Community Mediation Grants

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How does OCDR support mediation services in the community?

The Office of Collaboration and Dispute Resolution has a broad mandate to support free and low-cost mediation to Minnesotans across the state. 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.

Community dispute resolution programs (CDRPs)

Some community mediation programs are certified by the Minnesota Supreme Court for abiding by Minnesota Statute 494 and its operational guidelines to become designated CDRPs. There are six CDRPs in Minnesota that meet these requirements. These programs provide mediation services as well as training and skill-building, restorative practices services, and facilitated dialogues. Learn more about community dispute resolution services. OCDR's grant program funds those organizations that have applied to the Court and become certified CDRPs.

CDRP impact

Minnesota’s CDRPs serve approximately 5,000 Minnesotans in community, court, and school settings per year. CDRPs routinely serve people living in over half of Minnesota's 87 counties. Some common disputes that CDRPs address include those involving property owners and tenants, agreements between divorcing or never-married parents, and neighbor disputes.

CDRP grants

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 closed 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 on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website. 

If you are interested in being considered for membership on the CDRP Grant Review Committee for the next grant cycle, contact us!

Connect with a CDRP

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.