Minnesota Infrastructure Grants

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.

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.

The Neighborhood STAR program awards funding for capital improvement projects in Saint Paul neighborhoods. Donor Name: City of Saint Paul State: Minnesota City: Saint Paul Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: State and local legislation was enacted in 1993 to allocate revenue from the city’s half-cent sales tax to the Neighborhood Sales Tax Revitalization (STAR) Program. Administered by the City’s Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED), Neighborhood STAR provides reimbursement grants of $5,000 or more for capital improvement projects which strengthen the vitality of city’s neighborhoods. Public, private, non-profit, or for-profit entities located in or doing business in Saint Paul may apply for STAR funds. If you choose to apply and require translation services for the application process, please contact STAR staff for assistance. Funding Information Grant requests up to $50,000 do not require matching funds. Anticipated project dates: September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2026. Eligible STAR-Funded Projects and Activities Eligible activities include: Renovation, rehabilitation andor construction of commercial, residential, or industrial property Most fixed interior and exterior improvements to commercial or residential structures including walls, ceilings, floors, lighting, windows, doors, entrances, electrical, plumbing HVAC, energy and security improvements, handicap accessibility, and building code corrections Minor public improvements (major public improvements should be referred to the city’s Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) process) Beautification of public or private open space, including trees and shrubs, rain gardens, benches, play equipment, bicycle parking, and lighting that are site-specific and have a life expectancy of 7+ years. Creative placemaking / placekeeping capital improvement activities, including public art and creative public infrastructure improvements, especially those that contribute to cultural diversity. Non-profit neighborhood organizations providing a funding program to local businesses, homeowners, or condominium/townhome owners for capital improvement activities Eligibility Criteria Public, non-profit, and for-profit entities located in or doing business within the City of Saint Paul City departments and quasi-governmental entities are an eligible applicant when in partnership with a neighborhood and/or community group Churches and religious organizations are eligible to apply when in partnership with a neighborhood and/or community group and only with respect to a project that: (i) is non-sectarian and whose primary effect neither advances nor inhibits religion; (ii) will make capital improvements for functions not associated with church-sponsored or religious type activities; and (iii) is open and available to the public at large on a regular basis Ineligible Applicants Political parties and political action groups Federal, state and county agencies and departments Individual homeowners, condominium, or townhome owners and/or the association representing them For more information, visit City of Saint Paul.

The Art Project program provides funding of up to $5,000 to support relevant, meaningful arts activities with value to the community your organization serves. 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: Support may be used to create, perform, exhibit, or publish artistic works; or to present arts events by contracting the services of other organizations or individuals. Grants can be fund Art supplies such as canvas, paints, fabrics, clay, etc. Funds to pay volunteer and administrative costs associated with your project. Advertising, marketing, and other promotional materials. 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 State-registered and federally recognized non-profit, tax-exempt organizations Accredited schools Tribal governments Units of government Your organization must be primarily based (permanent address) in Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, or St. Louis County (outside Duluth) or of the four Tribal Nations within region: Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, or Leech Lake (within Itasca County) for at least six months. All Duluth organizations are eligible regardless of budget size. Organizations outside of Duluth with minimum prior year arts operating expenses of $40,000 are eligible to apply to this program. Smaller groups outside of Duluth are eligible to apply to Rural & Community Art Project program. 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. In a single ARAC fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), an organization can receive grant funding of up to $25,000 total from applications reviewed in all eligible programs. For more information, visit ARAC.

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 Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for the spring round of the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Agriculture Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Livestock Investment Grant Program. Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The AGRI Livestock Investment Grant encourages long-term industry development for Minnesota livestock farmers and ranchers by helping them improve, update, and modernize their livestock operation infrastructure and equipment. Grant funds are available for equipment purchases, physical improvements, and acquisition of facilities used to help start, improve, or expand livestock operations in the state of Minnesota. Priorities This grant will prioritize: Emerging farmers, including women; veterans; persons with disabilities; American Indian or Alaskan Natives; members of a community of color; young farmers; and farmers who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+). Generational transitions Production of livestock for Kosher or Halal markets Robotic milking equipment Funding Information It expects to award approximately $650,000 in this round using a competitive review process. Applicants may apply for up to 10% of their project’s total cost with a minimum expense of $4,000 and a maximum expense of $250,000; grant awards can range in size from $400 to $25,000. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Be the principal operator of a livestock operation in Minnesota  Be a resident of the state of Minnesota or be a business entity authorized to farm in Minnesota Hold an appropriate feedlot registration when applicable. 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. Compliant with current state regulations or this project will support the organization becoming compliant. For more information, visit MDA.

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.