Energy & Community Resiliency Grants

Energy & Community Resiliency Grants is a grant from Initiative Foundation (Minnesota) that funds energy efficiency upgrades, clean energy adoption, and resiliency planning for communities in Central Minnesota. Eligible applicants include local units of government and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

Grants are awarded up to $15,000, with most awards supporting projects such as lift station improvements, heat pump installations, and community energy audits. An end-of-year report is due one year after receiving funds. The foundation accepts applications on a rolling cycle, with specific deadline dates published seasonally.

Energy & Community Resiliency Grants — Initiative Foundation Community & Workforce Development Become a Community Builders Circle Member Become a Community Builders Circle Member Community & Workforce Development Energy & Community Resiliency Grants The Initiative Foundation Energy & Community Resiliency grants can be used for energy efficiency upgrades, clean energy adoption and resiliency planning.

View the grant guidelines to learn more. This grant opportunity is open to: Local units of government Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status The maximum grant amount for these grants is $15,000. This grant will close at 4 p.

m. on Monday, April 13.

Organizations Notified on Status: typically within three weeks of the application deadline End-of-year Report Due: One year after receiving funds Read the Full Grant Guidelines Seven Receive Energy Efficiency, Resiliency Planning Grants The Initiative Foundation awarded its first-ever round of energy efficiency and community resiliency planning grants, totaling $97,000, to seven community-focused projects across Central Minnesota in the fall of 2025.

City of Sartell: Sartell will use its grant to address inflow and infiltration at one of its lift stations, which puts stress on the wastewater system during heavy rainfall and high groundwater levels. The project will identify problem areas and implement cost-effective solutions to enhance efficiency. These upgrades are expected to minimize sewer backups, lower costs and boost resilience against extreme weather.

($15,000, Stearns County) Hackensack Game Changers: The Resilient Housing Team will utilize its grant to conduct energy audits and weatherization upgrades for 76 homes across Hackensack, with a focus on low-income and older residents. Building on a recent Minnesota Housing grant, this funding will support inspections and assessments to improve energy efficiency, lower utility bills and help households withstand harsh winters.

The effort will make homes safer, healthier and more affordable while strengthening financial stability for residents. ($10,000, Cass County) Lakes and Pines Community Action Council: Lakes and Pines will install a solar array at its Kanabec County office to cut energy costs and promote clean energy in rural, high-poverty areas.

The project includes engineering, permitting and outreach, and builds upon a feasibility study with the Clean Energy Resource Teams. By lowering expenses, the organization can reinvest savings into community services while serving as a model for renewable energy adoption in Central Minnesota.

($15,000, Kanabec County) Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes: The organization will insulate its warehouse and pack room to improve energy efficiency and working conditions. The project includes work to address past water damage and the replacement of failing doors, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs.

These upgrades build on recent efficiency improvements and will better support the organization’s mission to package up to 700,000 meals annually, strengthen community resilience and prepare the facility for potential use as a disaster shelter.

($12,500, Crow Wing County) Pine River Group Home: The organization will upgrade the HVAC system in its oldest building to a high-efficiency heat pump, reducing energy costs and strengthening disaster preparedness. Serving 41 residents and employing 60 local staff, the project will improve financial stability, support environmental responsibility and enhance resilience during a time of reduced Medicaid funding.

($15,000, Cass County) Region Five Development Commission: The organization will use its grant to support its 2025–2026 Climate Action project, which focuses on expanding electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and clean energy planning in Central Minnesota. Work will include assessing current EV resources, engaging stakeholders and addressing barriers to adoption.

The project will produce a regional plan to guide future EV development, serve as a model for other areas, and launch community education on clean heat transitions to boost efficiency and resilience. ($15,000, Todd County) Seven County Senior Federation: The organization will use its grant to conduct feasibility studies for roof and insulation upgrades at its Isle thrift store and Mora office.

Both aging buildings face high energy costs and uncomfortable conditions due to poor insulation and deteriorating roofs. The project will explore solar-ready solutions to reduce utility expenses, enhance resilience and ensure the long-term sustainability of these community-serving facilities. ($14,500, Kanabec County) Staff support typically is available from 7:30 a.

m. to 4:30 p. m.

Monday through Thursday and from 7:30 a. m. to 2 p.

m. Friday. Initiative Foundation staff members respect that there are varying levels of experience in completing applications and encourage open communication with applicants needing additional assistance.

Send an email to [email protected] with questions. Clean Energy & Community Resiliency Program Officer Grantmaking Administrator We invest in the people and places of Central Minnesota to build thriving economies, vibrant communities and a shared culture of generosity. Equal Opportunity Employer The Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity employer, lender, and provider.

In accordance with federal laws and U.S. Department of the Treasury policy, this organization is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to: U.S. Department of the Treasury, Director, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave. N.

W. , Washington, DC 20220; call (202) 622-1160; or send an e-mail to [email protected] . IQ Magazine is a source of insight and intelligence for busy readers and leaders.

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