Current Grant Opportunities

Safe Streets and Roads for All

The federal bipartisan infrastructure law established the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary grant program with $5 billion in appropriated funds over five years, 2022-2026.

The SS4A program funds regional, local, and tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. Over $3 billion is still available for future funding rounds. The SS4A program supports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy and the goal of zero roadway deaths using a safe system approach. 

The fiscal year 2024 funding has multiple deadlines, depending on the grant type:

  • April 17, 2024: Deadline for the pre-application action plan review for implementation grant applicants. 
  • April 24, 2024: Deadline for technical questions related to the fiscal year SS4A notice of funding opportunity.
  • May 16, 2024: Sole deadline for implementation grants. Deadline two for planning and demonstration grants.
  • Aug. 29, 2024: Deadline three for planning and demonstration grants.

State Funds may be available to provide technical assistance to local agencies and tribal governments wanting to apply for federal discretionary grants.

Learn more and apply for a SS4A funding.

Minnesota State Arts Board Grant Opportunity — Fiscal Year 2025 Arts Experiences

Application materials are now available for the Arts Experiences grant program. This program is open to individuals, organizations, and local governments.

The program helps to support arts experiences for Minnesotans throughout the state. Funds may be used for a variety of arts programming such as creating and/or presenting concerts, plays, tours, exhibitions, arts festivals, public art, or other kinds of activities that provide Minnesotans opportunities to engage in arts activities that are instilled into community or public life. Applicants may request between $5,000-$35,000. The application deadline is June 21, 2024.

Learn more and apply for an Arts Experiences grant.

2025 Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has opened the latest round of applications for their Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grant Program.

The VFA Grant program is a fifty-fifty cost-share program that provides financial and technical assistance to Minnesota fire departments in cities or communities with a population under 10,000. The primary objectives of the program are saving lives and protecting property in rural areas. Each year, approximately 150 to 175 grants up to $5,000 are awarded in Minnesota. 

The application deadline is July 1, 2024. The end of this grant period will be June of 2025.

To learn more and apply, visit the DNR’s Volunteer Fire Assistance grants page.

Safe Road Zones

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and Department of Public Safety is partnering to improve safety on Minnesota roadways. During the 2023 legislative session, a new program called the Safe Road Zones was developed. The program enables government agencies, including cities, counties, townships, and tribal governments to request the creation of a proposed “Safe Road Zone.” This is to be done collectively by the chief law enforcement officer of a political subdivision; the road authority/owner; and the chief executive officer, board member, or appointed designee.

The funding from the Legislature includes $1 million for development and delivery of public awareness and education about the Safe Road Zone. An added $1 million is available for additional traffic safety enforcement activities within the safe road zones.

Applications will be based on the evaluation of traffic safety concerns for the street or highway, including but not limited to:

  • Excessive speed
  • Crash history
  • Safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vulnerable road users
  • Intersection risks
  • Roadway design

Access the Safe Road Zones application (doc).

Applications are due May 3, 2024, to SafetyProject.DOT@state.mn.us. Projects should be awarded in June 2024.

Local Climate Action Grants

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking proposals to distribute $2.3 million for projects to reduce climate pollution and prepare Minnesota communities for climate change.

The Local Climate Action Grants program will help communities across Minnesota contribute to the goals of Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework. Local governments, tribes, community-based nonprofits, and schools are eligible to apply. The maximum grant amount awarded through this program is $50,000.

Examples of projects that could be funded include:

  • Developing a plan to prepare community buildings for extreme weather.
  • Planning infrastructure to reduce the impact of extreme heat.
  • Taking a Gold Leaf Challenge action to increase energy efficiency.
  • Improving access to clean transportation options. 

Applications must be received by April 30. Submit questions about this grant to grants.pca@state.mn.us, subject line: “FY24 Local Climate Action Grants.”

Learn more and apply for a Local Climate Action Grant.

Central Minnesota ‘Difference Maker’ Grants

The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) seeks to award grants that will be the “difference maker” in bringing about a positive change in community-wide mental health education and accessibility. The grants will support projects and programs that help build a pipeline of solutions to address key areas of mental health in Central Minnesota, as well as address critical and immediate mental health needs. Examples of projects and programs that are eligible for funding include:

  • Efforts to increase therapists and mental health experts in the region.
  • Programs that increase accessibility to mental health education and resources.
  • Preventative mental health programs.
  • Efforts to foster interest in the mental health profession among students.
  • Efforts to promote awareness of mental health within underserved communities.
  • Efforts to educate parents and caretakers in youth mental health.
  • Efforts to destigmatize mental health.
  • Programs to promote awareness of 988 and other mental health crisis resources.
  • Efforts to increase school-based therapy for students.

Government entities located in Benton, Stearns, and Sherburne counties are welcome to apply. Funding amounts will range from $10,000-$30,000. Special consideration will be given to programs and projects that address equity disparities, build social capital across generations, and more. Applications are due April 30, 2024. Decisions will be made within 90 days of the deadline.

Learn more and apply for CMCF “Difference Maker” funding.

Resilient Communities Project Assistance

The Resilient Communities Project (RCP) at the University of Minnesota is currently accepting proposals from cities, counties, tribal public entities, and other local government agencies for partnerships during the University’s 2024–2025 academic year.

RCP Partnerships support projects designed to advance community sustainability, equity, and resilience. Projects may address a broad range of local issues and needs, from housing, parks and recreation, and transportation to climate change, public safety, and community development. RCP especially encourages projects that address racial or other inequities and disparities in Minnesota.

Successful applicants will benefit from hundreds of hours of research and technical assistance provided by graduate and professional students and faculty at the University of Minnesota, from departments and disciplines relevant to your project and needs.

For the 2024–2025 academic year, costs are $7,000 per project for partnerships that involve 1–4 projects, or $6,000 per project for partnerships that involve 5 or more projects. For large-scale partnerships involving 10 or more projects, please contact us for individualized pricing.

Municipalities and counties within the jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Council are eligible for matching funds for projects that implement elements of a locally adopted 2040 comprehensive plan. For projects selected for matching funds, the fee is $3,000 per project.

For projects intended to begin fall 2024 academic term, proposals must be received by April 30, 2024. Communities selected for participation will be notified by the end of May 2024.

Learn more and apply for RCP assistance.

Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program

The Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program will equip cities, towns, counties, and other local governments and Tribal Nations to lower utilities costs, increase energy independence, expand the clean energy workforce, and take essential action to address climate change.

$4.3 million in state funding will be distributed to local governments to build solar arrays (system size up to 40 kilowatts) across Xcel Energy territory in Minnesota. These grants can be paired with federal clean energy tax credits now available to local governments.

Learn more and apply for Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program funding.

Brownfield Funding for Redevelopment in Minnesota

Multiple funding sources are available for cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated sites often known as brownfields. Cleanup and redevelopment of these sites will increase the local tax base, add jobs or affordable housing units, and leverage private investment while avoiding costly new public infrastructure.

Cities, counties, or economic development, housing and redevelopment, and port authorities are eligible to apply. More than $8 million in grant funds (and low-cost loans) will be available this spring. Apply for a grant by May 1.

Learn more and apply for funding to remediate contaminated sites.

Workforce Housing Development Program (WHDP) Funding Available

Greater Minnesota cities are encouraged to apply for the next round of Workforce Housing Development Program (WHDP) funding. This year’s grant program has $39 million available to support new construction, acquisition/rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse to create more market rate residential rental opportunities that serve employees of businesses located in an eligible project area. Applications are due April 30.

Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) provides loan and grant funding to deliver energy efficiency and electrification improvements to HUD-assisted housing, which can fund retrofitting properties up to $40,000-$80,000 per unit. HUD is accepting applications on a rolling basis, two will be occurring in 2024. Funded under the Inflation Reduction Act, the GRRP is the first HUD program to invest simultaneously in energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, energy generation, and climate resilience strategies specifically in HUD-assisted multifamily housing.

Learn more and apply for GRRP funding.

State Competitiveness Fund – Match Program

Has your city applied for or is thinking about applying for federal energy-related Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) or Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) discretionary grant funding? Minnesota Cities are now eligible to apply for a portion of the $100 million Minnesota Department of Commerce State Competitiveness Fund for grants that seek to enhance the likelihood of receiving federal funding awards under the IIJA and IRA programs. Grants can be awarded up to $15 million to assist with federal funding matching requirements.

Learn more and apply for a State Competitiveness Fund grant.

Inclusive and Equitable Communities Grants

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation is seeking applicants for the Inclusive and Equitable Communities Grant program. The grant program aims to grow racial diversity, equity, and inclusion opportunities in the area of entrepreneurship for southern Minnesota.

Examples of funded initiatives may include the creation of an entrepreneurial education program for communities of diverse racial backgrounds, organized community dialogue to build racial inclusivity in the area of entrepreneurship, expanded access to business resources and the development of systems to advance racial equity in the entrepreneurial community, and reduce the racial wealth gap among entrepreneurs.

Learn more and apply for an Inclusive and Equitable Communities Grant.

Drinking Water Planning and Design Funds for PFAS Treatment

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has $22 million available for planning and design of PFAS treatment systems for owners and operators of community drinking water supply systems in Minnesota. Eligible applicants must have a minimum of four quarters of samples taken from entry points, and a rolling average that exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency draft maximum contaminant level values for PFOS, PFOA, or the Hazard Index MCL of 1.0.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling, first come, first serve basis until all dedicated funds have been awarded or by June 28, 2024, whichever occurs first.

Learn more about this funding opportunity, including how to apply, at the MPCA’s Drinking Water Planning and Design Funds for PFAS Treatment webpage.

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Technical Assistance Grants

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) IIJA Technical Assistance Grant Program is now open. $2 Million in state funds is available to qualifying local units of government and tribal governments that seek to submit an application for a federal discretionary grant for a transportation purposes.

State technical assistance funds can be used to hire a consultant for identification of available grants, grant writing, analysis, data collection, technical review, legal interpretations, planning, pre-engineering, application finalization, and similar activities. Learn more and apply for an IIJA Technical Assistance Grant.

Learn more and apply for a IIJA Technical Assistance grant.

Cybersecurity Grant Program Now Available Statewide

The state’s IT agency, Minnesota IT Services (MNIT), in partnership with the Minnesota Cybersecurity Task Force recently released the Whole-of-State Cybersecurity Plan that will be used to implement $23.5 million of funding from the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program and the Minnesota Legislature.

Eligibility

All state and local government entities are eligible to participate in the SLCGP, including:

  • A county, municipality, city, town, township, local public authority, school district, special district, intrastate district, council of governments, regional or interstate government entity, or agency or instrumentality of a local government.
  • Authorized Tribal governments and organizations.
  • A rural community, unincorporated town or village, or other public entity.

How to get involved

Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Program

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is accepting requests for technical assistance for the Thriving Communities technical assistance program. This funding will help local governments ensure housing needs are considered as part of their infrastructure plans. To be eligible, jurisdictions must be a unit of general local government that is receiving federal transportation funding to support a project that coordinates transportation and housing plans, programs, or investments to benefit residents and businesses located in a disadvantaged community. Priority will be given to jurisdictions with populations of less than 250,000 people, as well as to those receiving certain Department of Transportation competitive funds. Requests will be reviewed as they are received, on a rolling basis, beginning on March 15.

Learn more about the interagency Thriving Communities technical assistance program

Broadband Line Extension Connection Program

Have residents and businesses that don’t have access to broadband? The Broadband Line Extension Connection Program application portal is now accepting applications and provides the opportunity for your community to identify unserved areas that may be eligible for a line extension grant. The Line Extension Connection Program goal is to connect residents and businesses that lack access to broadband internet service to service providers, and then assist in the expense of extending broadband to those locations. Residential and business locations that are unserved (lack access to speeds of at least 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload) can apply by entering their information into the Line Extension Connection portal. This will initiate their interest in receiving broadband internet service and make their location available for consideration. The Office of Broadband Development will evaluate these bids and required provider documentation and make awards to the providers whose bid proposes the lowest cost to the state for extension of the service. The Minnesota Broadband Line Extension Connection Program has been allocated $15 million in total funding. Limits per line extension are set by Minnesota law. These limits include a per line extension amount that cannot exceed $25,000, and the Office of Broadband Development must ensure the bid is a cost-effective use of state funds.

Learn more about the Broadband Line Extension Connection Program

Residential Retrofits for Energy Equity: Energy Upgrades for Affordable Housing

Residential Retrofits for Energy Equity (R2E2) will provide deep technical assistance to state, local, and tribal governments as well as community-based organizations to jumpstart energy upgrades for single family and multifamily affordable housing, especially in frontline communities. These retrofits will lower utility bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve residents’ health, create good-paying local jobs, and help mitigate racial inequity. R2E2 will kick off with training sessions in January for state, local, and community teams on scaling up building energy retrofits and leveraging the unprecedented federal funding available from COVID-19 relief programs, the bipartisan infrastructure law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and other sources. R2E2 is a partnership of the American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Elevate, Emerald Cities Collaborative, and HR&A Advisors, with People’s Climate Innovation Center advising on centering equity in the project and its outcomes and on facilitating community-driven planning processes.

Learn more about Residential Retrofits for Energy Equity

Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program for Rural Areas

Low-interest direct loans, grants, or a combination of the two are available to develop essential community facilities (not including private, commercial, or business undertakings) in rural areas through the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant program. The program is offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, and/or improve essential community facilities, purchase equipment, and pay related project expenses. Rural areas, including cities, villages, townships, and federally recognized tribal lands, with no more than 20,000 residents according to the latest U.S. Census data, are eligible for this program. Applications for this program are accepted year-round.

Learn more about the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant program

Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides $10,000 in startup funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to implement the Community Heart & Soul model. Community Heart & Soul engages a motivated and dedicated group of individuals to help your town identify what matters most. The grant program is specifically designed for small cities and towns with populations of 2,500 to 30,000. Grant funding requires a $10,000 cash match from the participating municipality or a partnering organization.

Learn more and apply for a Community Heart & Soul Grant

Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry Safety Grants

The Safety Grant Program awards funds up to $10,000 to qualifying employers for projects designed to reduce the risk of injury and illness to their workers. Applications are accepted continuously and reviewed every two months.
Learn more and apply for a Safety Grant