State and private grant programs provide funding for community-based projects.
Private foundations, government agencies and regional public organizations offer grants to help fund Minnesota community programs. Certain funding sources support communities throughout the state, while organizations such as the Winona Community Foundation limit eligibility to communities within specific geographic areas. Minnesota Indian tribes, local governments and nonprofit organizations can qualify for community grants, depending on the program, and award amounts vary. Grants help Minnesota communities conserve forests, promote tourism, develop affordable housing and expand health care services.
Economic Development
Statewide and regional public agencies provide funding to increase employment opportunities for residents and advance economic growth in certain industries. For example, the Minnesota Department of Human Services awards the Minnesota Economic Opportunity Grant to nonprofit organizations and tribal governments. The program helps fund initiatives that enable low-income residents to become more self-sufficient. As of April 2011, recipients can receive grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000.
The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board administers multiple funding programs, available to local governments and nonprofit organizations in the Taconite Assistance Area in Northeast Minnesota. Economic development awards include cultural and tourism grants, which help fund initiatives that attract tourists or promote cultural activities.
Health Care
Public agencies and private organizations offer funding for health care programs that serve low-income residents and senior citizens. For instance, the Minnesota Department of Human Services awards the Community Service/Community Services Development Grant to organizations. Candidates can apply for funds to pay for long-term-care programs for residents 65 years of age and older.
The Healthier Minnesota Community Clinic Fund, an independent organization, supports initiatives that improve clinic-based community health-care services for low-income Minnesotans. The organization offers funding up to $1 million, as of April 2011.
Environment
Certain environmental grant programs offer regional funding, while others provide money to communities throughout the state. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers the Community Forest Bonding Grant to fund tree-planting projects. The program extends eligibility to towns, counties and cities throughout Minnesota. Recipients can only use funds to plant trees on public land. Applicants can apply for funding to establish community forests or to replace trees destroyed by pests, weather or disease.
The Winona Community Foundation, a public charity, awards grants to government agencies and public and private organizations in the Winona area. The foundation funds projects related to the environment, education, social services and the arts, offering awards up to $2,400, as of April 2011.
Housing
Private organizations and the state government offer grants to develop, rehabilitate and construct housing. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development provides funding for the redevelopment of commercial, residential and industrial sites through the Redevelopment Grant Program. The program extends eligibility to housing authorities, counties and cities.
The Greater Minnesota Housing Fund provides funding to rehabilitate residential rental and owner-occupied properties for use by low-income households. Local governments and developers can apply for the grant, which they can use to purchase single-family homes, rehabilitate owner-occupied housing or preserve subsidized housing units. The program provides funding through deferred loans, grants, no-interest loans and low-interest loans and offers up to $15,000 per housing unit.
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