We call these grants “seed grants” because they are small amounts of money meant to get a project started and inspire others to support the project. Projects have previously received $5,000-$10,000 to spend on labor expenses.
The main goals of this funding are to:
- Support community-based clean energy projects in each Minnesota CERT region. Clean energy projects can include energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy, electric vehicle-related projects, and energy storage.
- Encourage projects that are highly visible in the community and can be an example for other communities.
Each region has its own pool of funding and its own steering committee that selects projects for funding. Find your county in this map of the seven CERTs regions of Minnesota. The project must be located in Minnesota.
Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, local governments, tribal nations, schools, libraries, civic associations, religious institutions, service clubs, student groups, business associations, cooperatives, food shelves, shelters, and for-profit entities if the project has a larger public purpose. Preference has been given to proposals that are from, led by, and/or include meaningful participation by underserved populations.
Funds can be used for labor, not equipment. In addition, funding cannot be used for work completed before the start of the grant implementation period.
If you have a project idea that might be a fit for future seed grant rounds, contact us! Email us: [email protected].