Minnesota grants for Special district governments

The Transportation Economic Development Infrastructure (TEDI) Program is authorized under Minnesota Statute 116J.436 and is administered jointly by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The program is designed to foster interagency coordination and provide financing for infrastructure projects that promote economic development, create jobs, and improve transportation systems throughout Minnesota. It specifically supports projects that accommodate private investment and job creation by funding infrastructure improvements beyond trunk highway projects, although coordination with trunk highway work undertaken by MnDOT is encouraged. Eligible projects include predesign, design, land acquisition, construction, reconstruction, and infrastructure improvements that enhance economic development and employment opportunities. Funding cannot be used for trunk highway improvements, but it can support nontrunk highway infrastructure improvements connected to trunk highway projects. Applicants must be local units of government, such as cities, counties, or special districts. DEED awards funds as grants, and although there is no formal match requirement, applications with substantial private investment and leverage of nonstate funds are more competitive. A resolution from the local government certifying that pledged match funds are secured is required as part of the application. Applications will be evaluated competitively based on job creation (25 points), increase in local tax base (20 points), level of private investment (15 points), leverage of nonstate funds (15 points), and improvements to the transportation system serving the project area (25 points). Geographic balance between the metropolitan area and greater Minnesota is also considered, and applications must score at least 50 points to be eligible. The strongest proposals demonstrate a well-documented need, secured leverage resources, project readiness, and committed businesses with job creation plans. The application process opens June 30, 2025, with an informational session on July 10, 2025. Applications are due to DEED by 4:00 PM on September 29, 2025. Project selections will be made in December 2025. Projects should be completed within three years of the funding agreement execution, with DEED reserving the right to cancel awards for delays exceeding six months past the scheduled start date. Payment requests must be supported with invoices, canceled checks, and documentation of both TEDI and matching fund expenditures. Applicants must submit a completed TEDI Application in PDF format under 5 MB via email to Jeremy LaCroix at jeremy.lacroix@state.mn.us. The application includes detailed questions on project summary, job creation, transportation improvements, local tax base increases, private investment, and leveraged nonstate funds, as well as budget tables for nontrunk and trunk highway components. Required attachments include a local government resolution, maps, permit approvals, engineering status, construction timelines, property acquisition documentation, business commitment letters, and evidence of community support. Key contact for the program is Jeremy LaCroix at 651-259-7457 or via email at jeremy.lacroix@state.mn.us. Additional resources, such as the Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure (BDPI) program and MnDOT’s Transportation Economic Development (TED) program, may be available through separate applications. All application materials are subject to public data rules under Minn. Stat. § 13.599 once the evaluation process is complete.

The Central Minnesota Community Foundation, through the Thomas A. Ritsche for Youth Fund, supports youth-related programs and projects aimed at reducing crimes against and by youth. The foundation provides funding for program or project support and operational support. Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organizations, schools, and government entities. The geographical focus is on Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne Counties. Applications are to be submitted online, with decisions made by a Grant Advisory Committee and final approval by the Board of Directors.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites proposals for a community air monitoring pilot grant program, targeting neighborhood-scale air quality monitoring in the Twin Cities metro area. Eligible organizations, primarily community nonprofits and their partners, will develop a dense network of fixed and mobile air sensors. Priority will be given to projects in environmental justice communities with robust community engagement. The objectives include monitoring air quality, fostering community cooperation, and providing actionable air quality data to MPCA. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. Central Time on June 28, 2024.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), through its Office of Adult Career Pathways (ACP), is offering the Women’s Economic Security Act (WESA) Competitive Grant for State Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027. The ACP supports Minnesotans facing barriers to employment by funding workforce training, wrap-around services, and educational programs that prepare individuals for family-sustaining wages, with a focus on eliminating racial disparities and increasing access to high-growth, high-wage jobs. This competitive grant program aims to encourage and assist women in entering high-wage, high-demand, and nontraditional occupations, particularly in skilled trades and STEM fields, thereby increasing representation and economic security for women. Funding totals $1.5 million statewide, with applicants eligible for up to $125,000 per year, or $250,000 total over the two-year period. Awards will be evenly split between SFY 2026 and SFY 2027. Funding must support activities aligned with WESA objectives, including recruitment, preparation, placement, and retention of women in nontraditional occupations; training and education; innovative outreach to girls and women; employer incentives; technical assistance; and supportive services such as childcare and transportation. Target populations include women of color, girls of color aged 16–17, women over 50, and low-income women, with priority given to programs serving women of color. Programs must focus on occupations meeting Minnesota’s high-wage, high-demand criteria or U.S. Department of Labor definitions for nontraditional careers for women. Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, employers, labor unions, business or trade associations with 501(c)(6) status, secondary and postsecondary institutions, workforce and economic development agencies, registered apprenticeship programs, and state, local, or Tribal governments. All applicants must have a Minnesota physical location open to the public, be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State, and—if nonprofit—hold a recognized tax-exempt designation and be in good standing with the IRS. Each organization may submit one proposal as primary grantee but may partner on other proposals. Applicants must be able to comply with DEED administrative requirements, use Workforce One for participant tracking, and follow applicable state and federal regulations. Applications must be submitted as a single PDF via email to ACPgrants.deed@state.mn.us with the subject “WESA Application – [organization name].” The deadline is 5:00 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Required forms include the cover sheet, narrative responses, work plan, budget, partnership chart and letters of support, conflict of interest disclosures, unemployment insurance account consent, nonprofit financial documents if applicable, and other attestations. Questions must be submitted in writing to Sarah Lee at sarah.lee@state.mn.us by August 21, 2025. DEED hosted an informational webinar on July 16, 2025, and recorded technical assistance sessions are available online. Proposals will be scored on a 100-point scale across seven categories: organizational capacity and experience, program description, implementation work plan, outreach and engagement, partnerships, performance and evaluation, and budget capacity. Reviewers will include DEED staff and community experts in workforce development, education, and relevant industries. Awards are expected to be announced October 8, 2025, with the grant term running from the date of execution through June 30, 2027. Grantees are expected to participate in onboarding, quarterly engagement sessions, evaluation activities, and monitoring visits, and to submit regular performance and financial reports. DEED may offer partial awards to ensure equitable geographic and community distribution of funding. Performance metrics will include job placements, wages, retention, and credential attainment. The grant also carries administrative requirements such as competitive procurement for large purchases, compliance with affirmative action and non-discrimination laws, and retention of records for at least six years. Contact Sarah Lee, ACP Program Coordinator, at sarah.lee@state.mn.us or 651-259-7307 for further information.

Art Project Program Grant Application Program Overview: The Art Project program provides funding of up to $5,000 to support relevant, meaningful arts activities with value to the community your organization serves. Support may be used to create, perform, exhibit, or publish artistic works; or to present arts events by contracting the services of other organizations or individuals. Important Dates for FY24: Open: April 1, 2024 Deadline: Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Project Start Date: July 1, 2024 Deadlines are firm, applicants are encouraged to finish in advance of the deadline. Assistance is available during normal business hours via email at admin@aracouncil.org or grants@aracouncil.org. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants include: State-registered and federally recognized non-profit, tax-exempt organizations Accredited schools Tribal governments Units of government Eligibility Criteria: Organization must be primarily based (permanent address) in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, or St. Louis County (outside Duluth) or of the four Tribal Nations within our region: Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, or Leech Lake (within Itasca County) for at least six months. All Duluth organizations are eligible regardless of budget size. Organizations outside of Duluth with minimum prior year arts operating expenses of $40,000 are eligible. No outstanding or overdue final reports from past funding. Applicants may apply only once per grant round and cannot receive funding from the same grant program twice in a fiscal year. Fiscal sponsorship is allowed for groups without non-profit, tax-exempt status. What Can I Fund? Art supplies Volunteer and administrative costs Advertising, marketing, and promotional materials Equipment or technology purchases (integral to the artistic project, <25% of total request) How Do I Apply? Applications must be completed using the ARAC Grant Portal. Submissions in any other format will not be accepted. Instructions for navigating the online system can be found by clicking on the ‘Apply Now’ button on our website. Ensure your application includes all required materials. Contact Us: For assistance or inquiries, please contact us at admin@aracouncil.org or grants@aracouncil.org during normal business hours. Grant renewed every year.

This funding opportunity supports urban youth agricultural education and community development initiatives in Minnesota's urban and peri-urban areas, benefiting a range of organizations including nonprofits, schools, and local governments.

This funding opportunity supports schools, nonprofits, government units, and community arts organizations in Region 7E of Minnesota to create and host diverse arts initiatives that enhance community access to the arts.

This funding initiative provides financial resources to local governments in the Twin Cities area to support equitable and sustainable development projects that enhance affordable housing, local economies, and community well-being.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups in the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area to support projects focused on environmental stewardship, economic vitality, sustainable farming, and community pride.

This grant provides financial support to local government entities in Hennepin County for projects that create or improve youth play areas and athletic facilities, promoting increased access to recreational activities for children and teenagers.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in northeastern Minnesota that deliver essential services to low-income individuals and families, helping them meet basic needs and overcome challenges.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local government entities in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest to support community development, education, cultural enrichment, and environmental initiatives that enhance the quality of life in their areas.

This funding opportunity supports schools, nonprofits, and educational institutions in Minnesota to enhance agricultural education programs and develop future leaders in agriculture, food, and natural resources.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and public entities that enhance economic development and civic pride in Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin, through community-driven projects and initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Minnesota school districts and organizations to help adults and high school students pursue careers in education, with a focus on increasing diversity and addressing teacher shortages.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government entities serving rural populations in Central Minnesota who are experiencing poverty, enabling them to implement projects that address immediate and long-term community needs.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public entities in the St. Croix Valley region to support environmental stewardship, education, and access to natural spaces.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Minnesota schools for the installation of emergency entry devices that improve law enforcement access during crises, enhancing overall school safety.

This funding opportunity supports organizations and educational institutions in Minnesota that aim to develop or expand agricultural education programs for youth in urban and peri-urban areas.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that assist low-income individuals and families with basic needs while also promoting animal welfare in the Boreal Waters Community Foundation area.