CERTs Seed Grants

Accepting CERTs Seed Grant applications through October 1, 2025

CERTs awards seed grants to communities for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across Minnesota. Since 2006, we’ve awarded over $1.98M to 509 projects.

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

We're currently accepting applications for 2026 CERTs Seed Grants! Applications are due at noon, Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Review the timeline and previously funded projects below. Visit our application guidelines for details on eligibility and criteria, as well as access to the application.

Application Guidelines

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.

Each region has its own pool of funding and its own steering committee that selects projects for funding. Find your county in this map of the seven CERT regions of Minnesota.

Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, local governments, tribal nations, schools, libraries, civic associations, religious institutions, service clubs, student groups, business associations, cooperatives, food shelves, shelters, and for-profit entities if the project has a public purpose. The project must be located in Minnesota or the 11 Tribal nations that share geography with Minnesota.

If you have a project idea that might be a fit for future seed grant rounds, contact us! Email us: [email protected].

Steps to Apply

Read the Application Guidelines.
Email us your questions: [email protected]
Download the application questions [PDF] and start jotting down your ideas.
In order to avoid technical issues with the application, write your answers in another document and then copy them into the application form when you’re ready to apply.
Email us your questions: [email protected]
Double check to make sure your application is completed in full before you submit.
Fill out the application and submit by noon on October 1.
Check your inbox for emails from CERTs, and as always, email us your questions: [email protected]

Seed Grant Timeline

person standing behind a table with tools

Aug. 2025: CERTs issues the application guidelines and begins accepting applications.
Aug. - Oct. 1, 2025: CERTs staff available to assist applicants with seed grant ideas, questions and applications.
Oct. 1, 2025 at noon: Application deadline.
Oct. - Nov. 2025: Regional CERT Steering Committees review applications and meet to determine project funding.
Dec. 2025: CERTs notifies applicants of funding decisions and paperwork needed to complete the contract.
- Once the contract is complete, organizations will receive an email notifying them that they can begin work.
Jan. 2026: CERTs’ public announcement of awards.
June 1, 2026: Interim report due. Projects may submit an interim invoice for up to 50% of the full project award, if 50% of project is complete. Any project that has not begun work may have funding revoked. Funds will be redirected to other project(s) in the region.
Jan. 12, 2027: Project work must be completed. Final Invoice and Final Report are due (Final Report form will be provided by CERTs).
Upon project completion: CERTs will work with seed grant recipients to produce the project story.

Application Tips

Read the Application Guidelines completely before you fill out the application.
The application is an online form. The link to that form is in the Application Guidelines.
- In order to avoid technical issues, write your answers in another document and then copy them into the application when you’re ready to apply. Download the application questions [PDF].
- To save your progress, click the "save as draft" button at the bottom of the form. Use the link provided to return to your application.
- Once you click “submit” you will no longer be able to edit your application.
- All links within the application will open in a new tab or window.

Questions? Let’s Talk!

Do you need translation assistance? We have staff who can translate your application answers from Spanish to English. We can recommend interpretation and translation services for other languages. Email us.

Impact Across Minnesota

For 20 years, we’ve awarded over $1.98M to over 500 projects across Minnesota.

We mapped the approximate locations of the 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.

PREVIOUSLY FUNDED PROJECTS