MAELC Education Grant

The MAELC Education Grant is an initiative administered by the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC) to support programming in agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR) education across Minnesota. The funding for this opportunity is appropriated by the Minnesota Legislature through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and is channeled through MAELC to foster development at both K-12 and post-secondary education levels. MAELC’s overarching goal is to expand and enhance AFNR education and to ensure that Minnesota’s educational institutions can cultivate future leaders and professionals in agricultural fields. The program prioritizes school-based and post-secondary agricultural education initiatives. Eligible applicants include public, charter, and private schools, post-secondary institutions, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and AFNR-focused education entities. MAELC places additional emphasis on collaborative proposals that demonstrate partnerships and leverage other funding sources. While matching funds are not required, proposals that do not duplicate previous MAELC-funded projects are more competitive. Grant awards range between $1,500 and $25,000 per project, with a total pool of $250,000 available across two grant periods. The average historical award is $8,900. MAELC prefers not to fund projects that are repeat efforts. Eligible expenditures include salary and benefits for project personnel, consultant services, equipment, instructional technology, transportation, and materials. However, greenhouses, textbooks, stipends, and extended contracts are not eligible for reimbursement. Projects must be conducted in Minnesota, though exceptions apply for professional development initiatives. Applicants must align their proposals with one or more of the three MAELC goal areas: increasing student access and awareness, improving program quality and infrastructure, and recruiting and retaining highly qualified instructors. For example, proposed projects might involve launching new AFNR courses with credit equivalency, enhancing classroom facilities, or supporting professional development for agricultural educators across career stages. Proposals are evaluated based on their sustainability, measurable impact, alignment with MAELC goals, and collaborative value. The application process is managed online and includes a structured form requiring applicant details, project summary, measurable objectives, timeline, budget, and supporting documentation. Two application windows are available each year: November 15 and April 15. Projects funded in the first round begin in January and must be completed by December of the same year, while second-round projects start in July and conclude the following June. Grantees must sign a grant contract and submit a final report upon completion. Payments are typically reimbursed post-project, though a 50% advance may be requested. For assistance, applicants may contact the MAELC office via email at [email protected] or call (612) 624-6256. Additional program details, including required forms and instructions, can be accessed through the official MAELC website. A downloadable PDF of the 2025–2026 Request for Proposals is available at https://mn.gov/maelc/grants/applications/MAELC%20Education%20Grant%20-%20Request%20for%20Proposal%20(2025-2026).pdf.