Sparking support for communities

CERTs Seed Grants

CERTs awards seed grants to communities for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across Minnesota. Since 2006, we’ve awarded over $1.98M to 509 projects.

Explore previously funded projects and guidelines to get inspired for upcoming application rounds!

Project Objectives

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.

Minnesota regions outlinedEach 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].

 

Funded Projects by Year

While we get ready to accept the next round of applications, take a look back at previous CERTs Seed Grant announcements to see all the projects in a given year.

CERTs Seed Grant Projects 2024

2024 CERTs Seed Grants awarded to 45 community-based clean energy projects

CERTs Seed Grant Projects 2022

74 projects receive CERTs 2022 Seed Grants

CERTs Seed Grant Projects 2020

35 Community Clean Energy Projects Receive Seed Grant Funding from CERTs

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Get notified about future seed grant rounds