Statewide Organics Management Infrastructure Grant

The MCSFS Statewide Organics Management Infrastructure Grant is administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency under the Minnesota Climate Smart Food Systems initiative. This program is designed to support the development and expansion of organics management infrastructure across Minnesota, with a specific focus on composting source-separated organic materials. By investing in sustainable waste management solutions, the initiative seeks to reduce environmental impacts associated with landfilling and incineration while strengthening the state’s circular economy and climate resilience. The primary objective of the grant is to increase the capacity for composting wasted food and food scraps throughout Minnesota. Funding is intended to support projects that either establish new composting facilities or expand existing infrastructure. Eligible investments include composting sites, compost processing equipment, fixed or mobile transfer facilities, transfer stations, collection vehicles, and other equipment necessary for preparing and delivering organic materials to composting facilities. Through these investments, the program aims to divert organic waste from disposal systems and promote environmentally responsible resource management. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has approximately $10 million available for distribution through this funding opportunity. The program is structured to support both large-scale and smaller projects. Large projects are eligible for awards ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000, while smaller projects may receive between $100,000 and $499,999. Applicants are required to provide a minimum matching contribution of 20 percent of the grant request, ensuring shared investment and commitment to project success. Grant funds may be used for capital expenditures, operating and staffing costs, and other expenses directly related to implementing the proposed project. Eligibility for this opportunity is broad and inclusive, encompassing entities that serve Minnesota communities or have operations within the state. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, new businesses planning to establish facilities in Minnesota, educational institutions, political subdivisions such as counties, cities, and townships, state agencies, and Tribal governments. Projects must directly support the expansion of composting infrastructure for wasted food and food scraps; initiatives focused solely on yard waste or alternative organics management methods are not eligible for funding. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Statewide Integrated Financial Tools system, known as the SWIFT portal. Prospective applicants are required to review the Request for Proposals and submit their applications through the designated bidding process within the portal. Questions regarding the grant must be submitted via email by the specified deadline, and an informational webinar was conducted to provide guidance on the application process. Direct communication with agency personnel outside designated channels may result in disqualification. The application deadline for the MCSFS Statewide Organics Management Infrastructure Grant is April 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. Following submission, applications will be reviewed based on alignment with program goals, feasibility, and potential environmental and economic benefits. Through this competitive funding opportunity, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency aims to advance statewide sustainability initiatives, reduce food waste, and strengthen Minnesota’s climate-smart infrastructure for organics management.

Ensure the project directly expands composting capacity for wasted food and food scraps and aligns with statewide climate and waste diversion goals.