Adult Support Services Competitive Grant

The Adult Support Services Competitive Grant is a funding opportunity offered through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), specifically administered by its Office of Adult Career Pathways. This office supports Minnesotans at all stages of their educational and career development by implementing training programs for adults facing multiple employment barriers. The overarching goal is to eliminate racial and economic disparities by providing comprehensive services that lead to stable, family-sustaining employment in high-growth, high-wage industries. The purpose of this competitive grant is to enhance existing or create new workforce development programs targeting low-income, underemployed, or unemployed adults. These programs must offer a range of services including employment preparation, job training, paid work experience, academic and behavioral support for low-performing adult learners, financial literacy, and parental job assistance. The funding supports alignment with regionally identified high-growth industry sectors, and all proposals must focus on equipping participants with skills that promote economic self-sufficiency. A total of $875,000 is available per year for State Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027, with each applicant eligible to request up to $100,000 annually for a total of $200,000. The grant period spans from the execution date through June 30, 2027. Funds are competitively awarded and split evenly between the two fiscal years. DEED may issue partial awards to ensure geographic and community equity and may reallocate unspent funds. Grantees must adhere to strict compliance and reporting requirements, including use of DEED’s Workforce One system for participant tracking and data reporting. Eligible applicants include Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations, state and local government entities, tribal governments, community action agencies, trade associations, educational institutions, and labor organizations. All applicants must be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State and, if applicable, maintain IRS tax-exempt status. Applicants must operate a public-facing physical location in Minnesota and may submit only one proposal as a primary grantee, though they may participate in others as partners. Applications must be submitted via email in PDF format to ACPgrants.deed@state.mn.us by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on October 3, 2025. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. All questions regarding the RFP must be submitted by September 25, 2025, to Mee Xiong at mee.xiong1@state.mn.us. An informational webinar was held on August 22, 2025, and the recording is posted online. Award announcements are expected by November 14, 2025. Evaluation will be conducted on a 100-point scale, reviewing organizational capacity, program design, implementation plans, outreach strategies, partnerships, performance measurement, and budget alignment. Grantees must meet quarterly and participate in regular reporting and evaluation efforts. All grant-funded activities must be in line with DEED’s focus on equity, innovation, and performance, aiming to serve adults who require additional support to secure and retain meaningful employment.

Review the grant writing training recordings on the DEED website. Use the DEED Budget and Work Plan templates. Emphasize regional labor market alignment, equity strategies, and meaningful partnerships. Avoid submitting unrequested materials.