CERTs Seed Grants to Power Local Energy Innovation in Cook County

Deadline Coming Up October 1, 2025!

Cook County communities have an exciting opportunity to bring their clean energy ideas to life through the 2026 CERTs Seed Grants program! Offered by the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs), these grants support local projects across Minnesota that focus on energy efficiency, renewable energy, electric vehicle infrastructure, and energy storage.

Since 2006, CERTs has awarded over $1.98 million in seed funding to 509 innovative projects. These grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000 and are meant to be a small amount of money meant to get a project off the ground and inspire others to support the project. The goal of the CERTs Seed Grants are to spark visible, community-based solutions that make clean energy more accessible and to inspire similar projects across the state to help Minnesota achieve its energy efficiency goals.

Cook County groups, whether local government entities, tribal nations, schools, nonprofits, libraries, religious organizations, or even for-profits with a public benefit, are encouraged to apply. CERTs is especially interested in projects that help people learn about clean energy, bring together a variety of community partners, and remove barriers for underserved populations like Cook County.

For local leaders passionate about clean energy and sustainability, this is a unique chance to launch impactful projects that make a difference right here in Minnesota’s arrowhead region. From installing solar panels on public buildings to launching community EV education programs, the possibilities are broad and the community benefits are lasting.

Applications are due by noon on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. To learn more about project criteria, funding eligibility, and how to apply, visit the CERTs Seed Grants webpage.

Let’s power up Cook County! One project at a time.