Workforce Development Grant Program

The Workforce Development Grant Program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, a state agency focused on strengthening the economic vitality of northeastern Minnesota. The program is designed to address workforce shortages and skill gaps across industries within the agency’s service area, particularly in the Taconite Assistance Area. Through targeted investments in education, training, and career awareness initiatives, the agency aims to align workforce capabilities with current and emerging industry demands while supporting long term regional economic stability. The primary purpose of the program is to fund projects that deliver workforce training, curriculum development, career awareness programming, and related initiatives that directly benefit industries and workers in the region. Funded activities may include instructional staff time, program coordination, recruitment, and job development services, as well as the purchase of equipment necessary for training. Infrastructure improvements such as electrical or ventilation upgrades tied to training equipment are also allowable. Costs associated with training materials, supplies, and limited travel directly related to program delivery are eligible, while administrative materials and unrelated expenses are not permitted. Funding for the program is set at a total of 700000 dollars for the fiscal year, with awards distributed competitively based on application strength. A one to one matching requirement is mandatory, meaning applicants must provide an equal amount of funding or in kind support. Up to half of the required match may come from business or industry partners, including wages or stipends paid to trainees, provided such contributions are clearly documented and tied specifically to the project. Projects must begin within nine months of the award, ensuring timely implementation and measurable workforce impact. Eligibility is limited to accredited post secondary institutions, nonprofit organizations, Tribal governments, and governmental entities established under Minnesota statutes that provide education or training programs aligned with regional workforce needs. Applicants must be located within the Taconite Assistance Area, and collaborative proposals involving multiple organizations are encouraged to enhance regional impact. The program prioritizes initiatives that demonstrate strong partnerships between education providers and industry stakeholders. Applications must be submitted through the FLUXX grants portal and follow a two step process consisting of a required pre application to determine eligibility, followed by a full application for qualified applicants. Submission materials include a project narrative addressing evaluation criteria, cost estimates, and supporting organizational documentation such as financial statements or IRS forms depending on the applicant type and funding request size. Additional information such as project timelines, job creation estimates, and conflict of interest disclosures must also be provided within the system. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning July 1, 2026, through May 28, 2027, or until available funds are committed. Proposals are reviewed competitively by a panel using a 100 point scoring system, with criteria including workforce impact, regional partnerships, diversity and inclusion considerations, project planning, and job creation outcomes. Applicants are notified of award decisions within approximately 60 days following review, and all awards are subject to final approval by the commissioner. Funded projects are subject to reporting and compliance requirements, including progress reports at least annually and a final report prior to project closeout. The agency conducts monitoring for larger awards and requires documentation of expenditures prior to reimbursement. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes such as job creation, workforce retention, and improved access to training opportunities, ensuring that funded initiatives contribute meaningfully to the long term workforce development goals of the region.

Align project clearly with industry workforce needs; demonstrate strong partnerships; quantify job impact and outcomes; address all scoring criteria thoroughly