Grants

Microgrants from the NE-MN EcoFaith Network

The EcoFaith Network makes microgrants of $100-$1000 available to congregations in the NE-MN Synod to assist with creation care projects at their church or supported in their community. The goal for these grants is to inspire and support members of the body of Christ in northeastern Minnesota as active participants in loving, tending, and healing the earth creation to which we belong.

Projects can be funded in a number of areas, including education, community gardening, community engagement, art and the environment, youth ministry, and participation in regional conferences, along with larger conservation projects such as lighting retrofits, solar panel installation, and other energy and/or water conservation projects. Projects are reviewed and awarded by the Network's Leadership Team.

If your congregation is awarded a microgrant, one or two members of the EcoFaith Network will offer support and encouragement, and invite you to share your experience as a way of inspiring other communities of faith.

Please find grant application materials below. Reach out with questions and send completed applications to ecofaith@nemnsynod.org.

Micro-Grant Application Form

Other Funding and Technical Resources

Energy

CERT (Clean Energy Resource Teams) - Funding opportunities arise once every 2 years and are typically seed funding opportunities in the amount of $5,000 or less. CERTs can help identify resources to successfully implement and complete clean energy projects, and has many resources listed on their website, including model ordinances for solar and wind energy.
Your local electric utility - Each Minnesota utility s required by state statute to have a Conservation Improvement Program (CIP). Connect with you local utility to see if they have any rebates for energy efficiency or renewable energy.
MN RETAP (Retiree Environmental Technical Assistance Program) - a program operated through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that works to help cities, counties, and others reduce their carbon footprints by conducting energy audits and reducing energy consumption. More resources can be found here.
USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) - with countless program offerings, one of perhaps the most relevant to energy & Environment work is the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). USDA's Landscape Planning efforts offer a watershed and flood prevention program that works with local government on watershed projects. USDA also offers energy efficiency and renewable energy grants and loans from the Rurual Energy for America Program (REAP).
Solar United Neighbors - bulk solar buys

Water & Forestry

MN DNR - wildlife management areas, aquatic invasive species, forestry management, and many other services.
MDH (MN Department of Health) - drinking water quality and testing.
One Watershed One Plan (1W1P) - Minnesota does watershed-based planning and project implementation and have funds to implement projects that improve water quality. Check to see if your watershed is participating with the link or contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District.
Your local Soil and Water Conservation District - annual tree planting and area specific initiatives.

General

UMN RSDP (University of Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Program) - There are five regional sustainable partnerships connecting Greater MN communities to the U of MN in order to support local sustainability projects.
Minnesota Green Corps - a program operated through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that addresses critical environmental issues and provides green job skills to service members who serve for 11 months with local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions.
GreenStep Cities - a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency program that helps cities become more sustainable through peer connections, funding and technical assistance.
MPCA (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency) - funding opportunities are fluid, so check the website for the latest opportunities.