Best Wright County Grants for Nonprofits in Minnesota

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment Grants aim to support eligible entities in assessing and planning the cleanup of brownfield sites. This funding opportunity is targeted at government organizations, federally recognized tribes, and nonprofit organizations, allowing for a collaborative approach through Assessment Coalition Grants. The lead entity can request up to $1,000,000 to assess sites, with individual site costs capped at $200,000, promoting effective resource allocation and community engagement.

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment Grants offer funding for eligible entities, including government organizations and nonprofits, to prevent, inventory, assess, and plan the cleanup of brownfield sites. This grant supports community involvement, site assessments, and the development of reuse plans, ensuring that communities can effectively address their brownfield challenges. It is essential for applicants to note that funds cannot be allocated for cleanup activities, focusing instead on assessment and planning.

The U.S. Geological Survey's Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center is providing a funding opportunity for research into seabed mineral formation through a cooperative agreement with the California Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of ocean processes and inform resource management strategies. It fosters collaboration and expertise sharing among CESU partners, ensuring timely and relevant scientific contributions to address submarine geohazards and mineral enrichment.

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) invites applications for its Endowments for Advancing the Humanities program. This initiative aims to enhance the financial stability of organizations dedicated to humanities education and research. It supports projects exploring Western civilization, significant literary works, civic education, and cultural literacy. Grants combine NEH matching funds with private donations, fostering long-term investment in the humanities across educational institutions. Detailed application guidelines are provided in the accompanying Notice of Funding Opportunity.

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment Grants invite eligible entities, including states, tribes, and Alaska Native corporations, to apply for funding aimed at assessing and planning the cleanup of brownfield sites. The grants support activities such as site assessments, community involvement, and developing reuse plans. However, state and tribal universities are not eligible for these specific grants. This initiative by the EPA is crucial for promoting environmental health and revitalizing impacted communities.

The FY27 Guidelines for Brownfield Cleanup Grants provide essential funding for eligible entities, including government organizations and nonprofits, to conduct cleanup activities at brownfield sites. The program aims to revitalize these properties, addressing environmental contamination and health disparities while fostering community engagement and economic development. Applicants are limited to one grant application per competition cycle, ensuring focused and effective use of resources to enhance local environments and economies.

About Us

We endeavor to help individuals reach their full potential, families to thrive and communities to flourish through grants to a range of charitable organizations. To these ends, our grantmaking is framed by two potentially contrasting convictions: that tradition is an important resource and that fundamental rethinking often is necessary to respond effectively to new challenges and circumstances. These convictions arise from the encouragement J.K. Lilly, Sr. gave to his sons to be conservatively progressive. That philosophy was evident in their leadership of their company and the establishment and administration of the Endowment.

LE Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative

Lilly Endowment is pleased to announce its Serving Neighbors Through Congregational Collaborations Initiative (Serving Neighbors). This initiative has two complementary aims: 1) to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families by encouraging stronger collaborations in local communities between Christian congregations and charitable organizations (e.g., human and social service agencies, youth-serving organizations, arts and cultural organizations, neighborhood associations, and parks and outdoor recreational organizations, among others) that utilize their respective strengths to jointly undertake efforts that address community needs and priorities and 2) to deepen the faith of individuals and enhance the vitality of congregations by providing opportunities for Christians to practice their faith through acts of love and care for their neighbors.

Through Serving Neighbors, the Endowment anticipates awarding grants of up to $5 million each to approximately 60 charitable organizations to develop and implement programs that advance the aims stated above and the following four objectives:

Helping Christian congregations identify and explore compelling human and social needs and priorities in their neighborhoods and local communities (e.g., hunger relief, after-school and educational enrichments programs, violence reduction, homelessness, outdoor recreational opportunities, community building festivals).

Assisting these congregations in building relationships with community organizations and, when appropriate, other faith-based organizations focused on those needs and priorities.

Guiding leaders from these congregations and charitable organizations in their local communities through a planning process to help them develop new and/or strengthen current collaborative joint endeavors that address the identified community needs or priorities.

Providing support and resources to help these congregations and charitable organizations in their local communities launch and, if successful, sustain these collaborations into the future.

Funding Opportunities 

Lilly Endowment will conduct Serving Neighbors through a two-stage process.

Concept Papers: In the first stage, interested charitable organizations may submit concept papers that explain their interest in the initiative and provide initial descriptions of potential Serving Neighbors programs that would advance the initiative’s aims and objectives.

The Endowment will review the concept papers and anticipates providing planning grants of up to $50,000 each to approximately 60 organizations that submit the most promising descriptions of potential collaborative programs. Selected organizations may use their planning grants to develop their concepts and prepare proposals for implementation grants.

Concept papers must be submitted through the Serving Neighbors Concept Paper Submission Form on the Endowment’s website. Concept papers are due by January 19, 2027. The Endowment anticipates notifying organizations of planning grant awards by the end of March 2027.

Implementation Grant Proposals: In the second stage, selected charitable organizations that receive planning grants may submit proposals for implementation grants of up to $5 million each that may be used for up to a four-year period to execute their plans.

Implementation grant proposals must be submitted through the Serving Neighbors Implementation Grant Proposal Submission Form on the Endowment’s website. Implementation grant proposals are due by July 19, 2027. The Endowment anticipates announcing implementation grant awards by the end of November 2027. Guidelines for preparing an implementation grant proposal will be provided with notice of approval of a planning grant.

About Us

We endeavor to help individuals reach their full potential, families to thrive and communities to flourish through grants to a range of charitable organizations. To these ends, our grantmaking is framed by two potentially contrasting convictions: that tradition is an important resource and that fundamental rethinking often is necessary to respond effectively to new challenges and circumstances. These convictions arise from the encouragement J.K. Lilly, Sr. gave to his sons to be conservatively progressive. That philosophy was evident in their leadership of their company and the establishment and administration of the Endowment.

LE National Initiative to Strengthen Christian Campus Ministries at Colleges and Universities

Lilly Endowment is pleased to announce its National Initiative to Strengthen Christian Campus Ministries at Colleges and Universities (Campus Ministry Initiative). The aim of the initiative is to strengthen throughout the United States the capacities of Christian campus ministries at or near colleges and universities to nurture the religious lives of college students both today and into the future.

In this competitive initiative, the Endowment intends to award grants of up to $7.5 million each to approximately 20 national and regional charitable organizations that support Christian campus ministries at or near multiple college and university campuses (e.g., national and/or regional denominational agencies, campus ministry parachurch organizations, collegiate ministry associations, church networks, independent religious agencies) to support programs that advance the aim stated above and the following five objectives:

Assisting local campus ministry leaders in listening to and understanding more deeply the emerging spiritual interests and questions of students and in assessing how effectively their existing ministry strategies and programs are reaching and nurturing the religious lives of young people.

Creating new or enhancing existing programs of local campus ministries to help students explore spiritual questions, build community with other students, discover and test how they can draw more fully on their faith in making decisions about their futures and engage in Christian practices and rituals to deepen their faith.

Fostering more opportunities at local campus ministries for students to serve as Christian leaders and explore calls to Christian ministry.

Engaging in fundraising and related activities to strengthen the financial and organizational capacities of local campus ministries (including creating or increasing pools of financial resources to support local campus ministries).

Strengthening the charitable organization’s own capacities and programs to provide resources and support to local campus ministries and those who lead these student ministries.

Funding Opportunities

Interested charitable organizations may apply for Campus Ministry Initiative grants through a two-stage, competitive process.

Stage 1 Concept Papers: In the first stage, interested charitable organizations that support Christian campus ministries at or near universities and colleges may submit concept papers that explain their interest in the initiative and provide initial descriptions of their potential programs for which they would like to request an implementation grant. Concept papers must be submitted through the Campus Ministry Initiative Concept Paper Submission Form, which may be found on the initiative’s webpage.

Concept papers are due by January 25, 2027.

The Endowment will review the concept papers and intends to award planning grants of up to $50,000 each to approximately 20 organizations that submit concepts that show the most promise to advance the Campus Ministry Initiative’s aim and objectives. The planning grants are intended to assist organizations in developing their concepts and preparing proposals for implementation grants. The Endowment anticipates notifying organizations of planning grant awards in March 2027.

Stage 2 Implementation Grant Proposals: In the second stage, selected organizations that receive planning grants may submit proposals for grants up to $7.5 million each that may be used for up to a five-year period to implement their plans. Selected organizations may request to use up to $5 million in these funds to support the programmatic and related expenses of their proposed programs. Organizations may request up to an additional $2.5 million, which would be subject to $1(Endowment)-for-$1(grantee) matching conditions and be paid on a matching basis, to create or increase a pool of funds to support local campus ministries.

Implementation grant proposals are due by June 7, 2027. The Endowment anticipates announcing implementation grant awards in October 2027. 

About Us

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations.

The J.W. Couch Foundation is more than a grantmaker — we are an Emmy Award-winning impact producer, partnering with nonprofits and causes to craft powerful stories that move audiences to action.

Our Programs

We invest in and support efforts across three charitable pillars — all united by the belief that impact is best achieved through close, authentic partnerships with local organizations.

J.W. Couch Foundation: Wellness Grant

We champion mental health, digital wellbeing, access to nature, and mentorship so that individuals and communities can truly thrive — body, mind, and spirit.

Mental Health

Supporting organizations helping those who struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.

Digital Wellbeing

Teams educating and creating awareness to promote a more balanced technological lifestyle.

Get Outside

Being outside improves memory, fights depression, and lowers blood pressure. We support organizations that make it happen.

Mentorship

Nonprofits that provide communities with leaders who foster creativity, health, and career advancement.

About Us

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations.

The J.W. Couch Foundation is more than a grantmaker — we are an Emmy Award-winning impact producer, partnering with nonprofits and causes to craft powerful stories that move audiences to action.

Our Programs

We invest in and support efforts across three charitable pillars — all united by the belief that impact is best achieved through close, authentic partnerships with local organizations.

J.W. Couch Foundation: Preservation Grant

We believe in preserving our history so we can understand and educate the importance of community. Historic places affect our identity and have a direct impact on our well-being.

Historical Preservation

Supporting organizations that protect architectural heritage and cultural history for future generations.

Wildlife Conservation

We believe it's our duty to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Food & Waste Management

Supporting nonprofits pioneering innovative solutions to reduce food waste and ensure nutritious meals reach those in need.

Animal Wellbeing

Dedicated to helping nonprofits that nurture compassion and respect for all living animals.

Biodiversity

Protecting the variety of life on Earth — from habitats and ecosystems to the species that sustain our natural world.

About Us

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations.

The J.W. Couch Foundation is more than a grantmaker — we are an Emmy Award-winning impact producer, partnering with nonprofits and causes to craft powerful stories that move audiences to action.

Our Programs

We invest in and support efforts across three charitable pillars — all united by the belief that impact is best achieved through close, authentic partnerships with local organizations.

J.W. Couch Foundation: Education Grant

We support forward-thinking schools and programs that give students — from toddlers to teenagers — the tools to become curious, capable, and compassionate leaders.

Early Childhood Education

Schools with creative, balanced approaches — life skills, Montessori, project-based, and more time outside.

21st-Century Education

Programs teaching critical thinking, adaptability, communication, and entrepreneurship for a changing world.

Teacher Support

Teachers are essential. We invest in programs that help educators succeed in inspiring the next generation.

About Easton Sports Development Foundation II

Archery is an inspirational sport that teaches discipline and brings communities together. However, many organizations face challenges introducing this transformative sport due to limited funding, which restricts their ability to access equipment, resources, and training. The Easton Foundations supports archery across the U.S. and seeks to bridge the gap between initial experiences and elite performance through its grants program.The foundation's mission is to inspire individuals and collaborate with partners by providing resources and services that result in growth and life-long enjoyment of archery.The Foundation supports indoor and outdoor archery facilities at city parks, schools, universities and sports complexes throughout the U.S. and provides programs to train aspiring archers, trainers, coaches and administrators.About Easton Foundations: Equipment Grants

With funding of up to $1,000 available, the Equipment Grant is an ideal opportunity for those looking to establish or expand an archery program.

About Easton Sports Development Foundation II

Archery is an inspirational sport that teaches discipline and brings communities together. However, many organizations face challenges introducing this transformative sport due to limited funding, which restricts their ability to access equipment, resources, and training. The Easton Foundations supports archery across the U.S. and seeks to bridge the gap between initial experiences and elite performance through its grants program.

The foundation's mission is to inspire individuals and collaborate with partners by providing resources and services that result in growth and life-long enjoyment of archery.

The Foundation supports indoor and outdoor archery facilities at city parks, schools, universities and sports complexes throughout the U.S. and provides programs to train aspiring archers, trainers, coaches and administrators.About Easton Foundations: Big Impact Grant

The Big Impact Grant is tailored for projects poised to make tangible, enduring differences. Think Big! It aims to support initiatives with the potential to drive significant, lasting positive change. This grant aims to reach a wider audience, make a strong impression in the sport of archery, and engage both new and experienced archers and the community.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The mission of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is to work with Minnesotans to conserve and manage the state's natural resources, to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources works to integrate and sustain the interdependent values of a healthy environment, a sustainable economy, and livable communities. DNR’s integrated resource management strategy shares stewardship responsibility with Minnesotans and partners to manage for multiple interests. DNR protects the state’s natural heritage by conserving the diversity of natural lands, waters, and fish and wildlife that provide the foundation for Minnesota’s recreational and natural resource-based economy (M.S. 84, M.S. 97A).

Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Community Impact Funding Round

The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant Program supports projects that protect, conserve, preserve or enhance Minnesota’s environment and natural resources while expanding the number and diversity of organizations that benefit from ENRTF funding. This funding opportunity is designed as a more accessible entry point for smaller, community-based projects and uses a two-stage competitive application process to reduce applicant burden while maintaining responsible stewardship of public funds. 

To be eligible, the proposed project must fit at least one of the five statutory activity areas below. Applicants must select the one activity area that best represents the primary purpose for which Community Grant Program funds would be used.

• Adversely Impacted Communities
• Education and Awareness
• Preserving or Enhancing Natural Resources
• Existing Trail Maintenance and Improvement
• Aquatic Invasive Species Management 

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The mission of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is to work with Minnesotans to conserve and manage the state's natural resources, to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources works to integrate and sustain the interdependent values of a healthy environment, a sustainable economy, and livable communities. DNR’s integrated resource management strategy shares stewardship responsibility with Minnesotans and partners to manage for multiple interests. DNR protects the state’s natural heritage by conserving the diversity of natural lands, waters, and fish and wildlife that provide the foundation for Minnesota’s recreational and natural resource-based economy (M.S. 84, M.S. 97A).

Lake Superior Coastal Program Small Grants: Capacity

The mission of Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program (MLSCP; Coastal Program) is to empower and support leaders and professionals in the work they do to manage Lake Superior’s coastal areas. We strive to ensure the state's coastal places and spaces are healthy, resilient, and sustainable so that everyone can use and enjoy them. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the Coastal Program. These grants are small, short-term, and limited in scope. In general, funded activities build capacity, seed or feed bigger opportunities, and make coastal management more effective. With these funds, the Coastal Program can support the following activities:

• Planning – develop engineering and design plans; create comprehensive plans or facilitate an update to; integrate data into plans or projects; and/or model existing data.
• Outreach – outreach or provide general education to key audiences. This includes such things as replacing “trunk” pieces (e.g., books, displays, posters); producing brochures or videos; translating print media to digital; or hosting a booth at a community event.
• Conference and training – host or send people to a conference or training focused on coastal management. The primary purpose of these events must be providing technical information; participants will enhance their skills and knowledge for managing coastal resources.
• Technology – advance the technology needed to do coastal management, such as supplies (e.g., software, survey-grade GPS) and upgrades to databases and modeling tools.
• Youth education – support and/or develop Lake Superior focused educational opportunities for youth (ages 0-18); includes (but is not limited to) curriculums, field trips, content experts, substitute teachers, bussing, and supplies such as water sampling kits, fish identification guides, and weather monitoring stations. 

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The mission of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is to work with Minnesotans to conserve and manage the state's natural resources, to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources works to integrate and sustain the interdependent values of a healthy environment, a sustainable economy, and livable communities. DNR’s integrated resource management strategy shares stewardship responsibility with Minnesotans and partners to manage for multiple interests. DNR protects the state’s natural heritage by conserving the diversity of natural lands, waters, and fish and wildlife that provide the foundation for Minnesota’s recreational and natural resource-based economy (M.S. 84, M.S. 97A).

Lake Superior Coastal Program Small Grants: STAR

The mission of Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program (MLSCP; Coastal Program) is to empower and support leaders and professionals in the work they do to manage Lake Superior’s coastal areas. We strive to ensure the state's coastal places and spaces are healthy, resilient, and sustainable so that everyone can use and enjoy them. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the Coastal Program. This Notice of Grant Opportunity (Notice) provides the information to apply for Coastal Program 2026 Small Grants: STAR. These grants are small ($4,501 to $10,000), short-term (~six months), and limited in scope. In general, funded activities build capacity, seed or feed bigger opportunities, and make coastal management more effective. With these funds, the Coastal Program can support the following activities:

• Planning – develop engineering and design plans; create comprehensive plans or facilitate an update to; integrate data into plans or projects; and/or model existing data.
• Outreach – provide general education or outreach to key audiences. This includes such things as replacing “trunk” pieces (e.g., books, displays, posters); producing brochures or videos; translating print media to digital; or providing information at a community event.
• Conference and training – host or send people to a conference or training focused on coastal management. The primary purpose of these events must be providing technical information; participants will enhance their skills and knowledge for managing coastal resources.
• Technology – advance the technology needed to do coastal management, such as supplies (e.g., software, survey-grade GPS) and upgrades to databases and modeling tools.
• Youth education – support and/or develop Lake Superior focused educational opportunities for youth (ages 0-18); includes (but is not limited to) curriculums, field trips, content experts, substitute teachers, bussing, and supplies such as water sampling kits, fish identification guides, and weather monitoring stations.

Minnesota Department of Commerce

The Minnesota Department of Commerce works alongside people and businesses across our state to protect consumers, act as a trusted resource, and help everyone have a chance to thrive in a fair and reliable marketplace. Whether you’re filling up on gas, purchasing a home, paying your bills, or rebuilding after a disaster, Commerce is there – providing oversight, answers, and support when you need it. 

Minnesota State Competitiveness Fund - Matching Funds Program

Minnesota Statutes, section 216C.391 established the Minnesota State Competitiveness Fund (SCF) to increase the success of Minnesota applicants in securing federal funds for projects that help meet State of Minnesota clean energy goals. State funding was appropriated to provide support for grant development assistance, to offset the cost-share requirements of federal funding programs, and to reduce the project costs for the Minnesota entities receiving federal grant, tax credit and loan funding. Funding was also provided to support Commerce’s Technical Assistance and Administration work, Reports and Audits, and Information Systems development related to the SCF. 

At least $75 million of the funds appropriated to the SCF Matching Funds Program must go to awards of less than $1 million and no funded entity may receive more than $15 million in awards. Projects selected for coverage must help meet the state's clean energy and energy-related climate goals through renewable energy development, energy conservation, efficiency, or energy-related greenhouse gas reduction benefits. Every attempt must be made to ensure funding allocations be geographically dispersed over the entire state of Minnesota. While previous rounds restricted eligible federal funding opportunities to be funded through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act (IIJA, aka the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, or BIL), in 2025 the MN legislature updated the statute to include other federal funding sources. The first awards released under this expanded definition will be allocated in 2026. 

VFAF Awareness Grant Program

The Valley Fever Americas Foundation (VFAF) was founded in 1995 with a mission to promote awareness of and to support research on Valley Fever and the fungus that causes it. To further its mission, VFAF is pleased to offer the Valley Fever

Awareness Grant. The purpose of this grant is to encourage innovative and creative ideas to increase Valley Fever awareness in the community.

Applicants may request up to $1000 in funding. Amount awarded varies based on the complexity of the project. Board may require additional information, ie: budget proposal.

VetCV Foundation

Supporting Veterans & Patriot Partner Organizations That Support Them.

The VetCV Foundation is the financial giving partner of VetCV, Inc. Our foundation does fundraising events and campaigns in order to have the money to give back to our VetCV Member community. The Foundation’s main goal is to give money to individuals, groups or projects that support our Active Service, Veteran, and their families in a time of need. For for support to organizations, we do not support operating costs but we do look at all requests submitted to the board.

Small Grant

 VetCV Patriot Partner organizations requests for funds UNDER $1,000 from the VetCV Foundation, Inc. 

VetCV Foundation

Supporting Veterans & Patriot Partner Organizations That Support Them.

The VetCV Foundation is the financial giving partner of VetCV, Inc. Our foundation does fundraising events and campaigns in order to have the money to give back to our VetCV Member community. The Foundation’s main goal is to give money to individuals, groups or projects that support our Active Service, Veteran, and their families in a time of need. For for support to organizations, we do not support operating costs but we do look at all requests submitted to the board.

Project Grant

For VetCV Patriot Partner organizations requesting funding consideration OVER $1,000 from the VetCV Foundation, Inc.

VetCV Foundation:

Supporting Veterans & Patriot Partner Organizations That Support Them.

The VetCV Foundation is the financial giving partner of VetCV, Inc. Our foundation does fundraising events and campaigns in order to have the money to give back to our VetCV Member community. The Foundation’s main goal is to give money to individuals, groups or projects that support our Active Service, Veteran, and their families in a time of need. For for support to organizations, we do not support operating costs but we do look at all requests submitted to the board.

Individual Assistance

For Individual "Personal" one-time urgent personal urgent financial assistance from the VetCV Foundation, Inc. 

Minnesota Department of Transportation

MnDOT, or the Minnesota Department of Transportation, was created in 1976 by the Legislature to assume the activities of the former Departments of Aeronautics and of Highways and the transportation- related sections of the State Planning Agency and of the Public Service Department. Today MnDOT develops and implements policies, plans and programs for aeronautics, highways, motor carriers, ports, public transit and railroads.

In creating the Department of Transportation in 1976, the Legislature determined that MnDOT would be the principal agency to develop, implement, administer, consolidate and coordinate state transportation policies, plans and programs (Minn. Stat. Ch. 174). MnDOT makes special efforts to consider the social, economic and environmental effects of its decisions and aggressively promotes the efficient use of energy resources for transportation purposes. It also maintains close working relationships with the many public and private individuals, groups and associations involved in transportation.

Minnesota Highway Freight Program

The Minnesota Highway Freight Program (MHFP) is a statewide competitive funding program designed to help meet the state’s freight transportation needs. The program funds projects that improve freight transportation safety, mobility, efficiency and access to freight facilities (via first and last mile connections). Minnesota Highway Freight Program goals include infrastructure and operational improvements to U.S. highways, and improving safety, security, efficiency and resiliency of freight transport.

The funding comes from the federal National Highway Freight Program, which supports states in making freight mobility improvements. The program is funded by annual apportionment established under the FAST Act. MHFP funding can be used on any public road, railroad crossing or intermodal facility if the project provides a public freight benefit. The first three rounds of the program resulted in approximatelfy $300 million in programmed investments for improvements that address goals identified in the State Freight Plan.

RFP to Predesign, design, construct or renovate facilities for Early Childhood Learning Program

Responding entities must be state agencies or political sub-divisions of the state looking to predesign, design, construct or renovate early childhood learning facilities for qualifying early childhood Programs. This includes those that have become substandard such as aged or outdated infrastructure, fixtures, or furnishings. The need for facility construction or improvements is driven by the need for increasing and maintaining access to early childhood learning programs and ensuring these facilities provide space that meets health and safety standards while being accessible to all children and their families. Responders must clearly demonstrate the community’s need for child care and early learning programs and describe how sustaining or expanding these opportunities will benefit children, families and the community.

Projects selected for Early Childhood Learning Facilities funds need to be completed and fully operational by December 31, 2029, or other agreed upon date approved by STATE. Capital projects require multiple coordination points, including agency and legislative reviews, and ongoing partnership throughout the project lifecycle. The Contract Manager and Contract Specialist will work closely with Successful Responders to monitor progress, confirm compliance and ensure projects remain on track before proceeding to the next phases.  

Programs:

Funds may be used towards qualifying early learning programs including Head Start, School Readiness, Early Childhood Family Education, licensed child care, or other early childhood intervention programs (hereafter referred to as “program” or “programs”).

Funding

Minnesota Statutes, section 142A.46, allows grants for early childhood learning facilities not to exceed $500,000 for each individual program housed in a facility. Pursuant to the 2023 and 2025 appropriations included in this RFP, facilities housing three or more early learning Programs are eligible to apply for the full $1,900,000 of grant funds available ($900,000 from 2023 appropriation and 1,000,000 from 2025 appropriation). While Minn. Stat. § 142A.46, references a maximum of $2,000,000, that amount is not available through this RFP. 

STATE must ensure that the total state appropriation of $1,900,000 be matched on a 50 percent basis across all contracts resulting from this RFP. Thus, Responders should expect to propose projects demonstrating a 50 percent match (dollar for dollar) with non-state funds. Priority will be given in the selection process to Proposals with committed dollar-for-dollar matches from non-state sources.

Invasive Aquatic Plant Management Grant Program

The goal of the DNR’s IAPM Program is to minimize harmful effects caused by invasive aquatic plants while also protecting natural resources and their use. IAPM control permitted by DNR must be selective reductions of target invasive plants.

Funding is for reimbursement of expenses incurred while conducting local aquatic invasive species (AIS) management projects under IAPM permits.

Funding Availability

• Total program funding: $1,060,000
• Award ceiling: $49,999
• Award floor: $0
• Cost sharing or matching requirement: No

Funding will be allocated through a competitive process. If selected, you may only incur eligible expenditures when the official grant award notice is fully executed, and the grant has reached its effective date.

Targeted Request for Applications

Targeted Funding Opportunity:

The National MS Society is pleased to announce the opening of a request for applications (RFA). This opportunity will be administered through the FIRST-MS initiative. By supporting the development of innovative risk identification and screening technologies, FIRST-MS (Faster Identification, Recognition, and Screening for Timely MS Diagnosis) aims to enable earlier diagnosis, thereby shortening time to treatment, and improving long-term outcomes for people with MS.

This funding opportunity seeks innovative screening technologies that can identify individuals likely to have MS within populations already enriched for MS risk. The goal of this global initiative is to support development and validation of scalable, clinically practical, and economical screening approaches that can be used across a wide variety of healthcare settings (e.g., primary care, specialty care, or community-based settings). Successful technologies will improve the identification of individuals who should undergo comprehensive neurological evaluation for MS, ultimately accelerating time to diagnosis.

Up to 10 recipients will be awarded Planning Grants with up to $25,000 over 3 months.

Targeted Request for Applications

Targeted Funding Opportunity:

The National MS Society is pleased to announce the opening of a request for applications (RFA). This opportunity will be administered through the FIRST-MS initiative. By supporting the development of innovative risk identification and screening technologies, FIRST-MS (Faster Identification, Recognition, and Screening for Timely MS Diagnosis) aims to enable earlier diagnosis, thereby shortening time to treatment, and improving long-term outcomes for people with MS.

This funding opportunity seeks innovative screening technologies that can identify individuals likely to have MS within populations already enriched for MS risk. The goal of this global initiative is to support development and validation of scalable, clinically practical, and economical screening approaches that can be used across a wide variety of healthcare settings (e.g., primary care, specialty care, or community-based settings). Successful technologies will improve the identification of individuals who should undergo comprehensive neurological evaluation for MS, ultimately accelerating time to diagnosis.

Up to 5 recipients will be awarded Screening Test Awards with up to $5 million (including indirect costs) over 4 years.

Medical Student Anesthesia Research Fellowship (MSARF)

FAER’s AMSRF Program is for those who have completed the MSARF program and would like to spend up to a year focusing on anesthesiology research and receive additional training. The fellowship must be completed on or before the time of graduation from an accredited undergraduate medical school. 

Through the program, medical student fellows can expect:

• Minimum of three months to maximum of one year of full-time research in anesthesiology 
• A formal mentor-mentee relationship with an experienced investigator 
• Training in scientific methods and research techniques 
• A $2,400/month stipend, plus additional funding available to cover relocation, health insurance, travel to a national meeting and other related expenses

A requirement for AMSRF Program participants, medical student fellows attend and present their research at the FAER/eSAS: A Day for New Researchers event during the ASA annual meeting.

Through the Day for New Researchers, medical students: 

• Learn more about the American Society of Anesthesiologists through participation in the national meeting 
• Meet and interact with researchers and other leaders in the specialty 
• Present research findings to a national audience