Minnesota climate smart food systems (CSFS)
The MPCA has approximately $4 million available for projects related to Tribal food sovereignty that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These grants will be awarded to Native-led organizations that work with Native populations not on reservation lands. Projects must reduce greenhouse gas emissions while centering Native and Indigenous knowledge, strengthening resiliency, advancing economic opportunity, and supporting health in communities disproportionately impacted by climate change.
Applications are due at 4 p.m. Central Time (CT) on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2026.
Questions and answers
Submit questions about this grant to grants.pca@state.mn.us with the subject line “Native-led Organizations Tribal Food Sovereignty Grant” no later than 4 p.m. CT on Tuesday, July 21. Q&A will be posted to SWIFT periodically.
MPCA employees are not authorized to discuss this RFP with applicants outside of the Q&A forum.
Informational meeting
The MPCA will hold an informational webinar at 2 p.m. on June 23, 2026, to discuss this grant opportunity, the SWIFT process, and answer questions from participants.
Eligibility
To be eligible for funding, the project must strengthen food sovereignty and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by developing community-driven projects through meaningful engagement.
Eligible applicants include:
- Native American organizations or communities
- incorporated non-federally recognized Tribes
- consortia of Indian Tribes
- incorporated non-profit multi-purpose community-based Indian organizations (including Urban Indian organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. §1603(29))
- Urban Indian Centers
- Native Community Development Financial Institutions (Native CDFIs)
- National or regional incorporated non-profit Native American organizations with Native American community-specific objectives
- Tribal colleges and universities
Available funds
Total available funds: $4 million
- minimum award: $50,000
- maximum award: $200,000
- no match required
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-Native-led organizations Tribal Food) or ID (2000018404)
- 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
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded Minnesota $200 million to cut climate pollution from our state’s food systems through the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. Led by the MPCA in collaboration with other state agencies, local governments, and Tribal Nations, the climate-smart food systems initiative will distribute this investment through multiple programs through September 2029.