The 2025 Community Clinic Grant Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), provides funding to support clinical services for underserved populations across Minnesota. This program is intended to increase access to essential health services for low-income and rural populations, with a focus on mental health, oral health, and clinical services for at-risk youth (ages 25 and under). The total estimated funding is $530,000, with individual awards up to $45,000 for projects implemented between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit clinics, government entities, tribal governments, and Indian Health Services units that provide preventative, medical, dental, or mental health services. Applicants must demonstrate a policy ensuring services are not denied due to inability to pay, such as a sliding-fee scale. Collaboration with other clinics, hospitals, or community organizations is encouraged and can improve competitiveness. Clinics applying for mental health services must accept Medicaid patients, while those focusing on at-risk youth must serve populations up to age 25.
The program prioritizes projects addressing health disparities and inequities, with an emphasis on underserved populations including those affected by income, geographic, and demographic factors. Eligible expenses include staff time, mobile clinics, equipment, culturally specific outreach materials, and data system improvements. Ineligible expenses include political contributions, bad debts, and certain overhead costs unrelated to the grant project.
Applications must be submitted by 4:30 PM Central Time on March 3, 2025, through the MDH online grants portal. Required components include a project narrative, budget, and supporting documents such as patient payment policies, governing board resolutions for nonprofits, and letters of support for collaborations. A webinar to assist applicants will be held on February 4, 2025, with materials available online by February 13, 2025.
The selection process is competitive and based on criteria such as the project's impact on health equity, collaboration, and feasibility. Award decisions will be announced by May 1, 2025. For further details, contact MDH at Health.CommunityClinicGrant@state.mn.us or 651-201-3780.
