3._Native_led_final_workplan.docx

This is a project workplan document for a Native-led organization receiving funding from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) under the Tribal Food Sovereignty initiative. The workplan outlines a comprehensive project designed to improve food security, strengthen food sovereignty, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions within low-income and disadvantaged communities. The primary deliverables include installing solar panels on a greenhouse and establishing farm-fresh pick-up operations from local farms. Task 1 involves purchasing and installing two solar panels on the organization's greenhouse, with material procurement scheduled for February 2027 and installation in July 2027, managed by the Environmental Director and Solar Installers, Inc. Task 2 focuses on establishing farm-fresh pick-up logistics, beginning with a pre-season meeting with local producers in February 2027 to determine production plans, followed by the development of a pick-up schedule in February 2027, and the commencement of monthly pick-ups beginning in May 2027. The project reporting requirements include semi-annual reports due to the MPCA on February 1 and August 1 throughout the grant period, with reports covering January 1 to June 30 and July 1 to December 31 reporting periods respectively.

The workplan specifies that a final grant project report must be submitted using the MPCA template by May to June 30, 2029, or upon project completion, whichever occurs first, with the organization required to respond promptly to any requests from the MPCA authorized representative for additional information or report corrections. The funding supports Native-led organizations defined as having at least two of three criteria: a service population of Native Americans, a Native American Executive Director, or a majority Native American board. Eligible projects must demonstrate documented, significant decision-making capacity and management by Native American members and leaders while serving Native American populations. The initiative aligns with the Minnesota Climate Action Framework and prioritizes projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while advancing tribal food sovereignty and economic prosperity in low-income and disadvantaged communities.