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Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) Program
The Distressed Cities Technical Assistance (DCTA) program, managed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides Minnesota cities, towns, villages, tribes, and counties with a population under 50,000 the opportunity to strengthen their long-term fiscal health and local administrative capacity.
This program offers expert, hands-on guidance to help local leaders navigate challenges such as shifting market dynamics, economic decline, or the aftermath of natural disasters. While the primary emphasis is on financial management — including cash flow forecasting and budget prioritizing — the assistance also covers governance, leadership development, data research, and community engagement to ensure small local governments can more effectively meet their residents’ needs.
To qualify, the local government must serve a population under 50,000 and meet one of the following two categories:
Category 1: Economically Distressed. Must meet at least one of these 2021 ACS 5-year estimate benchmarks:
Unemployment: Average rate of 9% or higher.
Poverty: Rate of 20% or higher (excluding those in higher education).
Population loss: A decline of 5% or more since the 2010 Census.
Category 2: Persistent Poverty
Includes one or more census tracts with a poverty rate of 20% or higher over the last 30 years.
Local units of government interested in DCTA should contact HUD Minneapolis Field Office Director Michele K. Smith directly at [email protected] or (612) 370-3146. Please email [email protected] if you need technical assistance in another area and are unsure if it fits within the scope of the DCTA program.
Learn more about the Distressed Cities Technical Assistance program.
Statewide Environmental Assistance Grant
Projects addressing waste reduction and reuse or toxic products prevention can apply for funding through the online SWIFT portal now through June 9, 2026.
Waste reduction and reuse projects should develop and implement programs or systems that increase reuse of household items, consumer goods, or building materials. Applications will be scored more favorably if they establish self-sustaining programs for collecting large or bulky household items such as furniture, lumber, tools, building materials, and appliances.
Toxic products prevention projects should address toxic chemicals in synthetic hair products and hair braiding, extensions, or straightening products by creating effective information campaigns directed toward affected communities about the potential harms of exposure. Applications will be scored more favorably if they create and use multilingual communication materials to share information about toxic chemicals in hair products and safer alternatives.
Applicants must request between $25,000 and $150,000 for a project.
Learn more and apply for waste reduction and toxic product prevention funding.
Arts Experiences Grant Program
This pilot program supports individuals and organizations in providing meaningful arts experiences for Minnesotans within their communities. Funds may be used for a variety of arts projects such as creating and 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. Apply by May 1.
Learn more and register for an Arts Experiences grant.
Accessible Arts Grant Program
People with disabilities face barriers to accessing the arts as creators, participants, and attendees. The Accessible Arts program offers project grants to make arts experiences more accessible.
Funds may be used for investments that will have a longer-term impact on the applicant, such as professional development related to accessibility, hiring accessibility consultants to conduct accessibility audits, or developing accessibility plans. Funds may also be used for small equipment investments that will make programming more accessible over time (i.e. assisted listening or captioning equipment, handrails, grab bars, etc.). Applicants may request between $10,000-$20,000.
This program is open to 501(c)(3) tax-exempt arts organizations, and arts affiliates of a nonprofit organization or public entity. Applications are due April 10, 2026.
Learn more and apply for accessible arts funding.
Greater Minnesota Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Community Program
MnDOT is accepting interest from eligible organizations to host new electric vehicle (EV) charging sites in Greater Minnesota. This two-phase program will identify, design, and construct up to 42 EV charging sites, primarily Level 2 chargers, using federal Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) funds. Projects that support shared mobility, rural charging needs, and underserved communities will be prioritized. Applications due April 30, 2026.
Key details
- Who can apply: Tribal nations, municipalities, public transit agencies, electrical utilities, and regional planning and development organizations.
- Where: Greater Minnesota only (not eligible in the seven-county metro area); Iron Range projects encouraged.
- Funding: MnDOT covers up to 80% of costs; participants provide a 20% match (estimated $6,000–$12,000 per site).
- Support: Selected participants receive technical assistance for project development, utility planning, installation, operations, and environmental review.
Learn more the apply for the Greater Minnesota Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Community Program.
Minnesota Climate Smart Food Systems Grants (CSFS)
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has approximately $12.5 million available to support organics management infrastructure projects across the state that will expand infrastructure capacity for composting source-separated organic materials in Minnesota with a focus on wasted food and food scraps. This grant program aims to reduce the amount of organic material being disposed of through landfilling or incineration by funding projects that expand composting capacity either through the creation of new compost infrastructure or the expansion of capacity within existing compost infrastructure.
Eligible applicants include entities that are serving Minnesota communities or have operations in Minnesota, such as:
- Political subdivisions of the state (including counties, cities, town, etc.)
- Not-for-profit organizations
- For-profit businesses
- A new business that will locate a facility in Minnesota
- Educational and other institutions
- State agencies
- Tribal governments
The deadline to apply is April 15, 2026.
Learn more about the CSFS initiative and funding opportunity.
Livable Communities Grants
Livable Communities Act (LCA) grants are awarded to participating cities and townships in the seven-county metro region that are partnering with development teams on projects. Through nine different grant programs, LCA grants help communities achieve development goals that create more housing choice, support living wage job creation, and connect jobs, housing, and regional amenities. Applications are due April 15, 2026.
Brownfield Assessment Grants
Abandoned gas stations, former dry cleaners, or old manufacturing spaces exist in every community. Properties like these, called brownfields, can be a challenge to redevelop and often sit idle for years due to risks of perceived contamination. This can lead to neighborhood blight, unsafe structures, and polluted spaces that can harm people and the environment.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) can help. The MPCA is now accepting applications to its Brownfield Assessment Grant, which funds environmental investigations on brownfield properties across the state.
Eligible applicants include local units of government, community organizations, nonprofits, small business owners, emerging developers, and tribal nations.
Funding can be used for Phase I and II environmental site assessments, sampling and analysis plans, and preparation of cleanup plans.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply for brownfield assessment grant funding.
Minnesota Broadband Line Extension Connection Program
Minnesota Broadband Line Extension Connection Program, run by the Office of Broadband Development (OBD), helps connect homes and businesses without reliable broadband (defined as speeds below 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload) to internet service.
People can report to OBD that a wired broadband service is unavailable at their residence or business by entering information into the online application, by calling (651) 259-7610 and requesting a paper application, or by talking to someone at OBD who will complete the application on their behalf.
A total of $15 million is available for the program. No more than $25,000 can be awarded per line extension.
Timeline
- The application portal is open.
- ISPs are notified of new locations every six months.
- Bidding and evaluation processes follow set timelines, and projects must be completed within 12 months of the contract date.
Learn more about the Broadband Line Extension Connection Program.
Community Innovation grants
The Bush Foundation’s Community Innovation (CI) grant program is a flexible program that invests in great ideas and the people who power them across our region. The program aims to:
- Develop, test, and spread great ideas.
- Inspire, equip, and connect leaders.
Learn more and apply for a CI grant.
Establish a Local Housing Trust Fund With Help From the Minnesota Housing Partnership
The Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) is offering free assistance to rural communities to establish Local Housing Trust Funds (LHTF). Funds can be used for education on Local Housing Trust Funds, as well as implementation of LHTF programs and community engagement activities.
In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature appropriated $4.8 million to a Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) State Match Program; with $1 million appropriated in a prior year, available funds for the state match program total $5.8 million. An application for state match funds is likely to be released in late summer or early fall.
Learn more and apply for free technical assistance from MHP to establish or implement your LHTF.
MNOSHA WSC: Safety Grant Program
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.
To qualify, an employer must meet several conditions, including but not limited to:
- Having been in business for at least two years.
- Having at least one employee to create the employer/employee relationship.
- Having workers’ compensation insurance.
- Having had an on-site hazard survey conducted by a qualified safety professional and a written report of the findings and recommendations to reduce the risk of injury or illness to employees.
- Having the knowledge and experience to complete the project and is committed to its implementation.
- Being able to complete the project within 120 days of a fully executed contract.
To qualify, the project must be supported by all public entities involved and comply with federal, state, and local regulations where applicable.
Businesses that are the current focus of the Minnesota OSHA Workplace Safety Consultation strategic plan will be given added priority. If your grant is approved, you will be notified in writing of the specific approval. Whether we approve your grant application or not, in no way diminishes, delays, or absolves you of any obligation to abate safety and health hazards. When a project is complete, the applicant must submit a certificate of completion form, with invoices and proof of payment, to the grants administrator, to initiate issuance of the grant. An employer that has received a grant for a particular worksite will not be eligible to receive another grant for that worksite during the two years after the date of their award.
Learn more and apply to the MNOSHA WSC: Safety Grant Program.
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
- Visit MNIT’s website for more information about the plan, how to participate, and who to contact if you have questions or need help.
- You can also sign up to receive news and updates about the Whole-of-Security Plan and the SLCGP.
- If your organization is ready to get started, complete the Minnesota Whole-of-State survey for SLCGP participants.
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
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.