The Swab Team Services Grant is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health’s Lead and Healthy Homes Program (LHHP). This program, authorized under Minnesota Statutes 144.9512, aims to mitigate lead hazards through interim controls in residential settings. The services supported by this grant include education and outreach, blood lead testing, and swab team fieldwork. Interim control strategies under this program involve lead dust removal, repainting surfaces with intact paint, and covering or replacing contaminated soil. The overarching goal is to protect children and pregnant women in high-risk environments throughout Minnesota, with special emphasis on communities with historical lead exposure and limited access to healthcare.
This competitive grant opportunity for the 2026–2027 biennium will distribute up to $958,000 in total funding. Awards are expected to range between $50,000 and $650,000, with three awards anticipated. Although there is no formal match requirement, proposals that include AmeriCorps support or leverage other funding sources will be prioritized. Eligible applicants are strictly limited to non-profit organizations. Proposals may involve collaborations, provided a single fiscal agent is designated for budgetary oversight and reporting.
Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. Central Time on May 13, 2025. Questions must be submitted via email to Larry W. Olson at larry.w.olson@state.mn.us by 4:00 p.m. CST on May 8, 2025. Answers to these inquiries will be posted within two business days on the program’s official website. Application forms and accompanying documents, including a conflict of interest form, due diligence review, and the grant application itself, must be submitted via email in PDF or Word format.
Successful applicants will begin grant activities around July 1, 2025, with the grant period extending through June 30, 2027. Activities must align with MDH priorities in health equity, including serving underserved populations, hiring diverse staff, and conducting lead abatement activities. Grant recipients must ensure that all swab team workers are appropriately licensed and meet blood lead level screening requirements. Reporting obligations include quarterly progress and expense reports, along with financial monitoring site visits.
Evaluation of grant proposals is based on a 100-point scale, with a minimum average score of 60 required for funding consideration. Reviewers will prioritize geographic and service area diversity to ensure statewide impact. No more than four applicants will be awarded funding. Notification of award decisions is expected by June 4, 2025.
