Site-Based Clinical Training Grant Program

The Site-Based Clinical Training Grant is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health and is authorized under Minnesota Statute Section 144.1508. This grant program aims to support clinical health care training in the state of Minnesota, reinforcing the state’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce pipeline. It is structured to facilitate and sustain hands-on, clinical training experiences that align with state-defined priorities, particularly in rural primary care and oral health training. The grant has been operational since fiscal year 2024, supporting training activities that occurred in fiscal year 2022. The application process for this program is conducted through the MERC Online Portal and follows a two-step format. The initial application for the current cycle opens on September 1, 2025, and closes on September 30, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. After the application phase, awardees are expected to submit Expenditure Reports, which open for submission on November 15, 2025, and are due by December 15, 2025, also at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. All relevant materials including the application forms and guidelines follow the structure and workflow of the Medical Education and Research Costs (MERC) program due to their close alignment. Funding determinations are guided by a combination of formula-based criteria, eligibility compliance, and specific Commissioner priorities. In the initial funding year, priorities included rural primary care and oral health irrespective of training location. Rural was specifically defined as counties outside the seven metropolitan counties, and primary care eligibility was based on data submitted by Minnesota teaching programs to the MERC program. This grant does not provide universal award ceilings or floors; award amounts are calculated based on the above criteria. The estimated funding allocation for fiscal year 2026, which supports clinical training from fiscal year 2024, is approximately $4,657,000. However, the number of awards and the maximum or minimum award amounts have not been disclosed. Applicants are expected to use awarded funds in alignment with the objectives of clinical training enhancement within Minnesota. This includes but is not limited to training cost support, infrastructure needs related to clinical experiences, and coordination across healthcare training sites. The application process is not open to a nationwide audience; it is tailored exclusively for organizations engaged in clinical health training within Minnesota. Questions about the grant must be submitted in writing by 4:30 p.m. Central Time on September 25, 2025, to the designated email address ClinicalTraining.MDH@state.mn.us. It is required that all questions include the Application ID Number and the Clinical Training Site Name to ensure accurate and timely responses. For additional context, applicants may refer to multiple support documents including the SBCT Application Information PDF and the SBCT Frequently Asked Questions. The MERC Online Portal is the sole platform for both applications and expenditure reporting, aligning with the state's broader strategy for centralized grant administration in healthcare education funding.