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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has opened a substantial funding opportunity aimed at expanding organics management infrastructure across the state. Through its Climate Smart Food Systems (CSFS): Statewide Organics Management Infrastructure Grant, the agency is making approximately $10 million available for projects that will build or enhance capacity to process source-separated organic materials, with a specific focus on wasted food and food scraps.
This grant, part of Minnesota’s broader CSFS initiative, seeks to reduce the amount of organic material that ends up in landfills or incineration and instead support composting and other beneficial uses. Eligible projects can include new composting infrastructure, expansion of existing facilities, and investments in equipment, transfer stations, collection vehicles, and other essential processing gear necessary for handling food scraps and other organics.
Grant Details
Applications are accepted until April 15, 2026, giving prospective applicants time to prepare proposals that align with the state’s goals for climate mitigation and circular materials management.
Importantly, the grant encourages multi-organizational collaboration. Nonprofits, for profits, educational institutions, local governments, tribal entities, and state agencies with operations in Minnesota are all eligible to apply. A required 20% match allows applicants to amplify the impact of state dollars while demonstrating financial commitment to long-term infrastructure success.
Funding is structured into two tiers: larger projects can request between $500,000 and $2 million, while smaller projects may request between $100,000 and $499,999. This tiered approach accommodates both major facility expansions and more targeted equipment or site improvements that support organics management capacity.
MPCA notes that its employees cannot answer questions about this grant opportunity, and direct contact regarding this RFP with any MPCA personnel may result in disqualification. Questions about the grant should be submitted to grants.pca@state.mn.us with the subject line “MCSFS Statewide Organics Management Infrastructure Grants” no later than 4 p.m. on April 8.
How To Apply
To apply for the CSFS Statewide Organics Management Infrastructure Grant, applicants must use the MPCA’s online SWIFT portal. The RFP and application materials are accessed as an “Event” within SWIFT. Further instructions can be found here.
A competitive application should include:
- A clear project scope describing infrastructure, equipment, or facility improvements
- A detailed budget showing the required 20% match
- A realistic project timeline
- Documentation such as site control, permits if applicable, and partner or feedstock agreements
- Quantified expected tonnage increases and emissions reductions and demonstrate that feedstock supply and end markets are secured
This grant aligns state climate priorities with practical infrastructure needs, enabling facilities to capture more organics, reduce landfill dependency, and contribute toward broader food waste reduction goals. With state and federal emphasis on climate and waste mitigation growing, securing funding through programs like this could be a pivotal step toward sustainable organics processing growth in the Upper Midwest and beyond. State dollars at this scale can help move projects from concept to construction, strengthen balance sheets, and unlock additional private financing that might otherwise be out of reach.
