Minnesota Environment Grants

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations that empower youth aged 12 to 20 through established, youth-led urban greening initiatives focused on social and environmental justice in select states.

This program provides financial support to licensed childcare providers to improve the quality of their services through equipment upgrades, technology investments, and facility enhancements.

This funding opportunity supports Minnesota-based organizations and individuals conducting applied crop research to improve agricultural practices and outcomes for local farmers and rural communities.

The Patricia Ann Emberg Charitable Trust provides grants to tax exempt, nonprofit and governmental vocational, technical and trade school programs located throughout northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Donor Name: Patricia Ann Emberg Charitable Trust State: Minnesota, Wisconsin County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/05/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Preference given to programs of study with the potential for providing qualified candidates for the workforce in prominent regional industries like forestry and aircraft maintenance. Program Area Education Requirements Tax exempt, nonprofit and governmental vocational, technical and trade school programs located throughout northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. For more information, visit Wells Fargo.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community-based organizations in Minnesota to deliver job training, mentorship, and entrepreneurial skills development for individuals from communities of color and low-income backgrounds, focusing on high-growth industries.

This grant provides financial support to new and developing charter schools in Minnesota to assist with planning, program design, and initial implementation, particularly focusing on improving access and academic achievement for underserved students.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to locomotive owners in Minnesota for implementing technologies that reduce idle time and diesel emissions, improving air quality and public health.

The Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant (WRIG) is available to eligible schools, businesses and nonprofits for planning, equipment, supplies and capital improvements that result in the significant reduction of solid waste that the business creates. Donor Name: BizRecycling State: Minnesota County: Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Waste reduction is the most environmentally preferred strategy for managing solid waste. Waste reduction projects eliminate the use of materials that end up being discarded from production and sales processes. Waste reduction projects can take many different forms, including reusing source materials, bulk purchasing, packaging changes, technology enhancements or production redesign. Program Goals The Waste Reduction and Innovation Grant has the following program goals: Increase waste reduction and recycling activities within the business community. Support source specific reduction, recycling, and reuse needs. Provide innovative solutions to waste reduction problems. Support sustainable solutions to ensure growth of on-site efforts by staff and contractual services related to waste reduction and recycling. Support efforts to manage operations higher on the waste management hierarchy as it relates to: waste reduction and reuse activities. market development activities. food recovery and donation. Composting/organics collection. hard to recycle materials/ source separated materials. large business, industrial and college campuses. Priority Areas Impact – Estimated weight in pounds of waste, recycling or organic material that will be reduced or eliminated. Innovation – Implementation of a new idea or technology with clear waste reduction outcomes. Types of Waste  The primary material reduced must be mixed municipal solid waste (MSW). Garbage, refuse and other solid waste from residential, commercial, industrial and community activities that the generator of the waste aggregates for collection. For the purposes of this grant, solid waste includes garbage, refuse or sludges in solid, semisolid, or liquid form. Waste is typically disposed of in garbage, recycling or organics collection systems. Funding Information One-time grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to eligible businesses and nonprofits for planning, equipment, supplies and capital improvements that result in a significant reduction of solid waste that the business creates. Applicants must contribute a 10% cash match of the total project cost. Uses of funds  Equipment & Materials  Industry-specific equipment and supplies that eliminate solid waste from the production process or captures materials for reuse. Infrastructure improvements to enhance industry-specific waste reduction and recycling capabilities. Equipment and supplies that move businesses from disposable items to reusable options. Construction & Infrastructure  Waste, recycling and organics management infrastructure improvements among co-operative businesses located within the same building or business park. Infrastructure improvements to enhance industry-specific waste reduction and recycling capabilities. Research & Development  Industry-specific consultation costs to reduce the creation of solid waste at its source, which is beyond the expertise of R&E consultants. Costs related to the research and development activities of products or services that would significantly reduce solid waste in Ramsey and Washington County. Company must be located within Ramsey or Washington counties. Staff or consultation time to develop environmentally preferable purchasing plans. Staff or consultation time to develop co-operative purchasing groups to leverage access to bulk materials which align with the business’s environmental purchasing plan. Education & Engagement  Staff time to develop an onsite “Green Team.” Production and printing of custom signage, labels and education materials. Eligibility Criteria  Businesses must meet the following criteria: Be one of the following types of businesses: For profit Nonprofit Private college or university Place of worship Schools Ramsey County: Charter schools with less than 250 students and all private schools Washington County: All charter schools and all private schools Must have a permanent physical location in Ramsey or Washington counties of Minnesota. Be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State and the Minnesota Department of Revenue at time of application. Previous recipients of BizRecycling grants may apply. Applicants must be in compliance with their previous grant contract. Ineligible entities include: Home-based businesses All public entities including federal, state, county and city; public colleges and universities Public K-12 schools in Ramsey County Residential apartment buildings. For more information, visit BizRecycling.

This program provides financial assistance to farmers, producer groups, and local governments in Minnesota to help cover the costs of purchasing or retrofitting equipment that improves soil health and promotes sustainable agriculture.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is requesting proposals for 2025 Tradition Grant Cycle. Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The CPL program is habitat-focused. Grant activities include the enhancement, restoration, or protection of forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game, or wildlife in Minnesota. All applications should identify the direct habitat benefits of the project including but not limited to specific species, ecosystems, habitat types, and natural heritage features.  Restoration and enhancement projects will only be funded on lands that are: Permanently protected by a conservation easement as defined in MN Statutes 84C.01;  in public ownership (ownership by a unit of government including tribal, federal, state, county, city, school district, special district, etc.); or in public waters as defined in MN Statutes, Section 103G.005, subdivision 15. Funding Information Traditional (Statewide): $4,400,000 Up to 2 funding cycles. All eligible projects (restorations, enhancements, or acquisitions) on all eligible lands. Grant requests between $5,000 and $500,000. Total project cost may not exceed $1,000,000. Grant Period The grant period starts when the grant contract is “executed,” meaning all required signatures have been obtained, and typically lasts 3 to 3 ½ years. Eligible Expenses Eligible expenses are expenses (contracts, supplies and materials, salaries, etc.) directly incurred through project activities that are direct to and necessary for the project described in the application. Eligibility Criteria Registered 501 c(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities are eligible for CPL funding. Private individuals and for-profit organizations may not apply. Partnerships are encouraged. Examples of eligible applicants include but are not limited to the following:  Non-Profit Organizations Land Trusts Lakes Associations Charitable Organizations Private Colleges and Universities Fishing and Hunting Organizations “Friends of” Groups Other Registered Non-Profits Government Entities Cities Counties Tribal Governments Federal Agencies Conservation Districts Public Universities School Districts Other Units of Government. For more information, visit DNR.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites proposals for a community air monitoring pilot grant program, targeting neighborhood-scale air quality monitoring in the Twin Cities metro area. Eligible organizations, primarily community nonprofits and their partners, will develop a dense network of fixed and mobile air sensors. Priority will be given to projects in environmental justice communities with robust community engagement. The objectives include monitoring air quality, fostering community cooperation, and providing actionable air quality data to MPCA. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. Central Time on June 28, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides $5 million to Minnesota's tribal nations and local governments for projects that improve community resilience against climate change impacts, such as extreme heat and wildfires.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local communities, non-profits, and organizations to develop and expand childcare services, addressing the shortage of quality childcare providers across Minnesota.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations in Minnesota for projects that enhance education, health, and economic stability, particularly in response to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Health Professionals Clinical Training Expansion (HPCE) grant program support the establishment or expansion of clinical training for eligible health professional training programs. Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Providing funding opportunities for clinical training programs will strengthen Minnesota’s health care workforce and increase access to primary care and mental health services for rural and underserved urban communities. This grant program funds activities associated with planning and implementing new clinical training programs and expanding the number of professionals trained through existing clinical training programs in rural and underserved urban areas in Minnesota. Priorities Health Equity Priorities The Health Professionals Clinical Training Expansion Grant seeks to expand Minnesota’s health care workforce by establishing and expanding clinical training opportunities, with a particular focus on increasing the number of health professionals serving in rural and underserved urban communities in Minnesota. Clinical training is a necessary component of health professional education, but capacity for clinical training is limited and barriers to expansion exist.  This grant will serve: Rural and underserved urban communities by strengthening Minnesota’s health care workforce and improving access to health care. Eligible health professional programs and students by expanding clinical training opportunities. Grant outcomes will include: Greater access to health care in rural and underserved urban Minnesota communities. An increase in the number of clinical training opportunities for health professionals. Other Competitive Priorities Program advances health equity. Program incorporates strong model of team-based primary care. Program is likely to be sustainable after the grant period. Funding Information The Minnesota Legislature has appropriated $500,000 annually for this program. Distribution of Funding: Eligible clinical training programs may receive up to $75,000 for a one-year planning project. Eligible clinical training programs may receive up to $300,000 for a three-year expansion project. Eligible Expenses  Grant funds awarded may only be spent to cover the costs of: Establishing or expanding clinical training for physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, pharmacists, dental therapists, advanced dental therapists, and mental health professionals in Minnesota.  Recruitment, training, and retention of students and faculty.  Connecting students with appropriate clinical training sites, internships, practicums, or externship activities.  Development and implementation of health equity and cultural responsiveness training.  Supporting clinical education in which trainees are part of a team-based primary care model.  Travel and lodging for students.  Faculty, student and preceptor salaries, incentives, or other financial support.  Training site improvements, fees, equipment, and supplies required to establish, maintain, or expand an eligible training program.  Evaluations of the clinical training program(s). Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants are programs that fulfill the following criteria: Are located in Minnesota and train, or propose to train, students residing and working in Minnesota.  Plan to establish or expand clinical training for students in the following health professional programs: 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 be a candidate for accreditation. Dental Therapy Program or Advanced Dental Therapy 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 by the appropriate accrediting body for clinical social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or licensed professional clinical counseling, or be 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 Pharmacy Program  Must be accredited as a Doctor of Pharmacy program by the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education.  Physician Assistant Program Must be accredited as a physician assistant program by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant or be a candidate for accreditation.  Applicants must be able to demonstrate membership and compliance with the corresponding accrediting bodies.  Applicants from the same organization may hold two grants as long as they are providing clinical training program planning or expansion in two different departments. For more information, visit MDH.

The 501vc® Investment Fund is seeking to invest $200,000 to $300,000 in early-stage climate tech startups in the Greater Midwest region, focusing on sectors like advanced materials, renewable energy, and agriculture technologies.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to industrial facilities in Minnesota to reduce harmful air emissions, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by pollution.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is offering the AGRI Value-Added Grant, a reimbursement grant ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, to support value-added businesses such as bioenergy producers and hemp processors in increasing sales of Minnesota agricultural products through investment in equipment, production capacity, market diversification, and market access.