Minnesota Environment Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for solar energy projects that enhance energy independence and benefit low-to-moderate income communities.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

This program provides financial support to licensed childcare providers to improve the quality of their services through equipment upgrades, technology investments, and facility enhancements.

This funding opportunity supports Minnesota-based organizations and individuals conducting applied crop research to improve agricultural practices and outcomes for local farmers and rural communities.

The Patricia Ann Emberg Charitable Trust offers grants to tax-exempt, nonprofit, and governmental vocational, technical, and trade school programs situated in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. The foundation's mission is aligned with workforce development, specifically targeting the enhancement of skills and opportunities in prominent regional industries. Through these grants, the Trust aims to strengthen educational infrastructures that prepare individuals for successful careers in critical sectors, thereby contributing to the economic vitality of the specified regions. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are vocational, technical, and trade schools in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, along with the students who enroll in their programs. The impact goal is to create a skilled workforce that meets the demands of regional industries. By supporting these educational institutions, the Trust seeks to foster a pipeline of qualified candidates, addressing labor shortages and promoting economic stability within the community. The grants are designed to support programs that directly contribute to the employability of graduates in high-demand fields. A key priority for the Patricia Ann Emberg Charitable Trust is to give preference to programs of study that have the potential to provide qualified candidates for the workforce in prominent regional industries. Specifically, the Trust highlights areas such as forestry and aircraft maintenance, indicating a strategic focus on sectors vital to the local economy. This targeted approach ensures that the grant funding directly addresses specific industry needs and contributes to the growth and sustainability of these critical sectors. The expected outcomes of the grant program include an increased number of graduates equipped with the necessary skills for prominent regional industries, a more robust local workforce, and ultimately, enhanced economic development in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. While specific measurable results are not detailed in the provided information, the focus on workforce readiness in key industries suggests that success would be measured by job placement rates in these fields and the overall positive impact on regional employment statistics. The Trust's strategic priority is to invest in education that directly translates into employment opportunities, reflecting a theory of change where targeted vocational training leads to improved economic well-being for individuals and communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations in Minnesota to deliver job training, mentorship, and entrepreneurial skills development for individuals from communities of color and low-income backgrounds, focusing on high-growth industries.

This grant provides financial support to new and developing charter schools in Minnesota to assist with planning, program design, and initial implementation, particularly focusing on improving access and academic achievement for underserved students.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to locomotive owners in Minnesota for implementing technologies that reduce idle time and diesel emissions, improving air quality and public health.

This program provides financial assistance to farmers, producer groups, and local governments in Minnesota to help cover the costs of purchasing or retrofitting equipment that improves soil health and promotes sustainable agriculture.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking proposals for its 2025 Tradition Grant Cycle. This grant program is habitat-focused, aiming to enhance, restore, or protect various natural environments across Minnesota. Eligible activities include work on forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitats vital for fish, game, and wildlife. All applications must clearly identify the direct habitat benefits, specifying species, ecosystems, habitat types, and natural heritage features that will be positively impacted. This program aligns with a mission to conserve and manage Minnesota's natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations, focusing on tangible, on-the-ground conservation efforts. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are the diverse ecosystems and wildlife within Minnesota, as well as the communities and organizations dedicated to their preservation. The impact goals are centered on measurable improvements in habitat quality and quantity. Restoration and enhancement projects are specifically funded on lands that are permanently protected by a conservation easement, in public ownership (including tribal, federal, state, county, city, school district, and special district entities), or within public waters as defined by MN Statutes. The program prioritizes projects that contribute directly to the health and sustainability of Minnesota's natural heritage, supporting a strategic approach to environmental stewardship. The funding information for the Traditional (Statewide) cycle totals $4,400,000, with up to two funding cycles available. Grant requests can range from $5,000 to $500,000, with a total project cost not exceeding $1,000,000. The grant period typically lasts 3 to 3.5 years, commencing upon the full execution of the grant contract. Eligible expenses are those directly incurred and necessary for the described project activities, encompassing contracts, supplies, materials, and salaries. This financial framework ensures that resources are directed towards impactful projects, with a clear understanding of funding limits and duration. Eligibility for the CPL funding is restricted to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Private individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply, though partnerships are highly encouraged. Examples of eligible non-profit applicants include land trusts, lakes associations, charitable organizations, private colleges and universities, fishing and hunting organizations, and "Friends of" groups. Government entities such as cities, counties, tribal governments, federal agencies, conservation districts, public universities, and school districts are also eligible. This targeted eligibility ensures that the grants support organizations with a proven commitment to public and environmental benefit, fostering a collaborative approach to conservation outcomes.

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.

This funding opportunity provides $5 million to Minnesota's tribal nations and local governments for projects that improve community resilience against climate change impacts, such as extreme heat and wildfires.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local communities, non-profits, and organizations to develop and expand childcare services, addressing the shortage of quality childcare providers across Minnesota.

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) “Difference Maker” grant round aims to support community initiatives within Douglas County, Minnesota, by fostering positive change. This grant aligns with the AACF's mission to provide leadership and financial support, building partnerships that extend beyond the grant itself to advance projects and initiatives. Eligible organizations include 501(c)3 nonprofits, schools, and government entities, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to broad community engagement. The grant targets residents within Douglas County, with a particular focus on addressing basic needs, supporting and strengthening families, children, and youth, and promoting diverse cultures. The AACF seeks to fund programs and projects that will bring about positive change in the Alexandria area community, ultimately aiming for a sustainable positive impact. They specifically look for initiatives that build social capital across generations and cultures, and support diversity, equity, and inclusion. The AACF's strategic priorities are evident in its focus areas, which include Education (especially K-12 and after-school programs), Social Services, Health (education, physical and mental health, abuse/violence reduction), Arts and Culture, and Civic activities that build, promote, and preserve communities. The foundation’s theory of change appears to be centered on fostering innovative solutions, encouraging collaborative efforts with various community partners, and supporting projects that create highly impactful and visible outcomes, inspiring further community investments. Expected outcomes include creating innovative solutions to community challenges, capitalizing on emerging opportunities, and building or supporting collaborative efforts among community partners. The grant also emphasizes making a sustainable positive impact, building social capital, and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Projects are expected to have a lasting impact, whether through capital projects, new or expanded programs, or other strategic investments. Funding ranges from $5,000 to $30,000, and the grant encourages initiatives that can demonstrate measurable results in these focus areas.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations in Minnesota for projects that enhance education, health, and economic stability, particularly in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Health Professionals Clinical Training Expansion (HPCE) grant program, supported by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), aims to establish or expand clinical training for eligible health professional training programs within Minnesota. This initiative is designed to strengthen the state's healthcare workforce, particularly by increasing access to primary care and mental health services in rural and underserved urban communities. The grant program directly aligns with MDH's mission to improve public health by addressing workforce shortages and enhancing healthcare accessibility across the state. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are rural and underserved urban communities in Minnesota, who will benefit from increased access to health care, and eligible health professional programs and their students, who will gain expanded clinical training opportunities. The impact goals are to strengthen Minnesota’s health care workforce and increase access to primary care and mental health services for these target communities. The grant funds activities related to planning and implementing new clinical training programs, as well as expanding existing ones in these identified areas. Key priorities for this grant include health equity, with a specific focus on increasing the number of health professionals serving rural and underserved urban communities. Other competitive priorities emphasize programs that advance health equity, incorporate a strong model of team-based primary care, and demonstrate a likelihood of sustainability beyond the grant period. The program's theory of change posits that by expanding clinical training opportunities, more qualified health professionals will be available to serve these critical areas, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing disparities. Expected outcomes include greater access to health care in rural and underserved urban Minnesota communities and a measurable increase in the number of clinical training opportunities for health professionals. The Minnesota Legislature has appropriated $500,000 annually for this program, with eligible clinical training programs potentially receiving up to $75,000 for a one-year planning project or up to $300,000 for a three-year expansion project. Eligible expenses cover a broad range of activities, from establishing and expanding clinical training for various health professionals to recruitment, training, student support, site improvements, and program evaluations, all designed to achieve these specific and measurable outcomes.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) offers grants to support health and wellness within the Alexandria area, with a particular emphasis on addressing the health needs of individuals experiencing poverty. This initiative aligns directly with the AACF's mission to foster a healthier community by providing essential resources and support where it is most needed. The grants aim to create a tangible, positive impact on the well-being of residents, especially those who are vulnerable. The grant program targets residents within Douglas County, focusing on individuals who are underserved or experiencing poverty. The overarching impact goal is to improve overall health and wellness in the community. This includes providing health education to prevent disease, supporting food and nutrition education, and helping isolated individuals build social connections to combat the negative health effects of loneliness. The AACF prioritizes grant proposals that demonstrate innovative solutions to community challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. They also favor projects that build or support collaborative efforts among various community partners, including other nonprofits, government entities, businesses, and citizen groups. Sustainable positive impact, the building of social capital across diverse community segments, and highly visible projects that inspire additional investment are also key focuses. Furthermore, projects that support diversity, equity, and inclusion are highly regarded. Expected outcomes include a reduction in preventable diseases through increased health education, improved nutritional health within the community, and enhanced social connections for isolated individuals. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the focus on health education, nutrition support, and social connection building implies a theory of change where targeted interventions lead to improved community health indicators and stronger social fabric. The foundation's strategic priorities are clearly centered on fostering a connected, healthy, and equitable community through collaborative and impactful initiatives.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to industrial facilities in Minnesota to reduce harmful air emissions, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by pollution.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering the AGRI Value-Added Grant, a reimbursement grant ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, to support value-added businesses such as bioenergy producers and hemp processors in increasing sales of Minnesota agricultural products through investment in equipment, production capacity, market diversification, and market access.