MPCA-Native-led organizations Tribal Food

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is requesting proposals from Native-led organizations for tribal food sovereignty projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with applications due August 4, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. This is a set-aside requiring applicants to meet at least two of three criteria: service population comprises Native American community members, the Executive Director is Native American, or a majority of board members (51% or more) are Native American. Organizations must demonstrate documented, significant decision-making capacity and management by Native American members and leaders and work with Native American populations off reservation lands.

Projects must strengthen tribal food sovereignty—defined as communities' right to define, control, and sustain food systems rooted in cultural traditions, land relationships, and self-determined governance—while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving food security and economic opportunity in Low-Income and Disadvantaged Communities. Eligible project activities include installation of greenhouses or high tunnels, conversion of gas or diesel food-related equipment to electric or sustainable fuel sources, edible food plantings, local food foraging expansion, energy-efficient retrofitting of food infrastructure, and composting or food waste prevention infrastructure. Projects must align with the Minnesota Climate Action Framework.

The MPCA expects to award approximately $4 million in total grant funds, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 per project. No matching funds are required. Projects must begin November 1, 2026 and be completed no later than April 1, 2029, with no extensions permitted. Grant funding is provided as cost reimbursement through EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CFDA 66.046), with the final 10 percent of funds retained until project completion and satisfactory delivery of all deliverables. Questions are due July 21, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. CT via email to grants.pca@state.mn.us. Applicants will be notified of selection status approximately 60 days after application submission. Submissions must be made through the SWIFT Supplier Portal as a complete application with workplan and budget in the specified formats.