Support Our Troops

In 2005 the Minnesota Legislature established a special license plate to honor those who serve and have served our country and state. The Minnesota “Support Our Troops” license plates began circulating and license plate contributions of $30 annually are collected by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and distributed equally to the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Minnesota Department of Military Affairs is seeking applications to provide the following services during 2026 by non-profit organizations:

1. An organization to provide individual assistance grants directly to eligible individuals subject to the limits of M.S. §190.19. The organization providing said grants shall have no administrative costs sharing as part of this grant arrangement.

2. An organization to provide an informational radio show focused on military and veterans, highlighting specifically the Minnesota National Guard. The show would be required to provide statewide reach through traditional radio services and to distribute through podcast means. The grant could cover show supplies, administrative marketing materials, IT support assets, and limited administrative overhead.

3. An organization to provide services, primarily but not exclusively focused on long-term housing solutions, to the Minnesota National Guard or Reserve members who have an honorable discharge, a general discharge, or a currently serving member who has not received a discharge and do not qualify under the federal or state definition of a veteran. These services include housing options, case management, direct financial assistance to prevent or end crises, assistance in securing civilian jobs and providing civil legal services.

4. An organization to provide food and sundry supplies to traveling military members at the Minneapolis Saint-Paul Airport.

5. An organization to provide food to distribute to military families in coordination with the Minnesota Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Program. The organization shall not have administrative costs as part of this grant proposal.

6. An organization to provide billeting, food, and insurance to host the Minnesota National Guard service member’s children at Camp Ripley, MN.

All non-profit organizations interested should apply by completing the application packet with the required documents no later than December 1, 2025.