MRES has compiled an extensive list of resources members can use to learn more about the funds available, grant-writing best practices, application guidance and announcements, grant compliance and post-award management, and links to state and federal websites for more specific information.

If you have questions or require more information, contact Member Programs Coordinator Amy Collins at amy.collins@mrenergy.com or 605-838-6490.

Tips to Get You Started

Resources and Tips for Grant Writing

Below are two presentations from Baker Tilly's "Utility University" webinar series:

Additional Grant-Writing Resources

First-time applicants can understandably feel daunted by the task of applying for a federal funding opportunities. Here are some additional resources to help you get started with grant writing:

A Guide for Local Governments

The Urban Sustainability Directors Network, in partnership with Climate Mayors and C40 Cities has created this resource guide that provides insights, lessons learned, best practices, along with challenges and pitfalls faced by local governments seeking federal funding.

Educational Webinar Recordings

The grant landscape has changed, and many MRES members have questions about how to find, research and apply for grants at the federal and state levels. To address these questions, MRES partnered with experts from Baker Tilly in December 2025 to host an educational webinar to help members better understand the grant process and how to find and win federal, state and private grants.

To access the one-hour webinar recording and corresponding slide deck, please click the links below.

Below are some additional webinar recordings from The Ferguson Group on basic grant writing strategies.

Session 1 – Grants 101 Training
This session includes an overview of the federal grants landscape, required registrations, searching for federal grants and strategically positioning projects ahead of a solicitation.

Session 2 – Grant Writing
This session includes an overview of common grant narrative elements, as well as tips and tricks for writing and submitting a competitive grant application.

Federal Grant Information

Federal Grant Opportunities

Finding & Researching Federal Grant Opportunities

Current Federal Grant Opportunities

    • Deadline: February 24, 2026
    • Funding Amounts: Up to $25M per project; approx. $1.5B annually
    • Cost Match: Typically 20% non-federal; rural projects may qualify for waivers
    • Minimum Funding Request:
      • Rural Areas: $1 million
      • Urban Areas: $5 million
  • DOE Digitizing Utilities Prize, Round 3
    Round 3 of the DOE’s Digitizing Utilities Prize offers $2.4M to teams that develop new digital tools, analytics, and data‑driven technologies that help utilities use large datasets to improve grid reliability, resilience, and affordability. The prize encourages collaborations between software developers, data experts, and utility stakeholders, with winners receiving both cash and access to national lab expertise.
    • Phase 1: Plan - up to 16 awards, $75,000 cash prize each
    • Phase 2: Progress - up 5, $150,000 cash prize each and $75,000 voucher each
    • Submission Deadline: April 9, 2026
  • EDA FY25 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program
    The EDA’s Disaster Supplemental Grant Program provides funding to help communities recover from the economic harm caused by natural disasters. The goal is not just recovery but providing financial assistance to drive long-term economic improvement beyond pre-disaster conditions. This program prioritizes projects that engage the full community, particularly private industry partners. Funding is available in three pathways:
    • Readiness Path: Supports non-construction projects that build capacity for securing disaster recovery finding in the future, including strategy development and predevelopment costs
    • Implementation Path: Funds construction and non-construction projects that directly address economic challenges post-disaster and foster stronger economic growth
    • Industry Transformation Path: A coalition-led portfolio of large-scale projects designed to reshape a region’s economy by accelerating or developing an industry
    • Applications for the Readiness and Implementation grants are accepted on a rolling basis, whereas applications for the Industry Transformation grants are due March 3, 2026. Applicants may reference FEMA’s Disaster Declarations for States and Counties Tracker to determine if a given area has received an eligible disaster declaration.
  • EDA FY25 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Programs
    This program provides flexible, nationally competitive funding to help communities respond to economic disruptions through planning and implementation projects, with awards typically covering up to 80% of costs and no fixed cap per project. Eligible applicants include governments, Tribes, nonprofits, and educational institutions. Deadline is rolling.

State-Specific Grant Information

Below are two user-friendly websites where state-specific funding opportunities and helpful information can be found:

Iowa

MRES member utilities and communities in Iowa can find, research and apply for state grants using the links below:

Current funding opportunities:
  • Rural BOOST Program
    A strategic planning grant designed for rural communities and nonprofits that are ready to take bold steps toward long‑term economic vitality. BOOST grant funds are designed to help communities launch key strategies, strengthen local capacity, plan long‐term needs, and develop essential skills. Eligible uses of funding span a wide range of activities, including engineering, planning, design work, training and certification programs, marketing strategy development, succession planning, economic development training, and grant‑writing training (though not the act of writing grants itself).
    • Application window opened January 5, 2026
    • Application due date: February 13, 2026
    • Award Amount: up to $10,000, $5,000 match required
  • Community Catalyst Building Remediation
    Administered through the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), this program provides grants to cities for the remediation and redevelopment of underutilized or blighted commercial buildings. The goal is catalytic economic growth through improved safety, appearance, and utilization of property. Eligible activities include restoring facades, interiors, and potentially deconstruction when necessary for safety.
    • Maximum award: $100,000 per project
    • Allocation requirement: At least 40% of funds set aside for cities with populations under 1,500
    • One building per community or up to two adjacent buildings under shared ownership may be funded
      • Pre-application deadline: January 29, 2026
      • Final application deadline: April 15, 2026

Minnesota

MRES member utilities and communities in Minnesota can find, research and apply for state grants using the links below:

Current funding opportunities:

  • Minnesota Community IDEAS Program
    Administered by the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, the Minnesota Community IDEAS Program seeks to design, test and spread ideas that make our communities better for everyone and inspire, equip and connect people through meaningful, community-led change. Proposed projects are assessed based on their impact in these selection criteria: Innovation, Development, Equity, Agency, and Solutions. In 2026, the Minnesota Community IDEAS Program will award nine grants of $125,000 each. The two-step application process opened January 2026, when eligible organizations can express interest in applying through a brief interest form. Interest form submissions will be accepted from January 5 through 1 p.m. January 28, 2026.
  • State Competitiveness Matching Funds
    The SCF Matching Funds Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, supports eligible Minnesota entities (including local governments, businesses, nonprofits, Tribes, etc.) applying for federal grants. It provides state matching dollars to strengthen proposals or to meet required federal match for clean energy and climate-related projects aligned with the State of Minnesota Clean Energy and Climate Action Framework goals.
    • Applications are currently being accepted for approximately $34 million available in unreserved funds. This funding round will remain open until all remaining SCF Matching Funds are reserved.

North Dakota

MRES member utilities and communities in North Dakota can find, research and apply for state grants using the links below:

Current funding opportunities:

  • Technical Skills Training Grant
    The Technical Skills Training Grant supports the development and expansion of non-degree, rapid re-skilling and upskilling programs to meet workforce demands in North Dakota. It is designed for training providers and employers aiming to build a highly skilled labor force in occupations listed on the state’s In-Demand Occupations List. Eligible applicants for the North Dakota Technical Skills Training Grant include North Dakota-based colleges and universities, businesses, eligible training providers, non-profit organizations, municipalities, and trade associations. All applicants must be registered and in good standing with the North Dakota Secretary of State, and the training must take place within the state.
    • Total funding (2023–2025 biennium): $2,000,000
    • Match requirement: All tracks require a 1:1 cost match
    • Application Period: Open now (as of September 2025)
    • Deadline: Rolling basis (no fixed deadline posted)

South Dakota

MRES member utilities and communities in South Dakota can find, research and apply for funding opportunities at the links below:

Current funding opportunities:

  • South Dakota Air Quality – Clean Diesel Program
    The SD Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources has some environmentally focused opportunities that could apply to renewables, EVs, etc.
  • South Dakota Local Infrastructure Improvement Program
    This program helps communities strengthen public infrastructure tied to economic development or workforce housing. Undergrounding is eligible when it is part of a public infrastructure project supporting these goals.
    • Deadlines: Quarterly – Jan 31, Apr 30, Jul 31, Oct 31
    • Funding Amounts: Discretionary; covers a portion of costs
    • Cost Match: Local match required; amount varies by project
  • The South Dakota Fund Grant Program
    Administered by the South Dakota Community Foundation, it provides unrestricted funding to nonprofit and charitable organizations across the state. It supports projects that address needs in culture, economic development, education, financial literacy, health, and human services. Typical grant awards range from $2,000 to $20,000, though larger requests may be considered with lower priority. Eligible applicants include public nonprofit organizations listed in IRS Publication 78 or those working with a fiscal sponsor. Projects must demonstrate community involvement and feasibility, and government entities are generally not eligible for operating expenses.
    Due Dates:
    • Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) accepted year-round
    • Full applications reviewed within approximately 90 days if invited
    • Only one application per organization is allowed within a 12-month period

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