MPCA Greater Minnesota WRRRC

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is requesting proposals for Greater Minnesota Waste Reduction, Reuse, Recycling and Composting Grants for State Fiscal Year 2027, with applications due October 13, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Approximately $1 million in total funding is available, divided equally between Traditional Recycling Projects ($500,000) and All Other Projects including Waste Reduction, Reuse, and Composting ($500,000). The minimum grant award is $10,000 and the maximum is $250,000 per project.

Eligible applicants are political subdivisions, federally recognized tribes, and cities with populations under 45,000 in Greater Minnesota (outside the Twin Cities seven-county Metropolitan Area). Applicants that have not received funding through this grant program in the past three years will receive additional evaluation points. Projects benefiting underserved communities and environmental justice areas—defined as census tracts meeting criteria including 40 percent or more people of color, 35 percent or more households at or below 200 percent of federal poverty level, 40 percent or more population with limited English proficiency, or location within Indian Country—will be rated higher.

The grant period runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, with all projects required to be completed by June 30, 2029; no extensions are available. Applicants must provide local direct and indirect cash or in-kind match of at least 25 percent of the grant award. Eligible costs include project research, development, implementation, staffing, and contractors. Ineligible costs include general operating expenses, equipment purchase (with limited exceptions), real property purchase, permits, lobbying, and attorney fees. Grantees must comply with prevailing wage rules, non-discrimination requirements, and affirmative action requirements. Grants of $50,000 or higher will receive at least one monitoring visit with financial reconciliation during the grant period.

An informational webinar is scheduled for September 17, 2026, from 9–10 a.m. Central Time. Questions must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Central Time on October 6, 2026. Applicants must submit responses electronically through the SWIFT Supplier Portal and include a completed application form, Excel budget spreadsheet, capacity responses, certifications of non-suspension/debarment status, and felony conviction certifications. The MPCA anticipates notifying applicants of award status by early 2027, with grant awards contingent on reaching an MPCA-approved project workplan and budget within 60 calendar days of the award offer. Grant payments will be made on a reimbursement basis with 10 percent withheld until the final report is approved. Contact: Nicole Pedro, nicole.pedro@state.mn.us.