Full-Service Community Schools Competitive Grant Opportunity

The Full-Service Community Schools Competitive Grant Opportunity aims to expand the number and capacities of full-service community schools throughout Minnesota. Administered by the Minnesota Department of Education, this initiative supports the transformation of schools into integrated community hubs offering holistic, evidence-based services for students and families. The program draws upon the nationally recognized Community Schools Forward Framework, promoting educational equity by addressing the academic and non-academic needs of students through collaborative leadership and data-informed planning. Eligible applicants include public school districts, charter schools, intermediate school districts, Tribal contract schools, and Minnesota cooperative units as defined by state statute. Individual applications must be submitted for each eligible school site, with eligibility further contingent upon identification under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), participation in an approved achievement and integration plan, or designation as a Tribal contract school. The initiative is intentionally inclusive, targeting underserved communities facing barriers to accessing education and community resources. Approximately $4.9 million in total funding is available under this grant opportunity, which is expected to fund 8 to 10 three-year awards. Grants will range from $375,000 to $600,000 per school site, with a maximum of $1.8 million per eligible entity. Funds may be used to establish or expand full-service community school strategies, such as hiring site coordinators, conducting comprehensive needs assessments, convening leadership teams, and developing community-informed programming that aligns with locally determined priorities. The grant prioritizes schools based on implementation status and need, giving preference to sites that are either fully operational under the full-service model or planning to adopt it in high-need communities. Geographic equity is ensured through prioritization mechanisms that favor applications from all economic development regions across Minnesota. Applicants from Region 11 (Twin Cities) are evaluated separately by county to promote funding equity based on population distribution. All applications must be submitted by October 24, 2025, by 3 p.m. Central Time. A signed PDF application and accompanying Excel budget must be submitted electronically to mde.compgrants@state.mn.us. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. A Q&A period is available until October 1, 2025, with answers published by October 8. A recorded informational webinar held on September 25, 2025, is also available for applicant review. Grantees will be notified in March 2026. The grant term runs from February 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029. Annual progress reporting is required, and continued funding is contingent upon completion and approval of milestone deliverables such as leadership team formation, full-service community school plan submission, and data reporting. For questions, applicants may contact Jackie Blagsvedt at jacqueline.blagsvedt@state.mn.us or 651-582-8805.

Strong alignment with the Community Schools Forward Framework is emphasized; applicants should clearly document leadership structures, inclusive decision-making, data systems, and alignment with ESSA and state frameworks