Development grants

We explain how to apply for a Livable Communities grant with the City of Minneapolis.

Overview of 2027 grants

The sponsorship application process will open on December 1, 2026. Sponsorship applications are due by 4 p.m. on January 7, 2027.

What to know

  • The City will start accepting sponsorship applications for development grants in December.
  • A $750 application fee is 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).

What to expect

We expect to recommend up to eight applications to the City Council for the 2027 program year.

The City will accept sponsorship applications for Livable Communities grants only once in 2027.

We expect the Metropolitan Council to offer two rounds of applications in 2027. The City will decide which projects to submit in which round.

Schedule

  • Sponsorship application released: December 1, 2026
  • Sponsorship application due: January 7, 2027
  • Recommendation to the BHZ Committee on which projects to sponsor: February 2027
  • City Council decision: March 2027
  • Final grant applications for City‑selected projects are due on April 15 or October 15, 2027. The City will decide which date applies.

Know the development grant process

Before you apply

We strongly encourage you to meet with our staff before you apply for sponsorship. We can discuss your project and answer questions you have. This ensures your application is complete and a good fit for the program.

Contact Linnea Graffunder-Bartels

Deadline

You must submit an online sponsorship application by 4 p.m. on January 7, 2027.

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 your project to follow 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