Development grants

We explain how to apply for Livable Communities grant.

2026 grants

Overview

The sponsorship application process opened on December 15, 2025. Sponsorship applications were due by 4 p.m. on January 20, 2026. The application period for 2026 is closed. Check back in December 2026 for updates about the 2027 grant application process.

  • The City began accepting sponsorship applications for development grants in December.
  • A $750 application fee was due by the application deadline. We do not accept late applications.
  • We reserve the right to accept or reject all funding requests.
  • City staff review proposals using a set process. We look at:
    • How well the project might score based on the Metropolitan Council’s rules
    • Project readiness
    • If the project follows the City’s plans and rules
    • If the project already has money from the City (we give these projects priority).

We expect to recommend up to eight applications to the City Council for the 2026 program year. The City will accept sponsorship applications only once in 2026. We expect the Metropolitan Council to offer two rounds of applications in 2026. The City will decide which projects to submit in which round.

Schedule

  • Sponsorship application released: December 15, 2025
  • Sponsorship application due: January 20, 2026
  • Recommendation to COW Committee: March 2026
  • City Council decision: March 2026
  • Final grant application will be due by April 15 or October 15, 2026, as decided by the City.

Know the development grant process

Application details

You must submit an online sponsorship application.

See sponsorship application

Questions

We encourage you to meet with our staff and talk about your project before you apply for sponsorship.

Contact Linnea Graffunder-Bartels

Development grant process

Before submitting a sponsorship application for a grant, read the following.

Selection process

  • The City requires a $750 sponsorship application fee.
  • These grants are very competitive.
    • Some projects that ask for City help won’t be able to apply to the Metropolitan Council.
    • The Metropolitan Council receives more requests than it can fund.
  • We give priority to projects that already have money committed from the City.
  • City staff review applications and make recommendations to the City Council.
  • The City Council and Mayor decide which applications we will submit.
  • Developers get the application ready. These are City applications sent to the Metropolitan Council. The City might make changes before sending them in.

Grant funds

Grant funds:

  • Will not be available to the developer until the City accepts the grant and signs a grant agreement with the Metropolitan Council. After that, we can sign a pass-through contract with the developer.
  • Will not be available until the project is fully funded and ready for construction. Grants can only reimburse the developer for costs billed after the funding award date.

Administration fee

The City charges a fee for administering grant awards. Grant award administration fee details:

  • The City will collect the fee when we sign the subrecipient agreement with the developer.
  • You cannot use City or Metropolitan Council funds to pay this fee.

Fee amounts

Affordable Housing Projects

3% per grant award, capped at $20,000 per award (not per project)

This grant administration fee is due at closing.
Commercial Projects 7% per grant award
Commercial Projects located in Great Streets in "priority eligible" areas by the Great Streets Business District 3% per grant award (not per project)

Compliance

The City will require compliance with City policies, including:

Contact us

Linnea Graffunder-Bartels

Community Planning & Economic Development

Email Linnea Graffunder-Bartels

Phone

612-673-5102

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320
Minneapolis, MN 55415