Grants and Resources

RNDC’s governing body has identified broadband access, child care, and sustainability as priority issues affecting the nine-county region. You will find information on available funding below. You will also find information on climate smart resources, buildings and sites available for purchase, and additional resources. RNDC will provide updated funding opportunities as they released.

Below are resources to help guide organizations in the region in developing innovative solutions, or you can click the links in the menu above.

Funding Resources

Below are links to find funding resources.

2024 EDA Funding Priorities

View EDA Representative Darrin Fleener’s presentation.

2024 Grant Opportunity Forum Presentations

RNDC’s 2024 Grant Opportunity Forum was a great success. Here you find the presentations.

GOF Presentations

State of Minnesota Grants

Grant seekers can search for grant opportunities by state agency or by subject area by following the appropriate link. Please read grant announcements carefully as some state grant opportunities are only open to certain types of organizations, such as units of government.

mn.gov/grants

Grant Navigator – League of Minnesota Cities

The Grant Navigator Program provides funding in the form of small grants to help city leaders understand, identify, and apply for grant funding for city projects.

lmc.org/resources/grant-navigator/

Energy Communities Funding Opportunities

Explore the variety of funding opportunities available to energy communities, allowing energy communities to redevelop and revitalize.

energycommunities.gov/funding-opportunities

Broadband Resources

Access to high-speed internet is essential to the development of the regional economy and quality of life in South Central Minnesota. While there are many challenges, some have broken through the barriers to achieve success. RNDC supports funding for the Office of Broadband Development, additional investments in the Border-to-Border Broadband Grant Program, and incentives for private sector service providers to respond to local or regional needs.

Broadband Funding:

ReConnect Loan and Grant Program

Community Connect Grants

USDA Investing in Rural Broadband

Broadband Resources:

MADO Broadband Priorities

USDA/EDA Federal Funding and Planning Strategies

Child Care Resources

Identified as an important issue nationally, the availability of child care services—or lack thereof—in South Central Minnesota is of particular interest to RNDC. RNDC supports legislative initiatives to increase child care options in the nine-county region.

Solar Partners

Solar Energy

Welcome to RNDC’s solar resource section. This section contains information about solar energy in South Central Minnesota. Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It can be used to generate electricity, to provide hot water, and to heat, cool, and light buildings.

Minnesota is a great place for solar energy. Believe it or not, much of the Midwest has the same solar potential as Tallahassee, FL and Houston, TX! Through a combination of utility rebates and new technology, solar electricity continues to become more affordable and a more common part of the energy system.

What is Region Nine doing around solar energy?

RNDC is participating in SolSmart, a national program that provides free technical assistance with addressing local barriers to solar energy. Through this program, RNDC is working to make it easier for residents and businesses to choose solar energy.

Solar Energy Planning & Implementation Resources

Planning for Solar Energy

American Planning Association: Planning for Solar Energy
Great Plains Institute:
1. Sustainability and Resilience Planning for Communities
SolSmart Program: Best Practice Actions and Resources
1. Actions
2. Resources
Glossary of Solar Energy Terms

Inspection

MN Department of Labor and Industry: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Checklist
MN Department of Labor and Industry: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Resources
Interstate Renewable Energy Center: Model Inspection Checklist for Rooftop PV Systems
SolSmart Program: Best Practice Actions and Resources
1. Actions
2. Resources

Solar Rights (Consumer Protection, Policies, & Regulations)

Minnesota State Statutes Enabling Solar Development
Citizens Utility Board
MN Public Utilities Commission
MN Department of Commerce: Solar Consumer Protection
MN Department of Commerce: Solar Consumer Protection / Solar Information
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL): Solar Consumer Protection
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA): Consumer Protection
Interstate Renewable Energy Center: Consumer Bill of Rights / Consumer Checklist
SolSmart Program: Best Practice Actions and Resources
1. Actions
2. Resources

Finance & Incentives

Typically solar installations are paid for through loans or cash, with Federal and State incentives available.

Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics – learn about the federal tax credit, eligibility, and other common questions & answers from the U.S. Department of Energy.
A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing – learn about different financing options from CESA, the Clean Energy States Alliance.

Training, Education, & Career Opportunities

Interested in your own solar energy system?

Wondering if a particular site in Minnesota is good for solar energy? The Minnesota Solar Suitability App can help. This tool displays the solar potential of every spot in the state of Minnesota. With this data, and the services provided through this application, home and business owners can easily identify the solar potential of their property.

Active Solar Installers for Solar PV

Minnesota is home to many solar companies. The Clean Energy Project Builder is a great place to find an assortment of clean energy businesses including solar installers, community solar garden developers, energy auditors and more.

Wondering what questions to ask? Check out The State of Minnesota’s list of questions to ask potential renewable energy installers

Climate Smart Improvement Resources

Below are links to climate smart community improvement resources and funding opportunities. You can scan the QR codes to learn more, or print the PDFs to keep on hand.

Community and Residential Improvement Opportunities

Learn about ways you can make climate smart improvements in your home or business. Click the images the below to view or print the PDF guides.

ENGLISH

SPANISH

Climate Smart Improvement

Resources

Below you will find resources for climate smart community and residential improvements. Click the images and scan the QR codes or print the PDFs to have at your convenience.