Statewide Environmental Assistance Grants

The Statewide Environmental Assistance Grants program is administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the state agency responsible for protecting and improving Minnesota’s environment and public health. Through this initiative, the MPCA provides financial support to projects that advance environmental sustainability, reduce pollution, and promote healthier communities. The program reflects Minnesota’s commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns with statewide goals to reduce waste, minimize greenhouse gas emissions, and eliminate harmful substances that threaten human health and ecosystems. The purpose of this grant program is to support innovative and impactful projects that address two priority areas: promoting the reuse of materials to reduce waste and reducing toxic chemicals in hair products. By funding initiatives that extend the lifecycle of materials and improve consumer safety, the program aims to reduce landfill waste, decrease emissions associated with manufacturing new goods, and mitigate exposure to hazardous chemicals. These efforts contribute to environmental protection, public health, and economic sustainability throughout the state. Funding under this opportunity supports projects that establish or expand reuse systems and programs, such as community swap events, repair and refurbishment initiatives, deconstruction and material recovery projects, and the development of reuse retail or storage facilities. Additionally, the program supports outreach and educational initiatives addressing toxic chemicals in synthetic hair products, including research, public awareness campaigns, culturally relevant communication strategies, and efforts to promote safer alternatives. Projects must demonstrate measurable environmental benefits and align with the program’s stated priorities. Eligible applicants include Minnesota nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, for-profit businesses, institutions such as hospitals and educational entities, political subdivisions of the state, state agencies, and Tribal governments. Collaboration among multiple organizations is encouraged to enhance project impact. However, ineligible projects include those focused on general operating expenses unrelated to the proposed work, environmental compliance remediation, initiatives that benefit only individuals without broader community impact, or projects that do not meet program eligibility criteria. Activities limited to research without implementation or those focused on waste management methods outside of reuse are also excluded. The MPCA anticipates awarding approximately $250,000 in total funding during the fiscal years 2026 through 2028. Individual grant awards range from $25,000 to $150,000. Applicants are required to provide a 20 percent match toward the total project cost, and expenditures incurred prior to contract execution are not eligible for reimbursement or match. These funding parameters ensure shared investment and promote responsible stewardship of public resources. Applications must be submitted electronically through Minnesota’s SWIFT portal. Prospective applicants are required to register as bidders within the system and locate the funding opportunity by its event name or identification number. Questions regarding the grant are accepted via email through early June 2026, and applications are due on June 9, 2026. Following submission, proposals undergo evaluation based on their alignment with program goals, environmental impact, feasibility, and community benefit. Through this program, the MPCA seeks to support transformative projects that advance sustainability, reduce pollution, and enhance environmental equity across Minnesota.

Align proposals with reuse and toxic chemical reduction priorities; demonstrate measurable environmental and community impact; ensure culturally relevant outreach and long-term sustainability.