Minnesota Infrastructure Grants

This funding opportunity provides $750,000 to Minnesota communities for projects that enhance resilience against climate impacts on stormwater, wastewater, and public health services.

This grant provides funding to organizations in Minnesota and Wisconsin for planning projects that improve water quality and watershed management through innovative methods, education, and outreach.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Minnesota school districts and organizations to help adults and high school students pursue careers in education, with a focus on increasing diversity and addressing teacher shortages.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to advance pollinator conservation. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.  The most competitive projects will demonstrate clear benefits to both monarch butterfly and additional at-risk native insect pollinator species (i.e., federally listed, candidate, or proposed native insect pollinator species). Special consideration will be given to projects benefiting rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. Categories Grants will be awarded in two categories:  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands Funding in this category will support implementation of technical assistance to increase the number of private landowners voluntarily engaged in monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation practices on private working lands. Up to $2 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to three years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. This category aims to support conservation planning and practice design with private landowners to advance voluntary conservation efforts on working lands that align with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks or initiatives, and especially increase Working Lands for Wildlife participation among farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. The 2024 Pollinator Fund RFP will support projects that: Direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices. Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Hiring additional staff or contractors, based on demonstrated need, including staff to assist private landowners and NRCS with developing pollinator habitat management plans and implementation of new and existing NRCS financial assistance contracts. Targeting outreach to landowners and other partners to prioritize, plan, and deliver financial assistance available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other Farm Bill programs to improve pollinator habitat and support at-risk pollinator species. Habitat Improvement Funding in this category will support on-the-ground work to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Up to $3.1 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to two years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. Applicants in this category should define a step-by-step restoration plan including site preparation, equipment used, planting techniques, size of the project area, description of target native plant community, and maintenance plan (e.g., prescribed burning, mowing, grazing schedules). Projects proposed to benefit other at-risk native insect pollinators should specify habitat needs for those species and how the proposed work will support their breeding, nectaring, nesting, or other habitat needs. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Program Priorities  All proposals must specifically address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of the Pollinator Fund’s goals as outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan. As such, all proposals must provide the number of acres restored or enhanced as a result of the project. Proposals must include plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states. Acres may be counted from multiple sites; the sites do not need to be contiguous. Since 2015, successful proposals have included a median of 960 acres and an average of 2,120 acres restored or enhanced.  Funding Information The Pollinator Fund will award up to $5.1 million in grants in 2024: up to $2 million for Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands and up to $3.1 million for Habitat Improvement. Funding is provided by Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).  Geographical Areas  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands  Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. Projects are restricted to private working lands. Habitat Improvement Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. West of the Rocky Mountains, priority will be given to projects on or adjacent to the following: monarch butterfly overwintering sites, BLM lands, and USFS lands. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

This grant provides financial support to enrolled tribal members and descendants who are artists residing in select Minnesota counties, helping them with costs related to creating and showcasing their artistic work.

This funding opportunity is designed to support organizations in Beltrami County that provide housing solutions, including construction, rehabilitation, and supportive services, to improve the availability and affordability of safe housing for low to moderate-income families and individuals.

The Mid-Career Professional Development Grant, provided by Forecast, offers $5,000 to Minnesota-based artists to fund activities like residencies, conferences, travel, study, and project development, aimed at advancing their public art careers, with the grant period running from January 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Soil Health Financial Assistance Program. Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Grant funds are available for purchasing and retrofitting equipment that will assist with implementing soil health farming practices. This grant program is funded through the 2023 and 2024 Legislative Sessions, which established the Soil Health Financial Assistance Program to support healthy soil management practices in Minnesota. This program is administered by the Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). Funding Information The MDA anticipates awarding approximately $2.375 Million in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 using a competitive process. Applicants may apply for up to 50% of their project’s total cost with a minimum grant award of $500 and a maximum grant award of $45,000. Eligible Expenses Grant applications must be for the purchase of equipment that will be used to establish, improve, or accelerate soil health. Equipment can be new or used. Parts and materials used to retrofit existing equipment (this does not include tools that can be used again on another project) may also be eligible. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must:  Be an owner or lessee of farmland in Minnesota or a LGU, including cities, towns, counties, soil and water conservation districts, Tribal Nations, and joint powers boards.  A LGU that receives a grant for equipment purchases must make those purchases available for use by the public.  Be in good standing with the State of Minnesota:  No back taxes owed  No defaults on Minnesota state-backed financing for the last seven years Acceptable performance on past MDA grants  Not be an employee or spouse of an employee of the MDA For more information, visit MDA.

This program provides financial assistance for commercial construction projects in designated areas of the Greater Mankato region to stimulate economic growth and revitalization.

This grant provides financial support to urban farmers in Minnesota for implementing conservation practices that improve environmental health and farm sustainability.

This grant provides financial support to artists in specific Minnesota counties to help them advance their careers through various artistic projects and professional development opportunities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that conserve and improve natural resources, targeting municipalities, nonprofits, schools, and private property owners in Hennepin County.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to dairy farms and processing facilities in select Midwestern states to promote product development, diversification, and value-added dairy innovations.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is offering a $10 million grant to tribal nations and local governmental units in Minnesota for projects aimed at preparing local wastewater infrastructure for climate change impacts, with a focus on protecting water quality, increasing resilience, and promoting energy and water efficiency.

This program provides financial support to new farmers in Minnesota for purchasing essential equipment and developing infrastructure to enhance their farming operations.

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Partnership Grant Program is seeking applications to provide funding of $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers, aiming to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education activities related to sustainable agriculture.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Minnesota communities for the planning and design of treatment systems to address PFAS contamination in public drinking water supplies.

The McKnight Fellowship for Ceramic Artists supports outstanding Minnesota ceramic artists who identify with any methodology—whether it be functional, sculptural, or relational—all techniques are welcome. Donor Name: Northern Clay Center State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Fellowship Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The intent of this program is to recognize and support midcareer artists living and working in Minnesota who demonstrate a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence. Funding Information Two $25,000 grants will be awarded in 2024.  Fellowship support may be pursued for, but not limited to: experimenting with new techniques and materials; purchasing materials and equipment; collaborating with other artists; or pursuing education, exhibition, or travel opportunities. Eligibility Criteria Have or maintain MN residency for at least one year prior to application and for the duration of the fellowship year. Are mid-career with a body of work that demonstrates a sustained level of accomplishment, commitment, and artistic excellence. Can only apply to one McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowship in any artistic discipline within a year. Have not been a recipient of a McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowship within any artistic discipline in the last five years. Demonstrate growth and ongoing artistry since their most recent McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowship. Are not staff, board, or immediate family of the McKnight Foundation or fellowship administrative partners. Are not enrolled full-time in an academic program. For more information, visit Northern Clay Center.

Minnesota Housing, in partnership with Greater Minnesota Housing Fund (GMHF) announces the availability of funds through the Single Family RFP. Donor Name: Minnesota Housing State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/11/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Community Homeownership Impact Fund (Impact Fund) Program provides multiple sources of competitive funding to increase the supply of affordable, owner-occupied, single family housing, while maintaining the safety and habitability of existing owner-occupied, single family homes in communities throughout Minnesota. The Single Family RFP is funded by a variety of state resources provided by the Minnesota Legislature and Minnesota Housing’s own resources. The amount of available funding is dependent, in part, upon state appropriations approved by the Minnesota legislature, as well as demand for other uses of Minnesota Housing resources. Types of Funding  Applicants can apply for a variety of funding types, and in combinations suited to the applicant’s project. Awarded applicants may receive the following types of funding: Grants  Grants are awarded to selected applicants on a competitive basis to fund value gap, affordability gap/down payment assistance grants or forgivable loans, owner-occupied rehabilitation, the Tribal Indian Housing Program, interest-rate write downs, and other eligible activities for which Minnesota Housing may not recapture loans without increasing housing costs beyond affordability to the eligible homebuyer. Grants are subject to policies and requirements set by the Minnesota Department of Administration’s Office of Grants Management. Housing Infrastructure Bond (HIB) Proceeds Deferred Loans  HIB proceeds are awarded to selected applicants in the form of 3-year, 0% interest, deferred, forgivable loans to finance value gap or owner-occupied rehabilitation. HIB proceeds may also be used by community land trusts (CLTs) for land acquisition, demolition and utility connections. HIB proceeds loans will be forgiven if the awarded applicant satisfies all contract conditions. Interim Loans  Interim loans are awarded to selected applicants in the form of 42-month, interest bearing, deferred, repayable loans to finance the acquisition, demolition, rehabilitation or construction of owner-occupied homes. Interim loans must be repaid and include monthly interest payments, quarterly financial reporting, and a demonstration of the ability to meet net asset and current ratios according to contract conditions. Interest rates will be set at a future time and are anticipated to be between 4.5% and 8.5% subject to the market. Interim loans may be secured or unsecured and may not be transferred to eligible homebuyers. Deferred Loans  Deferred loans are awarded to selected applicants to originate and close affordability gap/downpayment assistance loans to homebuyers or owner-occupied rehabilitation loans to homeowners. Loans to homebuyers and homeowners are structured as 30-year, 0% interest, deferred, repayable loans. Deferred loans are originated and closed by the awarded applicant then assigned to Minnesota Housing. Funding Information GMHF provides funding for affordability gap in the form of deferred, subordinate loans at 0% interest. The maximum loan amount per homebuyer is $15,000. GMHF will give preference to applications that apply a racial and economic equity lens to promote economic inclusion in the benefits of homeownership among households of color, immigrant households, and households with disabled members, and that seek to leverage cross-sector health and housing partnerships to improve community and individual health through investments in affordable housing. Grant Period Funded awards will have 3-year contract terms, with the exception of Interim Loans which will have 42-month contract terms. Awarded applicants are expected to complete funded projects within three years, not to exceed five years. Eligible Activities The Impact Fund may be used for the following activities related to single family, owner-occupied housing, including manufactured homes. See each item below for relevant details. Acquisition, Rehabilitation, Resale New Construction Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Stand-Alone Affordability Gap Tribal Indian Housing Program All funded projects must result in homes that are: Owner-occupied; Residential in nature; No more than four units with at least one unit occupied by the owner of the structure; Occupied by eligible homebuyers or homeowners (see income limits section); and Affordable to the local workforce. Eligibility Criteria  Impact Fund grants or loans may be awarded to a: City Federally recognized American Indian Tribe or subdivision located in Minnesota Tribal housing corporation Private developer Nonprofit organization School district, cooperative unit as defined in Minnesota Statute 123A.24 subdivision 2, or charter school. For more information, visit Minnesota Housing.