Grants Overview

The application submission windows for the CanRenew community restoration grant, CanGrow farmer training grant, and CanGrow farmer loan grant are now closed. For more information, visit the CanRenew Community Restoration Grant webpage and the CanGrow Grant webpage.

Both grant programs will be available statewide. Eligible projects can be implemented in any part of Minnesota, as long as projects meet program criteria.

Grant amounts will vary depending on the specific program. Please refer to the CanRenew and CanGrow program guidelines for detailed funding information.

We won’t know specific number of grants awarded until applications have been submitted and evaluated. In terms of program dollar amounts, the CanRenew program has $1 million in available funding, and the CanGrow program has $2 million. Administrative costs are capped at 3%, with the remaining funds available to be awarded as grants.

Immigration status is not requested as part of the application process.

Out-of-state applicants can apply as long as their investments are made in Minnesota. Both nonprofit and for-profit organizations can apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. 

Proposals are actively encouraged from organizations that can make an investment in Minnesota communities where long-term residents are eligible to be social equity applicants as defined by Minnesota Statutes, section 342.17.

Grants are awarded to organizations, not to individual applicants. However, organizations that serve individuals impacted by the criminal justice system are eligible to apply.

The grants are awarded to organizations, not individuals. However, the programs are designed to support investments in communities with long-term residents who are eligible social equity applicants.

Organizations can apply for these grants; individuals benefit from them. 

Organizations eligible for CanRenew and CanGrow grants include: 

• Nonprofit organizations
• Federally recognized Tribes
• Educational institutions 
• Private businesses 
• Community groups 
• Units of local government 
• Partnerships between different organization types

The disability community can benefit from both programs. CanRenew can support investments in communities with social equity eligible residents, and these communities and the needs addressed in the grants can support people with disabilities. CanGrow offers technical assistance and loan support specifically for Minnesota farmers and this can include farmers who are disabled.

For the CanRenew program, funds must be used in eligible Minnesota communities identified as social equity areas. For CanGrow, priority is given to organizations that work in these eligible communities; however, residency in the area is not required. Additionally, priority consideration is extended to farmers who may reside in social equity areas but operate their business in another location. This information is collected and assessed by the grantees, as they are responsible for screening farmers for lending opportunities.

CanGrow Revolving Loan Grants can be used to support businesses owned by farmers entering the legal cannabis industry. Private businesses may apply for CanRenew funding for community investment projects in social equity areas. They may also apply for CanGrow Technical Assistance Grants as long as the businesses are providing technical assistance to farmers.

Funds will be disbursed according to the project timeline and budget outlined in the grant agreement. The grants are processed on a reimbursement basis: upfront funding is not provided. Funds will be disbursed once all documentation is received and follow state processes. Applicants can expect a schedule upon approval, which will assist in planning cash flow. Grants will need to begin operating within 90 days of award notice.