Energy & Community Resiliency Grants

Annandale Care Center: Annandale Care Center will audit its campus-wide energy usage and plan for efficiency improvements. The work will help lower costs over time, keep operations running during extreme weather and support high‑quality care for older adults. ($3,600, Wright County)

Avivo, St. Cloud: Avivo plans upgrades to improve energy use, including heating, cooling and building improvements. The work will help lower costs, create a more comfortable space and let the organization focus more resources on serving people facing homelessness and housing instability. ($15,000, Stearns County)

Boys & Girls Club of Central Minnesota, Little Falls: The organization will upgrade exterior lighting with high-efficiency LED fixtures and smart controls. The project will improve safety for youth and families, reduce energy costs and create a brighter, more welcoming environment for after-school and evening programming. ($7,000, Morrison County)

Chisago Lakes Joint Sewage Treatment Commission, Chisago City: The commission will develop a disaster recovery plan for the regional wastewater treatment system serving six Chisago County communities. The planning effort will identify risks, establish response procedures and improve coordination so essential services can recover more quickly following emergencies or severe weather. ($11,500, Chisago County)

Friends of Frog Tree Farm, Menahga: Friends of Frog Tree Farm will develop a community resilience and energy plan for its rural campus. The process will explore clean energy opportunities, emergency shelter capabilities and long-term improvements to serve residents during extreme weather while supporting environmental education and community programming. ($15,000, Wadena County)

Rural Renewable Energy Alliance: The organization will expand renewable energy while supporting hands-on workforce training opportunities. The project will advance small-scale solar installations, improve energy resilience and help prepare the next generation of clean energy professionals. ($15,000, Backus, Cass County)

City of Sartell: Sartell will use its grant to address inflow and infiltration at one of its lift stations, which puts stress on the wastewater system during heavy rainfall and high groundwater levels. The project will identify problem areas and implement cost-effective solutions to enhance efficiency. These upgrades are expected to minimize sewer backups, lower costs and boost resilience against extreme weather. ($15,000, Stearns County)

The Initiative Foundation awarded its first-ever round of energy efficiency and community resiliency planning grants, totaling $97,000, to seven community-focused projects across Central Minnesota in the fall of 2025.

Hackensack Game Changers: The Resilient Housing Team will utilize its grant to conduct energy audits and weatherization upgrades for 76 homes across Hackensack, with a focus on low-income and older residents. Building on a recent Minnesota Housing grant, this funding will support inspections and assessments to improve energy efficiency, lower utility bills and help households withstand harsh winters. The effort will make homes safer, healthier and more affordable while strengthening financial stability for residents. ($10,000, Cass County)

Lakes and Pines Community Action Council: Lakes and Pines will install a solar array at its Kanabec County office to cut energy costs and promote clean energy in rural, high-poverty areas. The project includes engineering, permitting and outreach, and builds upon a feasibility study with the Clean Energy Resource Teams. By lowering expenses, the organization can reinvest savings into community services while serving as a model for renewable energy adoption in Central Minnesota. ($15,000, Kanabec County)

Outreach Program of Brainerd Lakes: The organization will insulate its warehouse and pack room to improve energy efficiency and working conditions. The project includes work to address past water damage and the replacement of failing doors, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs. These upgrades build on recent efficiency improvements and will better support the organization’s mission to package up to 700,000 meals annually, strengthen community resilience and prepare the facility for potential use as a disaster shelter. ($12,500, Crow Wing County)

Pine River Group Home: The organization will upgrade the HVAC system in its oldest building to a high-efficiency heat pump, reducing energy costs and strengthening disaster preparedness. Serving 41 residents and employing 60 local staff, the project will improve financial stability, support environmental responsibility and enhance resilience during a time of reduced Medicaid funding. ($15,000, Cass County)

Region Five Development Commission: The organization will use its grant to support its 2025–2026 Climate Action project, which focuses on expanding electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and clean energy planning in Central Minnesota. Work will include assessing current EV resources, engaging stakeholders and addressing barriers to adoption. The project will produce a regional plan to guide future EV development, serve as a model for other areas, and launch community education on clean heat transitions to boost efficiency and resilience. ($15,000, Todd County)

Seven County Senior Federation: The organization will use its grant to conduct feasibility studies for roof and insulation upgrades at its Isle thrift store and Mora office. Both aging buildings face high energy costs and uncomfortable conditions due to poor insulation and deteriorating roofs. The project will explore solar-ready solutions to reduce utility expenses, enhance resilience and ensure the long-term sustainability of these community-serving facilities. ($14,500, Kanabec County)