Housing Grant Program 2026

The FY26 Housing Grant Program is administered by Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation and is funded through the Douglas J. Johnson Corpus Fund. The program supports housing development and rehabilitation projects that meet local and regional housing needs, particularly in communities impacted by mining activities. Applications are open from July 1, 2025, through May 29, 2026, or until the allocated $6,000,000 in funding is fully committed. The grant emphasizes collaborative, community-driven approaches that result in new or rehabilitated housing units within the service area of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation in Minnesota. The program prioritizes readiness, economic impact, market demand, and alignment with the needs of mining-impacted communities. Eligible applicants include cities, townships, counties, nonprofits, Tribal governments, and other governmental entities created under Minnesota Statutes. Projects must take place within the agency’s service area. Eligible activities include infrastructure, site work, construction, rehabilitation of existing housing stock, housing trust fund development, and repurposing non-residential structures for residential use. Ineligible projects include short-term rentals, single-family house flipping, and pre-development activities like surveys and soil testing. All applications must be submitted through the FLUXX grants portal. A short pre-application is required to confirm eligibility before a full application is made available. Applications must be submitted at least nine months prior to the start of construction. A 1:1 match is required for all projects, although publicly owned projects near active or recently idled mine pits may qualify for a reduced match with formal preapproval. Eligible match sources include cash, land contributions, and preapproved in-kind services; however, future income is not allowed. The application evaluation process uses a 100-point scoring system based on criteria such as program or project readiness, economic and workforce impact, diversity and inclusion, non-applicant funding sources, and environmental benefits. Additional credit is given to applicants who serve economically distressed or historically marginalized communities and who engage targeted vendors and contractors, including women-owned, veteran-owned, and minority-owned businesses. Projects incorporating renewable energy, environmental remediation, or sustainability features also receive additional consideration. Required documentation varies based on applicant type and funding amount requested. For example, nonprofits requesting over $50,000 must submit IRS Form 990s, financial audits, and organizational charts. All applicants must provide a detailed budget, cost estimates, and a project narrative addressing evaluation criteria. Municipalities and nonprofits must also comply with prevailing wage laws for construction projects over $25,000 and may be required to submit certified payroll records. Projects involving historic properties must undergo review by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Applications are reviewed competitively by at least three reviewers, and final award decisions are subject to the commissioner’s approval. Grant funds can only be spent after the contract is executed and are subject to reporting and monitoring requirements including interim and final reports, and in some cases, financial reconciliations. For accessibility accommodations or questions, contact Jordan Metsa at Jordan.Metsa@state.mn.us or 218-735-3061. For general grant inquiries, contact Shawn Herhusky at Shawn.Herhusky@state.mn.us or 218-735-3067.

Submit at least 9 months before construction; secure preapproval for match waiver; follow FLUXX guidance and include all documentation.