Development Partnership Grant Program

The Development Partnership Grant Program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, a state agency focused on strengthening the long-term economic vitality of northeastern Minnesota. The program is funded through the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund and is designed to support initiatives that contribute to sustainable regional development. The agency emphasizes collaboration, economic resilience, and inclusive growth across its service area, aligning funding decisions with broader state priorities related to workforce development, environmental stewardship, and community enhancement. The primary purpose of the grant is to provide financial support for research, planning, education, and development-based initiatives that stimulate long-term economic growth. Eligible projects are expected to demonstrate measurable impacts such as job creation or retention, support for construction-related employment, and broader workforce benefits. Projects should also contribute to strengthening local businesses, enhancing livable communities, and improving access to education and training opportunities. Environmental considerations, including sustainability, energy efficiency, and pollution reduction, are also integral to the program’s objectives. Funding for the program totals 2000000 dollars for the fiscal year, and applicants are required to provide a one-to-one matching contribution for each project. This match may include in-kind contributions such as labor or materials, provided they receive prior approval. In certain cases, particularly for site-readiness projects that support business development, a reduced match requirement may be considered following review by a Technical Advisory Committee. Funds may only be used for eligible project expenses incurred after the execution of a formal grant contract, and reimbursement is the standard method of payment. Eligible applicants include cities, townships, nonprofit organizations, Tribal governments, and other governmental entities established under Minnesota statutes, provided they are located within the agency’s service area. The program encourages multi-organization collaboration to maximize impact and resource efficiency. Applicants must submit a project narrative addressing evaluation criteria, a detailed scope of work, and supporting documentation such as resolutions, financial records, and organizational information depending on the applicant type and funding request size. The application process is conducted through the FLUXX grants portal and begins with a required pre-application used to determine project eligibility. Only applicants who pass this initial screening are invited to submit a full application. Required application components include a detailed budget with matching funds, project timeline and milestones, workforce impact estimates, and disclosures related to conflicts of interest. Additional documentation such as IRS forms, audits, and organizational charts may be required depending on the applicant category and funding amount. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning July 1, 2025 and continuing through May 29, 2026, or until program funds are substantially committed. Submitted applications undergo an initial eligibility review followed by a comprehensive evaluation based on criteria such as job impact, collaboration, equity and inclusion, environmental benefits, and community outcomes. Award decisions are made by the commissioner and are final. Applicants are typically notified within 60 days of review, and awarded projects must comply with reporting requirements including annual progress reports and a final report prior to final payment. The program includes strict compliance requirements related to procurement, prevailing wages, financial oversight, and reporting. Projects must align with state statutes governing contracting and labor standards, and recipients may be subject to monitoring visits and financial audits. Contact for the program is Whitney Ridlon, who can be reached via email at Whitney.Ridlon@state.mn.us or by phone at 218-735-3004 for additional guidance and support throughout the application process.

Emphasize measurable job creation or retention; demonstrate strong partnerships; align project with environmental sustainability and DEI priorities; clearly justify economic impact and community benefits