CERTs Seed Grants

20 YEARS OF COMMUNITY-LED IMPACT

Since 2006, CERTs has helped turn local ideas into visible clean energy projects across Minnesota with seed grants. We’ve awarded over $2.36M to over 560 projects.

We call these seed grants because they are small amounts of money meant to help get a project started and inspire others to support the project. Projects receive $5,000-10,000 to spend on labor expenses.

The 52 projects awarded seed grants in 2026 serve a wide array of community-led energy efficiency and renewable energy ideas, with many focused on helping neighbors to be more energy efficient. From small towns to urban neighborhoods, each project is led by the people it will impact. Together, these projects show what is possible when communities lead the way.

Meet the 2026 CERTs Seed Grant recipients

“Our role is to meet communities where they are. Every place is different, so the support we provide looks different, too.”

— Maggie Kozak, CERTs Seed Grants Manager

Project Objectives

The main goals of this funding are to:

Support community-based clean energy projects in each Minnesota CERT region. Clean energy projects can include energy efficiency and conservation, renewable energy, electric vehicle-related projects, and energy storage.
Encourage projects that are highly visible in the community and can be an example for other communities.
We are especially looking for projects that:
- Help people learn about clean energy.
- Build community by engaging a variety of community partners.
- Remove barriers, making clean energy more accessible for everyone.

Financial and programmatic support comes from the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Division of Energy Resources, the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program, the Carolyn Foundation, and the Morgan Family Foundation. Each of the seven geographic regions of Minnesota has its own pool of funding and the projects are selected by local residents who make up the region's steering committee.

Impact Across Minnesota

Communities across Minnesota are planting CERTs Seed Grant projects that improve comfort, lower energy costs, build knowledge, and strengthen resilience. The ideas come from local organizations, Tribal nations, cities, schools, faith communities, and neighborhood groups who understand their own challenges and how to approach solutions.

seed grants over the years