Formula Grant 2301MNILST

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living (ACL) awarded a $1,414,778 multi-year Formula Grant under the Centers for Independent Living (CFDA #93.432) program to the State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. This funding supports a statewide network of non-profit Centers for Independent Living that deliver core services such as peer support, skills training, advocacy, information and referral, and transition assistance to empower individuals with disabilities to live independently.

The grant provides annual funding installments to the State to distribute sub-awards to qualifying Centers for Independent Living across Minnesota that meet federal standards and assurances outlined in the Rehabilitation Act. The sub-awardees, including Access North, Smiles, Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, Freedom Resource Center, Rural Enterprise for Acceptable Living, and Options Interstate Resource Center, use the funding to cover general operating expenses and deliver direct services to individuals with disabilities, such as distributing COVID-19 supplies, providing care packages and personal care, and enabling virtual service delivery through the purchase of necessary equipment.