became the dominant model for addiction treatment worldwide. Betty Ford joined the organization after her own public recovery journey, bringing national attention to addiction as a disease. Today, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation provides residential treatment, outpatient treatment, adolescent programs, professional training, research, and advocacy. The Betty Ford Center (Rancho Mirage CA) is the most famous residential treatment program in the United States.

Free 24/7 treatment referral and information for substance use disorders. Connects Minnesota residents to local treatment programs and recovery resources across all 87 counties.

Administers all federal and state aging programs in Minnesota including the Elderly Waiver (EW — HCBS Medicaid waiver), Alternative Care (AC) program, Meals on Wheels, Family Caregiver Support Program, SHIP Medicare counseling (via Senior LinkAge Line), Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Adult Protective Services, and Minnesota Aging Pathways (online long-term care planning portal). The Senior LinkAge Line (1-800-333-2433) is the flagship 24/7 statewide aging and disability information system.

Family caregiver resource guides, AARP Caregiving Resource Line, driver safety, AARP Tax-Aide (free tax preparation statewide — particularly valuable in Greater Minnesota rural areas), advocacy for Minnesota aging and healthcare legislation, and AARP Foundation programs for lower-income older Minnesotans.

Free civil legal assistance for low-income Minnesotans including seniors 60+. Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid covers the Twin Cities and Central Minnesota; Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services covers the southern counties. Elder law, housing rights, benefits appeals, domestic violence, healthcare directives, and consumer issues. Minnesota's legal aid network (mnlegalservices.org) provides a comprehensive statewide safety net.

The Wilder Research Center is a nationally recognized applied research organization affiliated with the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation — one of Minnesota's oldest and most significant philanthropic institutions (founded 1906 in St. Paul). Wilder Research conducts the Minnesota Homeless Study (the most comprehensive statewide homeless count in the nation, conducted every 3 years), aging research, early childhood research, and community health studies that directly inform Minnesota's aging, housing, and social service policy. Wilder Foundation's direct services programs (including housing, family services, and aging services) are among the Twin Cities' most respected nonprofits.

Veterans benefits claims assistance, Minnesota Veterans Homes (5 locations statewide), Veterans Preference (hiring), Veterans Bonus Program, gold star families support, Veterans Suicide Prevention, and advocacy at the Minnesota Legislature. MDVA's Veterans Crisis Line partnership with 988 is a priority program.

Full-service VA healthcare in Minneapolis affiliated with the University of Minnesota Medical School. Comprehensive programs: primary care, mental health, PTSD, TBI, women veterans, geriatrics, oncology (with Masonic Cancer Center clinical trial partnerships), substance use, and spinal cord injury. The Minneapolis VA is one of the most research-active VA systems in the nation through its partnership with the University of Minnesota.

Full-service VA healthcare in St. Cloud serving Greater Minnesota and the northlands. Particularly important for veterans in rural Central and Northern Minnesota — including significant numbers of Native American veterans who live on or near tribal reservations in Central and Northern Minnesota. Six CBOCs provide accessible care across a large geographic area.

Veterans benefits assistance, Boys/Girls State programs, scholarships, emergency financial assistance, and advocacy at the Minnesota Legislature.

JFCS Minneapolis provides comprehensive social services open to ALL Minnesota residents regardless of religion. Programs: counseling and mental health (one of the Twin Cities' largest community mental health practices), elder services and aging in place, Holocaust survivor services and Next Generation (children/grandchildren of survivors) programs, career services and workforce development, disability services, refugee and newcomer services (JFCS is a major resettlement partner for the Twin Cities' large Somali, Ukrainian, Congolese, and Russian-speaking Jewish refugee communities), and emergency financial assistance.

JCRC is the public affairs and civil rights agency of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Jewish community, working across religious, racial, and ethnic lines on shared community concerns. Coordinates with the Minneapolis Jewish Federation and plays an important role in Minnesota's interfaith social service advocacy.

One of Minnesota's largest social service organizations, providing services to ALL Minnesota residents regardless of religion. Programs: emergency shelter and housing (including Higher Ground St. Paul — the largest single-night shelter in Minnesota; Dorothy Day Center in St. Paul; and the Mary Hall shelter in Minneapolis), emergency food and financial assistance, refugee and immigration services (one of the largest refugee resettlement partners in Minnesota), counseling, elder services, and foster care. Catholic Charities' Twin Cities homeless shelter network is the backbone of the metro's crisis housing system.

One of Minnesota's largest and most comprehensive human services organizations, open to ALL Minnesota residents regardless of faith. LSS-MN provides: refugee resettlement and integration (one of the nation's most active refugee resettlement agencies — serving Twin Cities' massive Somali, Hmong, Karen, Congolese, Ukrainian, Russian-speaking Jewish, and other communities), foster care and adoption, counseling and mental health, affordable senior housing (100+ LSS-MN senior housing properties statewide), disability services, children's services, economic empowerment, and emergency assistance through Lutheran congregation networks across all 87 counties.

Emergency financial assistance, food pantries, homeless shelters, disaster relief, Angel Tree holiday programs, Adult Rehabilitation Centers (addiction recovery in Minneapolis and St. Paul), and community programs statewide.

Second Harvest Heartland is the largest food bank in the Upper Midwest, distributing 100+ million pounds of food annually through 1,000+ partner agencies across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. A Feeding America member with programs for food-insecure seniors (CSFP for adults 60+), children, and underserved communities. Second Harvest Heartland has been a national leader in food rescue (recovering food from farms, manufacturers, and retailers) and has particularly strong programs for Minnesota's large refugee and immigrant communities, American Indian communities, and rural Greater Minnesota populations.

Minnesota 211 (dial 2-1-1) provides 24/7 referrals to food, housing, health care, caregiver support, mental health, substance use, and emergency assistance across all 87 Minnesota counties. United Way of the Greater Twin Cities funds education, health, and financial stability programs across the metro area.

Advocacy, support, and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. Supports the Minnesota Dept. of Human Services' DD programs, including the DD Waiver, Brain Injury Waiver, and Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver.

Minnesota's federally mandated state council for developmental disabilities. Funds advocacy, systems change, and capacity building — including through the Institute on Community Integration (ICI) at the University of Minnesota, a national leader in disability research and supported employment.

Minnesota's CIL network provides free peer support, benefits counseling, independent living skills training, and advocacy for Minnesotans with disabilities across all 87 counties.

Minneapolis has the largest urban American Indian population in the United States — a legacy of the federal Indian Relocation Act of 1956, which moved thousands of Native Americans from reservations to cities. The Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC) provides cultural programming, social services, elder services, youth programs, and health access for urban American Indians. Little Earth of United Tribes is the nation's only housing project designed specifically for American Indians, providing 212 units of affordable housing alongside extensive social services in the heart of the Minneapolis American Indian community ('Little Earth' on Cedar-Riverside). The Minnesota Indian Area Agency on Aging serves tribal elders on reservations; MAIC and Little Earth serve the large urban Indian elder population.