If you’re interested, a video of our Town Hall is available here for those who were unable to join us in person. I hope your summer is off to a great start! Even with the Minnesota Legislature adjourned for the year, I wanted to provide you an update on some resources that are available to our community: Promise Act ApplicationsThe Neighborhood Development Center (NDC) will be accepting applications for the PROMISE Act Grants Program until June 30, 2024. The application process is NOT first come first served, so there is no preference for funding given to those who apply earlier in that time frame compared to later. So, it is much more important that applicants take their time to ensure their application is complete, than it is to submit their application quickly. This is the first of four rounds of funding that will be offered through 2025. There are many application resources available. The Get Ready Workshops walk through everything business owners need to know about applying for a PROMISE Act Grant. Events are virtual and scheduled throughout June. Additional dates will be added. There is also an Application Preparation worksheet available on their website and as a download. Downloadable worksheets in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali will be available soon. If applicants have questions while completing the application, have a support request, have a technical issue in the application, they should complete a Support Request. NDC staff and their partners continue to work hard in the community to share information about the PROMISE Act Grants Program. Additional support for applicants, including language support in Hmong, Somali, Spanish, and Oromo, computer access, and application assistance will be available, and details will be shared with PROMISE Act Grants Newsletter subscribers and through our website, and will be sent to you via email as they are announced. These resources continue to be the best sources of information for business owners in our district who may be eligible to apply for a grant. Lawns to LegumesDo you want your lawn to be more pollinator-friendly? Minnesota residents can now apply for spring 2025 Lawns to Legumes funding. The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching, and gardening resources. Anyone can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitats in their yards. Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you must reapply to be considered for spring 2025 funding. Apply online at Blue Thumb’s website. For more information about Lawns to Legumes, visit the Board of Water and Soil Resources’ website. |