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.
These are 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.
- We are especially looking for projects that:
- Help people learn about clean energy.
- Build community by engaging a variety of community partners.
- Remove barriers, making clean energy more accessible for everyone.
Each 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 CERT regions of 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 public purpose. The project must be located in Minnesota or the 11 Tribal nations that share geography with Minnesota.
Applications are due at noon, Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Visit the application guidelines for details on eligibility and criteria, as well as access to the application.