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Air Ventilation Pilot Grants

    Air Ventilation Pilot Grants

    Current information (06/02/2025): The Minnesota Air Ventilation Pilot Grant Program (HVAC Program) is designed to improve the health and safety of school communities, improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing HVAC system conditions. The HVAC Program was created by the state legislature in Minn. Stats. §§ 123B.662 and 123B.663.

    Notice of Request for Proposalsfunding icon 01

    The Minnesota Department of Commerce seeks proposals from eligible schools throughout Minnesota for the HVAC Pilot Grant Program. This opportunity is available through December 31, 2025, or until all funding is committed whichever comes first. Applications will be reviewed, scored, and funded on a continuous basis, first come first served. Detailed information is available for download on the Department’s website (https://mn.gov/commerce/business/rfp.jsp).

    Here are important items Minnesotans should know about the Air Ventilation Pilot Grant Program: 

    • A core principle of the HVAC Program is to alleviate financial and energy burdens of schools, and prioritize schools based on federal Title I funding.
    • $1,000,000 was appropriated by the state legislature to the HVAC Program, as a one-time appropriation to the Department, with $750,000 remaining.
    • Grants may be used to reimburse a qualified entity for up to 50 percent of its total project cost but may not exceed $50,000 per school.
    • A public-school board may apply on behalf of multiple schools within a district and thus be eligible for more than $50,000 in grant funds, though it must rank schools in order of priority.
    • Eligible costs include those incurred for the following activities:
      • Assessment Report
      • HVAC Verification Report
      • Engineering Report
      • Testing, Adjustments, and Balancing:
      • Health, Safety, and Efficiency Improvements
      • HVAC Upgrades
      • Greenhouse Gas Reduction Measures
      • Other Projects

    An Assessment Report, Engineering Report and HVAC Verification Report are required elements for participating in the HVAC Program. The Assessment Report requirement can be met by Applicants if it can demonstrate an Assessment Report has previously been prepared in accordance with HVAC Program standards.

    Please note that while these funds are limited, an eligible entity may also utilize funds awarded from federal programs towards total project cost in addition to the grant available under this HVAC Program.

    Additional information about this program can be found in Minnesota State Statute 123B.663. 

    ​If you have questions, contact the Commerce Energy Information Center (energy.info@state.mn.us, 651-539-1886 or 800-657-3710) and mention that you are inquiring about the HVAC grant program.

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