Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota
The needs of the patient come first.
160 years of outreach
For more than 160 years, Mayo Clinic community outreach activities in Rochester, Minnesota, have made meaningful contributions to improve the quality of life in our communities, nation and world. We do not do this alone.
The Mayo Clinic Community Contributions Program partners with members of the community who share our vision of a healthy and vibrant world, offering support to a wide range of organizations. By collaborating, we work to reduce the burden on individuals and humanity.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester is proud to collaborate with local partners to enhance the quality of life, health and well-being of the communities we serve.
Every three years, Mayo Clinic and community partners review local data and gather community input to identify the health priorities that matter most in Olmsted County. Based on these findings, we develop an implementation plan that outlines our approach to addressing the top three community health priorities.
Current priority areas:
Access to care
Mental health
Food security
Community Health Needs Assessment
Mayo Clinic in Rochester Community Contributions Program
Mayo Clinic’s community investments help strengthen the places we share — supporting programs that improve health, expand access and build a welcoming community for everyone who lives, works, or visits here. Through collaboration with local organizations, we support programs, initiatives and events that address community health needs and create lasting, positive impacts on community well‑being.
Eligible nonprofit organizations may apply for one community grant per fiscal year. Available funding is limited, and not all requests can be funded; applications are reviewed competitively.
Eligibility and alignment
Who can apply
Registered nonprofit organizations serving the residents of Olmsted County with requests that meet our criteria.
What we fund
We support programs, initiatives and events that improve community health and well-being and contribute to a strong, vibrant Olmsted County. Priority consideration is given to efforts that address the needs identified through our most recent Community Health Needs Assessment:
Access to care
Mental health
Food security
We also consider requests that address broader factors that influence health and well-being, strengthen community connections and enhance quality of life in Olmsted County. Funding requests should not exceed 20% of the organization’s annual operating budget or the total cost of the proposed project, whichever is less. Applicants are encouraged to identify other sources of support that will contribute to the project.
When you’ll hear from us
Grants over $5,000 follow quarterly submission deadlines and decision dates (see timeline below).
Grants $5,000 or less and event sponsorships are reviewed twice a month. Most organizations receive an update within 4 weeks; when volume is high, response times may be longer. The 2026 application for grants of $5,000 or less and event sponsorships has now closed. The 2027 application period will open on December 1, 2026.
Requests we are unable to support
Conferences
Disease-specific initiatives
Walks/runs/golf tournaments
Post-prom events
For‑profit organizations
Labor or fraternal organizations
Political campaigns, candidates, parties, or partisan activities
Religious organizations for theological purposes
Replacement of funds already allocated or awarded
Requests benefiting a single individual
Reimbursement for expenses already incurred
Organizations with little or no presence in our service area
Programs that limit participation based on race, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status or public assistance status
For event sponsorship requests, please use the designated event sponsorship application and do not include these requests within grant applications.
Application Timeline - Funding Requests Above $5,000
1st Quarter: Submit Request by November 30th, Decision by February 28th
2nd Quarter: Submit Request by February 28th, Decision by May 31st
3rd Quarter: Submit Request by May 31st, Decision by August 31st
4th Quarter: Submit Request by August 31st, Decision by November 30th
Contact Us
For questions about eligibility, alignment or the application process, please contact communityengagement@mayo.edu.
Request a grant or sponsorship
Please use the following links to submit applications through GrantsConnect. The Applicant Portal Help Center is a helpful resource to answer common questions and troubleshoot login issues.
Please submit your event sponsorship application at least twelve weeks before your event to allow adequate time for the review process.
Highlights in our community
In 2025, Mayo Clinic contributed nearly $7 million to support nonprofit organizations addressing social drivers of health, community health priorities and disparities, and efforts that promote community vibrancy and belonging for residents of Olmsted County and Southeast Minnesota.
-
Mayo Clinic is proud to sponsor A Chair Affair, a signature gala that raises critical support for the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester and helps empower local youth to reach their full potential. Through this partnership, we’re investing in safe spaces, mentorship, and life-enriching programs that strengthen our community and create opportunities for children to thrive.
-
At Mayo Clinic we actively reach out to emerging business in our community. Our Supplier Diversity Initiative is a collaborative effort to provide business level opportunities, certification assistance and education to small and diverse area suppliers who seek access to the southeastern Minnesota economy and business community.
Mayo Clinic works to provide small businesses, minority, women, and veteran-owned enterprises better access to opportunities in the local economy.
-
Mayo Clinic helped create and offers ongoing support to the Salvation Army's Good Samaritan Health Clinic, which provides free and reduced-cost health care to community members without health insurance or who cannot otherwise afford care.
The clinic is staffed by volunteer doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and other medical professionals from the community. The Good Samaritan Health Clinic serves more than 3,000 people annually.
Upcoming events