After grants are awarded, the grants administration team is here to help grantees:

• to execute the grant agreement
• request reimbursement claims
• submit semi-annual project status reports
• discuss project changes, and when needed, process grant amendments
• close out the grant, and provide evidence of deliverables.

All grantees will be responsible for submitting evidence of expenses toward the project and documenting actions and deliverables throughout. This will be done in the form of reimbursement claims, semi-annual reports, and grant close-out reporting.

Council staff will reach out to schedule an orientation meeting after grants have been awarded.
 

Grant Administration Resources 

For questions about reimbursement and reporting or to discuss changes to your project, contact Erin Brueggemann (Erin.Brueggemann@metc.state.mn.us).

The Scoring Factors Map is designed to help you identify tree planting projects that would address the priorities and criteria of this program. The map includes:
 

1. Highlighted census blocks that meet the community vulnerability program priority.
   Applications that focus on census block groups with high community vulnerability (defined as being in the 70^th percentile or higher on the Environmental Justice Screening Tool Supplemental Demographic Index) will be prioritized in review order and receive points through the evaluation criteria (see Criteria and Scoring Explanation).
2. Highlighted census blocks that meet the extreme heat standard used in evaluation criteria.
   Applications that focus on census block groups with residents experiencing extreme heat (defined as being in the 70^th percentile or higher for land surface temperature in the region) will receive points through the evaluation criteria.

It is possible that funds will be depleted funding applications in tier 1 or early in tier 2. Applicants are encouraged to focus projects on activities that meet both priorities (ash and SDI).

Learn more about the Scoring Factors Map and making your Project Map and Site Spreadsheet in the Project Map and Site Guidance (PDF). You can also watch this demo on how to create your Project Map and your Site Spreadsheet. 

Program Priorities 

State law set the following priorities for the program:  

• Projects removing and replacing ash trees that pose significant public safety concerns.  
• Projects located in a census block group with a supplemental demographic index score in the 70th percentile or higher within Minnesota.  

Projects addressing both priorities are more likely to be funded. 

Program details  

• $3.4 million is available in 2026 with an award minimum of $10,000 and maximum of $500,000.   
• No match is required.  
• Applicants are limited to one application.   

Find further details about eligible activities, grant expectations, funding priorities, and evaluation criteria in the Notice of Funding Availability (PDF).   

Timeline  

• September 10 – Application opens  
•  Webinar  dates – to be announced 
• October 22 – Application closes at 3:00 p.m.  
• Late fall – Application review and selection  
• Late 2026/early 2027 – Met Council approval and grant agreements