Minnesota Employment Labor and Training Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to innovative technology startups in Minnesota for research, development, and business expenses, helping them grow and succeed in their early years.

The Initiative Foundation provides grants to nonprofits and local government units for program or capacity-building support; projects that advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and strategies to address workforce shortages. Donor Name: Initiative Foundation State: Minnesota County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Proposals that focus on at least one of the following areas will be given priority consideration: Capacity-building support for nonprofits, with priority to those addressing urgent needs and/or the needs of low-income communities. This includes support for business planning, fund development, training, or pilot programming. Cost share for projects intended to create behavioral change associated with advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. Advancement of community-based strategies to address regional workforce shortages in sectors which lead to family-sustaining wages. Support for local and regional community and economic development entities advancing early-stage feasibility or pilot projects. Funding Information Grants seldom exceed $7,500 and are not intended to provide ongoing support. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, school districts, or local units of government that serve Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, and/or Wright counties, and/or the Native nations of the Leech Lake and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe within the boundaries of the 14-county region served by the Initiative Foundation. Ineligible Expenses  Funding requests from outside the Initiative Foundation’s geographic service area will not be considered. Individuals are not eligible to apply for grant funding. The following expenses are ineligible and will NOT be considered for funding: Grants or reimbursements to individuals and businesses. Expenses incurred prior to the receipt of a grant award. Capital expenses (e.g., buildings, equipment, vehicles, etc.). Programs or projects that DO NOT directly benefit residents in the Initiative Foundation’s 14-county service area. Replacement of or substitution for government funding. Religious activities. Lobbying or campaigning for a candidate, issue or referendum vote. Development or purchase of school curriculum or support for school athletic programs. Out-of-state travel. Healthcare, arts and historic preservation are not focus areas for the Initiative Foundation’s discretionary grants. Potential applicants are encouraged to speak with staff before beginning an application associated with one of these areas. For more information, visit Initiative Foundation.

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to legally established public libraries and library cooperatives or consortia, libraries located in Minnesota’s public schools or public colleges and universities, and special libraries operated by a Minnesota registered 501 (c)(3) organizations for the purpose of helping to achieve Minnesota’s LSTA Five-Year Plan (2023-2027), Goals A, B, and C, in order to reduce barriers to access, promote equity, showcase libraries contributions to community, and empower Minnesota’s library workforce. Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Education State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:07/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: While LSTA funds are primarily intended to support new projects that can serve as models or pilots, applications for new phases of a project that is underway may be submitted. Libraries may also apply for funding of an ongoing project if it reaches new audiences, incorporates new methods or significantly expands the reach of the project. Goal C also addresses the state’s need to close racial and economic achievement gaps for all Minnesotans and supports the goals of the World’s Best Workforce. For the 2024 LSTA competitive grant opportunity, applicants will select one of the following LSTA sub-goals. Goal A: Building Coalitions to Increase Collective Impact Goal B: Partnering for Reimagined Access Goal C: Changing the Narrative to Showcase Libraries’ Contributions to Thriving Communities Funding Information This grant opportunity estimates that $400,000 is available. The minimum grant award is $10,000 and the maximum grant award may not exceed $75,000. Project Period The term of the grant period is anticipated to be from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants are limited to legally established public libraries and library cooperatives, libraries located in Minnesota’s public schools or public colleges and universities, and special libraries operated by Minnesota registered 501(c)(3) organizations. A Minnesota registered 501(c)(3) organization may serve as a fiscal agent for a public library. Applicants may submit more than one competitive application, although only one LSTA grant per applicant/beneficiary will be awarded. Partnerships and collaboration with community-based organizations are an LSTA program priority and encouraged but not required for this grant opportunity. If your project includes partners, you must submit a completed Project Partnership Agreement form for each partner identified in your application. For more information, visit MDE.

The Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) will administer the PROMISE Act Grant program for small businesses in southwest Minnesota located within its service area. Donor Name: Southwest Initiative Foundation State: Minnesota County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Competitive from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to organizations that have been adversely affected by lack of access to capital, loss of population or an aging population, structural racial discrimination, civil unrest, and/or lack of regional economic diversification. The most competitive applicants have experienced economic hardship and did not receive significant COVID-19 relief funding of more than $10,000 from the State of Minnesota. Priority Criteria Business either did not receive pandemic relief grants from the State of Minnesota, or received $10,000 or less in the following pandemic relief grants from the State of Minnesota:  Minnesota Small Business Loan Guarantee  Minnesota Small Business Relief Grants Minnesota Main Street COVID-19 Relief Grants  Minnesota Business Relief Payments AND/OR  Experienced 10% or greater decrease in gross revenue, or any reduction in net income, in 2022 as compared to 2021. Tax documents for 2022 and 2021 will need to be uploaded to verify. If you were not in business in 2021 but were in 2022, you can still apply. Funding Information Competitive grants range between $10,000 to $50,000. Eligiblity Criteria Business must have a primary business operating within the SWIF’s service area which includes the counties of Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift and Yellow Medicine; and Pezihutazizi Oyate (Upper Sioux Community) and Cansayapi Oyate (Lower Sioux Indian Community).  Home based businesses are eligible to apply, so long as at least 50% of the employees are based in Minnesota.  Sole proprietors are also eligible to apply but will be required to demonstrate business income sources separately from other sources of income.  Businesses not operating within the SWIF region should review the DEED website to determine which organization to apply through, as this is a statewide program with different organizations administering in various regions.  Business owner(s) and any directors or officers have not been convicted of a crime related to any state law.  Business is in good standing with the Department of Revenue.  Businesses with $750,00 or less in gross revenue (based on 2021 and 2022 taxes). Have a minimum of $10,000 in revenue in 2022.  Businesses must be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State, if required by Minnesota State Law. Sole proprietors operating their business under their own name do not need to be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State.  Nonprofits operating like a for-profit business, earning 30% or more of revenue on an ongoing basis through non-tax-deductible sales or dues in a fee-for-service model similar to for-profit businesses.  Definition of “business-like” revenue that counts toward meeting the 30% threshold includes: program service revenue, membership dues, unrelated or other business income. Revenue that does not count towards meeting the 30% revenue includes: contributions, gifts or grants; fundraising events; asset sales; investment income.  Business is operating as of the application date and can produce documents of ongoing operations. This can include recent invoices, payroll records, current lease or other business activity For more information, visit SWIF.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to businesses and nonprofit organizations in Hennepin County, Minnesota, to implement projects that prevent waste and promote the use of reusable materials.

The Food Recovery Grant supports programs that recover surplus, edible food from businesses, organizations and/or farmer’s markets for distribution to people in need. Donor Name: BizRecycling State: Minnesota County: Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Recovery Grants are open to businesses (food donors, including food producers, distributors, grocers and cafeterias), nonprofit organizations and college food shelves in Ramsey and Washington counties. Funding Information Grant awards are up to $20,000. Uses of funds  Food Recovery & Donation Materials for food recovery activities, including collection materials (buckets, boxes, bags, etc.) and food mobility equipment (carts, pallets, etc.). Storage costs, including rental and/or equipment purchase. Transportation costs, including vehicle rental. Limited staffing costs related to food recovery/gleaning work. Infrastructure and equipment for use in food recovery and donation efforts. Education & Engagement Staff recycling training (one hour wage per employee). Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must meet the following criteria: Eligible businesses include: Businesses (food donors) Food producers Distributors Grocers Cafeterias Food shelves and banks Colleges (donation and food shelves) Farmers markets Be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State and the Minnesota Department of Revenue at time of application. All food recovery associated with this grant must take place in Ramsey or Washington counties of Minnesota. For more information, visit BizRecycling.

New American in the Long-Term Care Workforce grant is for New Americans to obtain, maintain, and grow in the long-term care (LTC) workforce while supporting LTC organizations. Donor Name: Department of Human Services (DHS) State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The purpose of these grants is to provide specialized services and supports to New Americans to enter and grow within the long-term care (LTC) workforce. DHS, through its Grants, Equity, Access, and Research (GEAR) Division, has the authority to enter into grant contracts that will increase the number and ability of New Americans to obtain, maintain, and grow in the long-term care (LTC) workforce while supporting LTC organizations. Funding Information The State anticipates awarding up to $12 million in the first round of applicants, however, the State reserves the right to adjust this amount based on the number and capacity of responders. Grant Period The term of the initial grant period is anticipated to be from August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2026. Eligible Applicants Nonprofit organizations, community-based agencies, educational institutions, LTC employers, and government entities with a demonstrated commitment to serving New Americans. Grants can support: Onsite Occupational English classes, training and supports In-house mentorship programs Cultural Competency and cultural humility trainings for long-term care employers and staff Hiring bonuses and incentives Digital skills training and digital access Developing mentorship programs Career-pathways program to support employee retention Career navigation and career education Financial literacy, education, and coaching Training stipends and/or tuition reimbursement Wraparound support services such as mental health supports, medical career education, childcare, and transportation. For more information, visit DHS.

Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health (SPRCPH) is offering grants to support activities, programs and initiatives that improve public health issues in the community. Donor Name: Saint Paul – Ramsey County Public Health (SPRCPH) State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: They must be related to building capacity, planning, developing, implementing or evaluating work designed to address our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) priorities­­­. CHIP priority areas covered under this grant include: Racial and Health Equity. Healthy Eating, Active Living and Tobacco-Free Living. Access to Health Care Services. Mental Health and Well-being. Violence Prevention. Proposals will be accepted for the following activity categories: Capacity Building examples include start-up costs, resources and supplies, client or community relationship development strategies. Planning and Development examples include community outreach, program design activities, service launch, scoping and refining program or project concept, training. Implementation examples include programs, services and activities related to the identified CHIP priority. Evaluation examples include designing the evaluation, satisfaction surveys, process evaluation (“How much did we do?”), outcome evaluation (“Is anyone better off?”). Funding Information SPRCPH anticipates awarding up to eight grants of up to $30,000, approximately $240,000 in total, to support 12 months of activities. Eligibility Criteria Contractors must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a contract award for this project: Applicants must be an organization registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State or have a relationship with a fiscal agent.  If you use a fiscal agent, you must provide the fiscal agent’s name, contact information, and a letter of support from the fiscal agent. Eligible organizations may receive funding from the Community Innovation Grants for Racial and Health Equity once per calendar year per project. For more information, visit SPRCPH.

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) “Difference Maker” grant round seeks to support community initiatives through a variety of grants. Donor Name: Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) State: Minnesota County: Douglas County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Programs funded will bring about positive change in the Alexandria area community. AACF is looking to provide leadership, financial support and build a partnership that goes beyond the grant in order to advance the project or initiatives.   Focus Areas Education – Grants will be made to support education; especially K-12 and after-school programs. Social Services – Grants will be made to assist basic needs and support & strengthen families, children and youth. Health – Grants will be made that support health education, physical and mental health and activities that reduce abuse or violence. Arts and Culture – Grants will be made to support activities that generate an appreciation of diverse cultures and that enhance and improve cultural opportunities. Civic – Grants will be made to support activities that build, promote and preserve communities. Funding Information Funding Amount Range: $5,000 – $30,000. Favorable Considerations Create innovative solutions to community challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Build or support collaborative efforts and Involve other community partners such as other nonprofits, government entitles, businesses, and/or citizen groups Make a sustainable positive impact in the community Build social capital (I.e. connectedness) across generations, cultures, and other diverse segments of the community Create highly impactful and highly visible and that have the potential to inspire additional investments in the community. Support projects/programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion. Geographic Area Grants must serve the residents within Douglas County. Eligible Organizations 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations, schools or government entities. They Fund: Capital projects New or expanded programs/projects Other strategic Investments that will have a lasting impact. For more information, visit AACF.

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation seeks to make grants that will support health and wellness in the Alexandria area – especially for the health needs of people in poverty. Donor Name: Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) State: Minnesota County: Douglas County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Support Strategies: Operations New or expanded programs/projects. Focus Areas Health: Provide health education to the public to prevent disease Support food nutrition or nutrition education Help people living in isolation to build social connections. Favorable Considerations Create innovative solutions to community challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities Build or support collaborative efforts and involve other community partners such as other nonprofits, government entitles, businesses, and/or citizen groups Make a sustainable positive impact in the community Build social capital (I.e. connectedness) across generations, cultures, and other diverse segments of the community Are highly visible and have the potential to inspire additional investment in the community Projects/Programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion. Funding Information Funding Amount Range: $2,500-$5,000. Geographic Area Grants must serve the residents within Douglas County. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible organizations: 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations Schools Government entities. For more information, visit AACF.

The Rural and Underserved Clinical Rotations (RUCR) grant program, authorized by Minnesota Statutes Sec 144.1505, is established to award health professional training site grants to eligible physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, pharmacy, dentistry, dental therapy, and mental health professional programs to augment existing clinical training programs to add rural and underserved rotations or clinical training experiences, such as credential or certificate rural tracks or other specialized training. Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: For physician and dentist training, the expanded training must include rotations in primary care settings such as community clinics, hospitals, health maintenance organizations, or practices in rural communities. The following training program types are eligible to apply for funding: Physician, Physician assistant, Advanced practice registered nurse, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Dental therapy, and Mental health professional programs. Funding Information MDH anticipates awarding $1,500,000 through approximately 4-6 grants in this funding cycle. Estimated Award Maximum: $400,000. Grant Period September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025. Eligible Expenses Grant funds may be used to cover the cost of: establishing or expanding rotations and clinical training; recruitment, training, and retention of students and faculty; connecting students with appropriate clinical training sites, internships, practicums, or externship activities; travel and lodging for students; faculty, student, and preceptor salaries, incentives, or other financial support; development and implementation of cultural competency training; evaluations; training site improvements, fees, equipment, and supplies required to establish, maintain, or expand a training program; and supporting clinical education in which trainees are part of a primary care team model. Eligible Applicants  The following types of clinical training programs located in Minnesota are eligible to apply for this funding: Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Program Must be accredited as a master’s, doctoral, or postgraduate level advanced practice registered nursing program by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing or present a credible plan as a candidate for accreditation. Dental Program Must be a dental education program or dental residency training program currently accredited by the accrediting body or present a credible plan as a candidate for accreditation. Expanded training must include rotations in primary care settings such as community clinics, hospitals, health maintenance organizations, or practices in rural communities. Dental Therapy Education Program or Advanced Dental Therapy Education Program Must be approved by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry, or currently accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Mental Health Professional Program Must be accredited and listed as a mental health professional program by the appropriate accrediting body for clinical social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or licensed professional clinical counseling, or present a credible plan as a candidate for accreditation. A mental health professional is defined as an individual providing clinical services in the treatment of mental illness who meets one of the qualifications under MN Statutes Sec. 245I.04, subdivision. Pharmacy Program Must be accredited as a Doctor of Pharmacy program by the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education. Physician Residency Training Program Must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or appropriate accrediting body or present a credible plan as a candidate for accreditation. Expanded training must include rotations in primary care settings such as community clinics, hospitals, health maintenance organizations, or practices in rural communities. Physician Assistant Program Must be accredited as a physician assistant program by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant or present a credible plan as a candidate for accreditation. For more information, visit MDH.

The Rural and Underserved Clinical Rotations grant, authorized by Minnesota Statutes Sec 144.1505, aims to enhance health professional training sites, including those for physicians, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, dental therapists, and mental health professionals. This program supports the expansion of existing clinical training programs to include rural and underserved rotations or specialized training tracks, focusing on primary care settings in rural communities. This expansion is intended to strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve access to healthcare in these communities.

The Individual Artist Equity program provides up to $3,000 to individual artists who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, People with Disabilities, and/or Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual/Agender, Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2+). Donor Name: Arrowhead Regional Arts Council State: Minnesota County: Aitkin County (MN), Carlton County (MN), Cook County (MN), Itasca County (MN), Koochiching County (MN), Lake County (MN), Saint Louis County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The funding is designed to allow you to carry out a well-planned project that will allow you to grow as an artist or to take advantage of an impending opportunity. Grants can be fund Art supplies such as canvas, paints, fabrics, clay, etc. Educational opportunities that advance your creative practice or career. Labor such as services of other artists, babysitters, or paid time off from work to create art. Equipment or technology purchases are allowed but must be integral to the artistic project proposed and must be less than 25% of the total request. An approved project must begin within six months. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible to apply for this program, you must be: At least eighteen years old and not enrolled in an arts-related degree program. A U.S. citizen, or have permanent resident status. Have permanent residence(taxes/voting) in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, or St.Louis County or of the four Tribal Nations within region: BoisForte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, or Leech Lake(within Itasca County)for at least six months. A resident of the region for the duration of the project. If you have no outstanding or overdue final reports from past funding. Both artists and arts organizations may apply only once per grant round, and cannot receive funding from the same grant program twice in a fiscal year. For more information, visit ARAC.

The Office of Adult Career Pathways, part of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, is offering grants to eligible small businesses in Minnesota to support Diversity and Inclusion training. This initiative aims to enhance these businesses' abilities to attract, hire, and retain people of color across various roles. The program emphasizes equity, innovation, and performance in its awarding criteria, focusing on training participants facing significant employment barriers, fostering an inclusive skilled workforce, and implementing innovative solutions to workforce challenges. Grants are available up to $1,425,000 each state fiscal year, with a maximum of $30,000 available per business for the biennium, limited to one award per biennium. Applications are accepted on a continual basis until funds are depleted, with no awards exceeding $1,425,000 before July 1, 2024.

The Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program and the Low-Density Population Pilot Program, established by the Minnesota legislature in 2014 and continued in 2023, are aimed at promoting broadband infrastructure expansion in Minnesota's unserved or underserved areas. Managed by the State of Minnesota, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), these programs provide grants to assist broadband providers with the costs of infrastructure installation. The 2024 grant application cycle, announced by DEED, will open on March 12, 2024, with an application deadline of May 10, 2024. Applicants must register and submit applications via DEED’s Grants Management System, following the detailed instructions on DEED's website. The announcement of awards is anticipated in Summer 2024, with project completion required by December 31, 2026. DEED also hosts an information webinar to guide applicants through the application process.

This program provides financial assistance to businesses in Ramsey and Washington counties to help them reduce harmful chemicals and improve their environmental practices, with a focus on supporting minority-owned businesses and those in pollution-vulnerable areas.

This funding opportunity provides up to $5,000 to nonprofits and local government units in Central Minnesota to support projects that empower communities, promote diversity and inclusion, and address local economic challenges.

Aitkin County has been awarded a grant from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The Aitkin County Board of Commissioners, have approved this grant funding to be used to directly impact the Community of Aitkin County by establishing the Aitkin County Childcare Acceleration Grant Program. The purpose of this grant fund is to help support community members who aspire start their career in childcare and become childcare providers in Aitkin County in an effort to drive economic growth.  The funding will help support fees associated with new licensing and training needed to open a childcare center or at home facility, general remodeling costs to meet licensing standards and/or funding support to add additional employees to new and existing childcare businesses.

The Quick Support for Organizations grant program provides organizations with more quickly accessible funds for planning and small projects. Donor Name: Southwest Minnesota Arts Council State: Minnesota County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 08/01/2022 Grant Size: up to $2,500 Details: Applicants may choose from five project types: Art Legacy Project planning Planning for a specific large-scale project that will create a strong arts legacy in the region: Requests for proposals from artists Gathering community input Determining available resources and costs Researching the feasibility or sustainability of the future project Small arts project Arts exhibits or performances Art classes for community members of all ages (excluding projects in schools) Public art Small equipment purchase Equipment that will strengthen the organization’s capacity to serve arts needs in their region. Arts organization development Training of staff or board members at workshops and conferences Hiring consultants/specialists to assist the organization in fundraising, marketing, financial development, board development, etc. Conducting surveys to determine community interest Developing new arts programs and services Arts organization start-up Developing articles of incorporation and bylaws Filing for 501(c)(3) status Funding Information Quick Support for Organizations grants are available for up to $2,500. Geographic Area Applicant organizations must be located within the eighteen counties of the SW MN Arts Council service region (Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Swift, and Yellow Medicine counties) or on tribal lands within their service area. Eligibility Criteria The Quick Support for Organizations grant program is open to nonprofit organizations as described in Section 501 (c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code with Articles of Incorporation on file with the State of Minnesota or official units of city, county, or state government of the State of Minnesota. Arts organization development and arts organization start-up project types are only open to arts organizations (organizations with missions focused primarily on the arts). For more information, visit Southwest Minnesota Arts Council.

Healthy Living Grant Program – Minnesota supports communities in building social connections through healthy eating, physical activity, mental health awareness, and community building. The purpose of the grant is to increase well-being through community-driven action, with a $1,000 grant award limit per applicant and activity or program. Eligible activities include new programs or initiatives that support physical or mental well-being and social connections, and are inclusive for all members of the community. Examples of eligible uses for grant funds include promotional materials, healthy foods at wellness activities, mental health support groups, meditation classes, exercise equipment for public use, gardening materials, tobacco cessation groups, and space rental and event materials.