The MPCA seeks proposals for projects that develop or implement plans of action that enable local jurisdictions to adapt to extreme weather events and a changing climate (i.e., already becoming warmer and wetter with more damaging rains and cold weather warming; and expected to have more extreme heat and drought in the future), and/or to reduce the local jurisdiction’s contributions to the causes of climate change.
Up to approximately $2.3 million in funding is available to be awarded during FY24 for local climate action planning and implementation projects, with the potential for additional funding. The legislation stipulates that half of the amount is reserved in FY24 for applicants located outside the counties of Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota, Scott, Carver, and Washington. Grant projects must be completed no later than June 30, 2025.
Applications must be received by 4 p.m. on April 30, 2024.
Questions and answers
Submit questions about this grant to grants.pca@state.mn.us, subject line: “FY24 Local Climate Action Grants” no later than 4 p.m. CST on April 18, 2024.
Individual MPCA employees cannot answer questions about this grant opportunity, and direct contact regarding this RFP with MPCA personnel may result in disqualification.
Informational meeting
The MPCA held an informational meeting on Thursday, March 21, 2024 to answer questions about this grant opportunity.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include Minnesota political subdivisions (i.e., counties, home rule charter or statutory cities and towns, regional development commissions or any other local political subdivision; and Tribal governments as defined in Minnesota statute), organizations exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and educational institutions.
Eligible applicants must be located in or conduct the preponderance of the applicant's work in the local jurisdiction (geographic area) where the proposed grant activities take place.
Available funds
Approximately $2.3 million in funding is available to be awarded during FY24.
The maximum grant award for this RFP is $50,000. There is no minimum.
How to apply
The request for proposal (RFP) and application materials can only be viewed 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 event by name (MPCA grant - Local Climate Action Grants) or ID (2000015489).
- Click "View Bid Package" to see the RFP and forms. (There’s no need to log in to see the documents.)
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. For questions about applying through SWIFT, please contact the Vendor Assistance Help Desk at 651-201-8100, option 1.
More information
The 2023 Minnesota Legislature set aside funds for local climate action grants to help communities across Minnesota reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate change.
Examples of projects that could be funded include:
Planning projects
- A local or tribal government developing a community-wide plan for climate adaptation and resilience.
- An educational institution developing a plan to increase renewable energy use on its campus.
- A community-based organization developing a plan to reduce energy use in local housing.
Implementation projects
- Implementing a priority action from an existing climate action plan.
- Taking a Gold Leaf Challenge action to increase energy efficiency or renewable energy.
- Improving access to clean transportation options that don’t release climate pollution.
These local climate action grants will help local communities contribute towards the goals of Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework.