Workplace Safety Grants for Health Care Entities in Minnesota

The Workplace Safety Grants for Health Care Entities program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health and is authorized under 2023 Session Law Chapter 70, Article 4, Section 109. This program is designed to provide financial support to eligible health care organizations to enhance workplace safety and reduce incidents of workplace violence. The initiative reflects a statewide commitment to improving the working conditions of health care staff and ensuring safer environments for both employees and patients. The program operates through a competitive grant process and is part of a broader allocation of funds extending through June 30, 2027, with multiple funding cycles anticipated depending on remaining resources. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund projects that increase safety measures in health care settings and to support the development or expansion of training programs focused on de-escalation techniques and positive support services. These efforts are intended to prevent workplace violence and promote long-term improvements in organizational safety culture. Projects may include a combination of training, environmental modifications, support services, and data tracking systems. The program strongly encourages innovative and evidence-based approaches that address the root causes of workplace violence and improve staff confidence and retention. Funding for the 2026 cycle is estimated between 1,000,000 and 1,250,000 dollars, with approximately 20 awards expected. Individual awards will range from a minimum of 25,000 dollars to a maximum of 50,000 dollars. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this funding opportunity. Grant funds may be used for eligible expenses such as staff salaries, supplies, equipment, and contracted services directly related to project implementation. However, indirect costs, lobbying activities, and unrelated expenses are not allowable. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis and require adherence to strict reporting and financial accountability standards. Eligible applicants include a defined set of health care entities such as long-term care facilities, small rural acute care hospitals with 49 beds or fewer, critical access hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, and community health clinics. Organizations with multiple locations may submit up to three separate applications for distinct projects or one consolidated application spanning multiple sites, though each application is capped at the maximum award amount. Collaboration with community partners such as social service providers and first responders is encouraged to strengthen project impact. The application process requires submission through the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care Online Grants Portal. Applicants must complete all required sections, including organizational information, project narrative, work plan, budget, and required attachments such as audited financial statements and due diligence forms. The application also requires detailed descriptions of workplace safety needs, proposed interventions, evaluation strategies, and sustainability plans. A conflict of interest disclosure is mandatory, and incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications open on April 20, 2026, and must be submitted by June 12, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. An informational webinar was held on April 28, 2026, to provide guidance to prospective applicants. Funding decisions are expected to be announced in late July 2026, with grant agreements beginning around October 1, 2026, and concluding on September 30, 2027. During the grant period, recipients are required to submit quarterly reports and participate in monitoring activities to ensure compliance and measure program outcomes. Evaluation of applications is conducted by a review committee using a 100-point scoring system that assesses organizational capacity, project design, evidence base, evaluation methods, and sustainability. The Minnesota Department of Health makes final award decisions and may request additional information during the review process. For questions or assistance, applicants are instructed to contact the program via the official email address. The program emphasizes transparency, equity, and measurable outcomes, aiming to inform future statewide strategies for workplace safety in health care settings.

Focus on clearly demonstrating workplace safety needs with supporting data; align project activities with stated outcomes; provide strong evaluation and sustainability plans; ensure all required attachments are complete