3M PFAS Settlement Priority 2 Grant Program

The 3M PFAS Settlement Priority 2 Grant Program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. This funding opportunity originates from a 2018 legal settlement between the State of Minnesota and the 3M Company regarding environmental damages caused by PFAS contamination in the East Metropolitan Area. The settlement established priorities for restoring natural resources, and Priority 2 specifically focuses on projects that restore and enhance aquatic ecosystems, wildlife habitats, recreational opportunities, and overall environmental quality in impacted regions. The purpose of this grant program is to fund projects that directly contribute to the restoration and improvement of natural resources affected by contamination. Eligible activities include habitat restoration, water resource protection, development of trails and recreational infrastructure, fishing access improvements, and other conservation-based initiatives. The program emphasizes measurable environmental and public benefits, particularly in areas within the designated Priority 2 Project Area and downstream regions of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers. Projects must align with at least one of the program’s core goals, including habitat restoration, improving understanding of contamination impacts, and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities. Funding for this opportunity totals up to 20000000 dollars, with allocations broadly distributed across categories such as wildlife and habitat restoration, recreational fishing projects, and general outdoor recreation. Individual projects must request at least 20000 dollars, and there is no maximum award ceiling explicitly defined, allowing flexibility depending on project scope and available funds. While cost sharing is not required, proposals that demonstrate leveraged funding or in kind contributions are viewed more favorably during evaluation. Eligible expenses include project implementation costs such as construction, equipment, professional services, and limited administrative expenses, while costs incurred before grant execution or unrelated operational expenses are not allowed. Eligibility is limited to public and nonprofit entities, including local governments, tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and certain public agencies. Individuals and for profit entities are not eligible to apply. Projects must meet strict geographic and programmatic criteria, including ensuring that at least 50 percent of activities occur within the designated project area and that the project aligns with settlement goals. Certain project types are explicitly excluded, such as those fulfilling regulatory requirements, groundwater infrastructure, or projects focused solely on research or planning without implementation. The application process follows a two phase structure beginning with a required Letter of Intent. Applicants must first submit a Letter of Intent describing project activities and expected outcomes. Only those proposals that meet initial screening criteria will be invited to submit a full application. The full application requires detailed materials including a budget, supporting documentation, and potentially design or property related documentation depending on the project scope. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as environmental benefit, cost effectiveness, community impact, equity considerations, and long term sustainability. The timeline for the first funding cycle begins with the release of the Request for Proposals on February 5, 2025, followed by a Letter of Intent deadline of April 4, 2025. Applicants invited to the second phase are expected to submit full applications by approximately August 2025, with award decisions anticipated in December 2025. Additional funding rounds may occur if funds remain, indicating the possibility of recurring opportunities. Communication with applicants is handled through a designated program email, and ongoing updates including responses to applicant questions are provided during the application period. Overall, this grant program represents a significant investment in environmental restoration and public resource enhancement in Minnesota. It prioritizes projects that deliver tangible ecological and community benefits while addressing the long term impacts of PFAS contamination. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong alignment with program goals, feasibility, and measurable outcomes, making this a competitive but impactful funding opportunity for eligible organizations.

Focus on measurable environmental benefits; demonstrate equity and community impact; include leveraged funding to strengthen application; ensure strong alignment with settlement goals