The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is seeking Requests for Proposals (RFP) from contractors that can develop and implement a pilot project that will provide financial assistance to Minnesota residents seeking to purchase electric or battery-powered lawn and snow equipment.
The legislative environmental fund has allocated $995,000 to establish a pilot program that provides financial assistance to eligible applicants for the purchase of landscaping and snow removal equipment powered exclusively by electricity. The goal of this grant is to reduce emissions and ground level exposure to air pollution in Environmental Justice areas.
Applications are due no later than 4:00 p.m. Central Time on May 8, 2026.
Questions and answers
MPCA employees cannot legally answer questions about this grant opportunity. Please submit questions about this grant to grants.pca@state.mn.us with the subject line: “Electric Landscaping Grant Question”, no later than, Friday, April 24, 2026. Answers to questions will be posted frequently in the SWIFT Supplier Portal.
Informational meeting
The MPCA will hold an informational webinar on April 14 at 11 a.m. to discuss this grant opportunity, the SWIFT process, and answer questions from participants.
Eligibility
The awarded applicant will encourage community awareness of the program, encourage participation, and provide financial assistance to residents for snow and landscaping equipment. Projects must be completed by May 31, 2027.
Who is eligible
- A governmental entity, educational institution, or nonprofit organization with any number of employees
- Tribal governments
- For-profit entities, such as utility companies or equipment manufacturers
- Combinations and collaborations of any of those organizations are also allowed
Available funds
Approximately $995,000 in funding is available to develop, administer, and fund a financial assistance program for electric landscaping and snow removal equipment.
The intent of this RFP is to award funding to one applicant, either a single organization or a team. Multiple organizations may work together, but one organization will need to submit as the lead applicant.
How to apply
Review the RFP. The request for proposal (RFP) and application materials can only be accessed through the online SWIFT portal. The RFP is termed an “Event” within the SWIFT system.
- go to the online SWIFT portal
- click on "Bidding opportunities"
- find the events by name (MPCA Electric Landscaping Equipment Pilot Program) or ID (2000018153)
- click "View Bid Package" to see the RFP and forms; there’s no need to log in to see the documents
Apply online. Grant applications are only accepted through the SWIFT portal.
- register as a bidder in the SWIFT Supplier Portal; bidding = "applying"
- choose "Register for an Account" and then "Register as a Bidder"
If you are already registered in the SWIFT system as a supplier (previously known as a vendor), use your supplier ID. Visit the SWIFT Supplier Portal under “Informational Tips” and “Supplier Portal Help” for more information.
Need help with SWIFT? Direct questions about applying through SWIFT to the Vendor Assistance Help Desk at 651-201-8100, option 1 or contact the SWIFT Vendor Liaison, Ellie Pflager: ellie.pflager@state.mn.us or 651-201-8148.
More information
In July 2025, $1 million from the legislative environmental fund was allocated to establish a pilot program providing financial assistance to eligible applicants for the purchase of landscaping and snow removal equipment powered exclusively by electricity. This initiative is part of Minnesota's ongoing efforts to reduce air pollution and enhance environmental quality, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by environmental hazards.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) was tasked to collaborate with environmental justice communities to develop eligibility criteria that prioritizes applications from residents of environmental justice areas. This is a one-time appropriation with funds available until June 30, 2027.
The MPCA selected 12 representatives from across the Twin Cities, Rochester, and Duluth to a workgroup to guide program development, as required by legislative mandate. Members met from July to October 2025.
Environmental justice (EJ) areas are defined in Minnesota state statute as areas where 40% or more of the population is nonwhite, 35% or more of the population have a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, 40% or more of the population over the age of five has limited English proficiency or is located within Indian Country.
