The Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution funds community dispute resolution programs, which provide free and low-cost mediation to Minnesotans. During mediation, a neutral third party assists people in a conflict to have difficult conversations and find solutions that help them move forward. Mediation can be an alternative to resolving disputes through the courts.
Some community dispute resolution programs (CDRPs) are certified by the Minnesota Supreme Court for abiding by Minnesota Statute 494 and its operational guidelines. There are six community dispute resolution programs (CDRPs) in Minnesota that meet these requirements. These programs also provide training and skill-building opportunities, restorative practices, and facilitated dialogues. Learn more about community dispute resolution services .
Minnesota’s CDRPs serve between 5,000 and 10,000 Minnesotans in community, court, and school settings per year. In 2021, CDRPs served residents in 77 of Minnesota’s 87 counties. Between 2020 and 2021, the number of mediations performed doubled and is expected to grow. CDRPs have a strong track record of resolving disputes, such as those involving property owners and tenants and between divorcing or never-married parents.
The Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution (OCDR) administers a biennial grant program to support CDRPs. Any qualified nonprofit organization that meets Minnesota Statute 494 and is certified by the Minnesota Supreme Court is eligible for the grant. This grant program is jointly administered with the Minnesota Judicial Branch, which provides $100,000 in grant funding while OCDR provides $160,000, for a total of $260,000 per year or $520,000 per biennium.
The FY26-27 CDRP Grant Application closes on April 4, 2025. If you are a community mediation center interested in learning more about the grant program, find more information about the certification process.
If you are interested in being considered for membership on the CDRP Grant Review Committee for the next grant cycle, contact us!
Click on one of the links below to learn about or connect with one of the seven 494-certified CDRPs or learn about the CDRP’s association, Community Mediation Minnesota.
