From Ramsey County to Redwood County, Mahnomen to Mankato, this round of community-led projects serves a wide array of clean energy ideas, with many focused on helping neighbors to be more energy efficient.
“CERTs Seed Grants have always provided a way to move ideas forward. We’re excited to keep the clean energy momentum going across Minnesota, especially for residents who need it the most.”
CERTs Seed Grants strive to support underserved communities, including households with high energy burdens, where more than 5% of their income is spent on energy costs (compared to 2% for the average Minnesota household). One project in St. Louis County is reducing energy burden while improving health and comfort for elderly residents. In St. James, another project is conducting furnace inspections and tune-ups to increase energy efficiency within households.
“It’s inspiring to see the creative ideas behind these clean energy projects. Communities know what they need to address the issues they face. While the results include saving energy and money, they often also provide comfort and safety for our neighbors and their families.”
This map shows approximate locations of the 2026 CERTs Seed Grant awards — community-driven projects that help people see clean energy working in their own communities and provide opportunities to tangibly learn about and experience the benefits of clean energy. Click on the symbols within the map to learn more about the projects.
Financial and programmatic support comes from the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Division of Energy Resources and the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program, with $214,000 allocated for 2026 CERTs Seed Grants. The Morgan Family Foundation continues its support with an additional $63,000. The Carolyn Foundation joins these funders with a contribution of $105,000.
$54,500 is allocated to each region of Minnesota, and projects are selected by local residents who are members of their regional Clean Energy Resource Team Steering Committee.
“These CERTs Seed Grants demonstrate how community-driven ideas play a vital role in Minnesota’s clean energy transition. By supporting locally led projects — especially in communities facing higher energy burdens — we’re helping Minnesotans save energy, reduce costs, and build a cleaner, more equitable, and resilient energy future across the state.”
CERTs Seed Grants encourage projects that help people see clean energy working in their own communities. With over $2.36 million awarded to 561 projects since 2006, the newly funded 2026 projects will provide more opportunities for Minnesotans to learn about and experience the benefits of clean energy.
The number of applications submitted in this round marked another high point in seed grant history thanks to staff and steering committee outreach, on-going relationship building, and tremendous community interest in clean energy. Thank you to everyone who applied. We are inspired by your clean energy ideas and your initiative to move them forward.
Detroit Lakes, MN — Updating the facility’s lighting to more energy efficient lighting will reduce energy costs and increase sustainability. The project will also educate youth about energy efficiency, the importance of fresh and locally grown and sourced foods, as well as offer the experience of growing their own food.
St. Cloud, MN — This project will continue to increase clean energy awareness and education while also removing barriers to acquiring residential energy assessments among East African community members in the St. Cloud area.
Verndale, MN — The project will empower underserved youth to become energy leaders through expanding their knowledge, sparking interest in clean energy careers, and making tangible impacts on energy savings in energy-burdened communities. By combining clean energy education with peer-to-peer leadership, this project will reduce household energy burdens, introduce youth to clean energy career pathways, and create a replicable model that other schools can adopt.
New York Mills, MN — The project is the first phase of a larger campaign to preserve and grow both the historic 1885 building and impact in the region. This project will support clean energy educational displays, community outreach, community art and engagement, and project management as the deteriorating front façade windows and doors are replaced with custom-designed, energy-efficient Low E2 Energy Star units.
Otter Tail County, MN — Building on the recent launch of the Mobile Resilience Hub, Onyx Collective will deepen its commitment to Black rural flourishing by integrating clean energy infrastructure into its culturally-specific rural placemaking model. By honoring community input, the project will identify pathways to increase resilience through economic savings, environmental stewardship, and cooperative ownership of clean energy solutions.
Nisswa, MN — This project will help insulate an old warehouse, making it more comfortable and less costly to heat and cool. The money saved from energy bills can be used to pack more meals for people in need within the community.
St. Cloud, MN — The project will support community members from energy-burdened households with information and strategies to reduce energy burden and improve air quality at home and in their circle of influence.
Central Region MN — This project will work in the region to advance environmental health and the clean energy transition by coordinating Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant proposals with community-based organizations.
Minneapolis, MN — This project will support the development of community leaders who will convene a community-based resilience hub planning process at Masjid An-Nur. With lessons learned from their participation in a Community of Practice with other Minnesota faith-based communities, the leaders will hold educational and visioning events for community engagement and input.
Metro Region MN — Asian Media Access aims to increase energy literacy and promote sustainable energy practices among Asian American community members with limited English proficiency in North Minneapolis and Saint Paul's Frogtown and Rondo neighborhoods through culturally-responsive outreach and education.
Saint Paul, MN — In partnership with the Urban Farm Garden and Alliance, this project will hire a trainer to conduct community curriculum development, project/event promotions, evaluation and storytelling activities, and develop training materials for residents in the uses and advantages of electric lawncare and gardening tools (mowers, hedge trimmers, tillers, pruning shears, edgers, etc.).
Metro Region MN — The storytelling project will put community voices at the center of the clean energy transition by recruiting and compensating community leaders from energy-burdened neighborhoods to share the lived impacts of high energy costs and the potential benefits of affordability programs, weatherization, and electrification. Stories will be developed into multimedia pieces, a traveling pop-up exhibit, and a digital hub, ensuring visibility across the Metro region.
Metro Region and St. Cloud, MN — Through inclusive energy workshops, this project will support community members from energy-burdened households with information and strategies to reduce energy burden, improve air quality at home, and become clean energy leaders in their circles of influence. This project will also define goals for the St. Cloud Black Community Energy Council.
Metro Region MN — This project will produce a bilingual, community-based clean energy education initiative focused on culturally-relevant cooking workshops where families can practice energy efficiency in the kitchen; an online campaign across 11 cities with accessible energy-saving tips; and staff training around engaging in clean energy conversations.
Metro Region MN — This project will work in the region to advance environmental health and the clean energy transition by coordinating Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant proposals with community-based organizations.
Buhl, MN — This lighting upgrade in the City of Buhl Community Center will reduce the city’s energy use in a facility that is home to the Buhl Curling Club, as well as a host site for wedding receptions, graduation parties, and many other community events.
St. Louis County, MN — This project aims to reduce energy burdens experienced by low-income households ages 65+ while improving health and comfort, by supporting Eco3’s Energy Training Corps (generally 18-25 year olds) with the knowledge, skills, and targeted outreach to meet the needs of the elder community.
Duluth, MN — The funding will support the labor costs to install a solar storage battery that will provide consistent power for the surrounding community in the event of an outage.
Grand Portage, MN — This project will conduct energy efficiency audits of key Tribal buildings to identify opportunities for LED lighting retrofits, appliance upgrades, and other cost-effective efficiency measures.
Duluth, MN — Second Harvest Northland will implement two highly visible energy efficiency improvements at its new Duluth facility: upgrading fluorescent lighting to high-efficiency LEDs in the Volunteer Center, and applying solar-control window tinting to the two-story glass entryway. Together, these projects will reduce energy consumption, cut operating costs, and improve volunteer and staff comfort.
Tower and Soudan, MN — In coordination with the rehabilitation of this 50 year old apartment building, this project will provide resources to educate low to moderate income tenants about ways to improve their personal energy conservation practices. The goal is to provide real time resources to existing and new tenants about clean energy, energy efficiency, and conservation.
Duluth, MN — This early 1900s triplex will undergo an energy audit and weatherization upgrades to improve its energy efficiency, including weather stripping, insulation, door sweeps, and door/window replacements.
Bemidji, MN — This project will help with the renovation of the Neilson Reise Arena into a multi-purpose fieldhouse, with a youth-forward focus. LED lighting upgrades and added insulation will make it more energy efficient and cost effective to operate.
Crookston, MN — The goal of this project is to replace broken, outdated windows with new energy-efficient models that support the overall energy performance of the building and complements recent upgrades that have been made, including the installation of a high-efficiency boiler.
Halstad, MN — The project will increase energy efficiency in multiple apartments that the city owns and operates by replacing old air conditioners with high efficiency mini splits for cooling and heating needs.
Mahnomen, MN — Prairie View Townhomes is a community-driven 24-unit multi-family development that will reduce energy costs for underserved populations through energy efficiency and conservation, as well as environmental best practices. The development will take place within the White Earth Reservation boundaries, and the seed grant will help support activities in meeting the Minnesota Green Communities Criteria and achieving ENERGY STAR New Homes Certification.
Red Lake, MN — This project aims to increase the number of school districts across Minnesota that make the transition to electric school buses through relationship-building, education, and outreach. MN350 will work alongside stakeholders to make the decision-making process more approachable by answering common questions, providing useful information, and pointing decision-makers to the resources and experts that can further support them.
Northwest Region MN — This project will provide energy audits in Beltrami, Clearwater, Mahnomen, Norman, Polk, Cass, Itasca, and Hubbard counties, in partnership with local utilities. The audits may consist of blower door tests, HVAC inspections, and utility bill analysis, that will help identify achievable improvements and connect residents with resources.
Northwest Region MN — This project will work in the region to advance environmental health and the clean energy transition by coordinating Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant proposals with community-based organizations.
Rochester, MN — The Minnesota Cargo Bike Library of Rochester aims to establish a free e-cargo bike lending program to increase access to everyday, sustainable transportation, and to support the City of Rochester’s transportation decarbonization goals. Through local partnerships the program's outreach will ensure families, low-income households, and immigrant communities understand how to participate in all the library's offerings.
Faribault, MN — The Housing & Redevelopment Authority will create a series of short videos focused on energy efficiency and energy conservation related practices to help residents reduce energy and water consumption, lower energy costs, and ensure safe, well-maintained housing.
Rochester, MN — The community-driven program will reduce health risks and energy burdens while building workforce capacity in Rochester. Trained as Healthy Homes & Energy Navigators, community members will provide at-home consultations, distribute Healthy Homes/Energy Kits, and connect residents to programs that improve indoor air quality, lower utility bills, and enhance housing safety.
Rochester and Austin, MN — Building on past successes, this project will expand partnerships, create multilingual educational materials, and embed clean energy education into trusted community spaces, in order to make clean energy resources accessible, relatable, and relevant — empowering African immigrants to reduce energy costs and adopt sustainable practices that strengthen community resilience.
Southeast Region MN — This project will work in the region to advance environmental health and the clean energy transition by coordinating Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant proposals with community-based organizations.
Mankato, MN — This project mobilizes student members to conduct door-to-door outreach in underserved communities, distributing conservation kits, sharing energy-saving resources, and connecting residents with local utility programs.
Rice County, MN — This program involves community volunteers as well as paid contractors to make homes more efficient, reduce energy burden for low-income households, and provide healthier, more sustainable living environments for mobile home residents.
Vesta, MN — The city is committed to reducing energy costs and improving sustainability by addressing one of their facility's ongoing challenges: lighting inefficiency. The city will retrofit all 111 existing lights in the community center and fitness center, including installing ceiling-mounted motion sensor light switches, which will automatically turn lights off when spaces are unoccupied.
St. James, MN — This project will schedule and pay for furnace inspections and tune-ups for at least 50 homes in the St. James area, to improve the safety and energy efficiency of residential home heating.
Comfrey, MN — This LED lighting upgrade at the Comfrey Public Library and the Daycare Center will improve lighting quality, reduce maintenance costs, and cut carbon emissions. The effort includes embedded outreach and student-led education to create a replicable framework that can inspire similar initiatives in neighboring towns and school districts.
Jackson, MN — This project will upgrade the building’s windows with energy-efficient, durable windows to enhance safety and promote long-term sustainability for the Learning Center.
Morton, MN — This project aims to secure energy infrastructure, leverage incentives for development, and coordinate Tribal ownership of power generation. These efforts will help keep money in the community, lower energy costs, create jobs, and unlock opportunities for economic development.
Redwood County, MN — This project will create a database of built project case studies and resources for Minnesota around Strawbale, Hemp-Lime, and potentially other biogenic materials construction methodologies, so that those who wish to use the systems can do so safely and based on data specific to how they perform in Minnesota climate zones.
Southwest Region MN — This project will work in the region to advance environmental health and the clean energy transition by coordinating Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant proposals with community-based organizations.
Luverne, MN — This project aims to upgrade outdated lighting in and around key fairground buildings to improve energy efficiency, safety, and overall appearance. By replacing older, inefficient fixtures with modern, cost-effective lighting, the Fair will reduce energy consumption and utility expenses while enhancing long-term sustainability.
St. Cloud, MN — The project will provide hands-on education and demonstrations to help households adopt energy-efficient and clean energy kitchen practices. Objectives include demonstrating the benefits of clean energy kitchen technologies (induction cooktops, efficient appliances, LED lighting), and building community connections around clean energy action through shared learning, design challenges, and hands-on activities.
Morris, MN — This project will continue the work of the past decade and help fund the Morris Model Coordinator to do more residential engagement around air source heat pumps, increase electric vehicle knowledge and infrastructure, and expand both commercial and residential solar infrastructure.
St. Cloud, MN — This project will continue to increase clean energy awareness and education while also removing barriers to acquiring residential energy assessments among East African community members in the St. Cloud area.
Madison, MN — Upgraded electrical service to the building will facilitate installation of an electrical vehicle charging station and prepare the facility to showcase solar and wind projects. This effort will benefit the community and result in energy savings for the organization, and serve as a model for other buildings, nonprofits, and communities.
Douglas County, MN — Building on the launch of the Mobile Resilience Hub, Onyx Collective will deepen its commitment to Black rural flourishing by integrating clean energy infrastructure into its culturally specific rural placemaking model. By honoring community input, the project will identify pathways to increase resilience through economic savings, environmental stewardship, and cooperative ownership of clean energy solutions.
Metro Region and St. Cloud, MN — Through inclusive energy workshops, this project will support community members from energy-burdened households with information and strategies to reduce energy burden, improve air quality at home, and become clean energy leaders in their circles of influence. This project will also define goals for the St. Cloud Black Community Energy Council.
Morris, MN — The goal of this project is to demonstrate a thermal battery by connecting it to a large campus building and run for several months, demonstrating new storage technologies in rural Minnesota.
West Central Region MN — This project will host engineering interns who will work directly with low-capacity, rural, and remote communities to provide engineering technical assistance. Interns will produce projects, detailed reports, and presentations to project partners: Institute on the Environment’s Climate Smart Municipalities program, West Central Initiative, and communities in Otter Tail, Becker, Grant, and Stevens county.
Uncover CERTs Seed Grants projects from this round and over the past 20 years.
