skip to content
Primary navigation
Feature image for Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority

Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority

The Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority is a publicly accountable financing authority, commonly known in other states as a “green bank.”  More on the history of MnCIFA

We are open for business! 

MnCIFA’s vision: To ensure all Minnesotans share the individual and economic benefits of clean and renewable energy, particularly in low-income communities, environmental justice communities, and communities in which fossil fuel electric generating plants are retiring. 

MnCIFA’s investments: 

  • Reduce the economic burden of energy costs.
  • Maintain energy reliability.
  • Accelerate deployment of clean energy projects.
  • Create more local clean energy jobs.
  • Increase Minnesotans’ ownership of and contribution to the clean energy system.
  • Support the achievement of statewide greenhouse gas reduction targets.

MnCIFA’s strategic plan and investment strategy.

What is a qualified project?*

  • Requires any loan to a single entity to be $250,000 or more. 
  • Projects over $100,000 must pay prevailing wage. 
  • Reduces energy use and/or reduces greenhouse gas emissions. 
  • Increases renewable energy, energy storage, smart grid technology, microgrids, or electrification (for homes, vehicles, etc.) 
  • Reduces water uses, or protects, restores, preserves surface waters 

*These are requirements in state law. 

Applying for MnCIFA Financing: More formalized lending standard are being developed and will be approved by the Credit Committee and Board of Directors. Until then, criteria needed would include:

  • Project narrative
  • Budget with sources and uses 
  • Audited financials (2 years) 

All projects require approval by the Board of Directors. 

back to top