Education Grants
Minnesota Forward Fund for Institutions of Higher Learning
The Minnesota Forward Fund provides grants up to $5 million to Institutions of Higher Education to support the development and deployment of workforce training programs. These programs directly support the workforce needs of industries that are supported through the Minnesota Forward Fund. Educational institutions must partner with at least one business that has been approved for the Minnesota Forward Fund.
Applications are currently being accepted.
Eligibility
- Be an accredited public or private higher education institution partnering with a business benefiting from the Minnesota Forward Fund within the state
- Proposals must have a minimum of one-to-one non-state sourced matching funds. Matching funds may be cash or in-kind contributions from either the educational institution, participating business, or a combination of the two
- Use of the funding must be supported by a business or businesses that will benefit from the proposal.
- Institutions within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system shall obtain a letter of support from the system office for the proposal
Eligible proposals will:
- Develop and deploy training programs and build workforce pipelines that serve the semi-conductor industry
- Increase the capacity to serve industrial requirements for research and development for semi-conductor projects
- Grant funds may be used to construct or equip facilities that serve the purpose of industry
How to Apply
Applications for grants are accepted on a rolling basis year-round. Institutions of Higher Education apply directly to DEED and are encouraged to schedule a pre-application consultation by contacting the program administrator.
Approval is determined by the project having a clear and compelling workplan, budget, timeline, and outcomes that align with the purpose, goals, and priorities of the Minnesota Forward Fund Program.
Application
More Information
Contact Kipp Woxland, program administrator at kipp.woxland@state.mn.us, 651-259-7690.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum state contribution?
- The maximum state contribution (award) per institution is $5,000,000 and may not represent more than 50% of the total project funding. Published November 11, 2024.
If my institution has multiple principal investigators, are applications accepted by DEED from multiple departments?
Interdepartmental collaboration should occur prior to an institution submitting their single project proposal (application). Published November 11, 2024.
My institution received a grant from a federal agency, can that grant be used as a source for the required match?
Yes, although the expectation remains that a participating business partner also provides a match. Published November 11, 2024.
As a member of a consortium of employers, can an employer who has not received a federal award participate as an employer partner with an education institution if included in the signed agreement?
Yes, multiple employer partners can support a project. However, one of the participating businesses must have been awarded the Minnesota Forward Fund. Published November 11, 2024.
Can other employers provide letters of support or will only the employer who has received Minnesota Forward Fund be considered?
All letters of support are considered, as is the level of support each business is pledging. At least one of the participating businesses must have been awarded the Minnesota Forward Fund. Published November 11, 2024.
What are the reporting requirements?
- Progress reports are generally due every four months, beginning after the grant contract agreement is executed, and are clearly outlined in the agreement.
- Institutions are required to provide a written narrative addressing the grantee’s duties and outcomes of the project as well as a financial accounting of project costs for activities that occurred during the reporting period. Published November 11, 2024.
