Assisted Living Competitive Grant Program

The purpose of this competitive grant program is to fund special projects or initiatives that advance quality, safety, and resident outcomes in assisted living facilities. Funding comes from fine monies collected from assisted living providers and deposited into a dedicated special revenue account. Money in the special revenue account as of Jan. 1, 2026, must be appropriated within two years, provided adequate requests are received, and thereafter appropriated annually.

• Licensed Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) or Assisted Living Facilities with Dementia Care (ALFDC) under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 144G. Provisional licensees are not eligible.
• Organizations or entities with demonstrated experience or knowledge in assisted living operations, compliance, resident needs, or best practices.

The minimum grant amount is $10,000.

Grant funds may be used to support projects or initiatives such as:

• Education and training for staff, residents, and families to improve care and compliance.
• Technical assistance or quality improvement initiatives to enhance resident outcomes.
• Information technology or data projects to identify trends and improve care.
• Communication strategies for residents, families, licensees, and the public.
• Capital investments to sustain operations and maintain compliance (e.g., sprinklers, emergency systems, or physical plant improvements).
• Other projects or initiatives to improve resident quality of care and outcomes as approved by MDH.

Individual grant agreements will be executed between MDH and each selected grantee. Grantees will invoice MDH monthly for reimbursement of allowable expenses, as detailed in the grant agreement.

Because 2026 will be the first year MDH administers this grant program, additional information is needed for planning purposes regarding the potential number of applicants. A Letter of Intent (LOI) assisted MDH in gauging interest in the grant program, planning the application review process and preparing for any necessary technical assistance.

Submitting an LOI does not commit an organization to submitting a grant application, nor does failure to submit an LOI prevent an eligible applicant from applying for the grant. The LOI is being used solely as a planning tool by MDH.

Grantees will be reimbursed for capital investment projects initiated after the grant is fully executed. Eligible projects must sustain operations and maintain compliance with statutory or code requirements, including but not limited to:

• Installation or upgrades of sprinkler systems (initial, partial, or full system improvements).
• Architectural Life Safety Code plan drafting or consulting to assist with compliance.
• Kitchen upgrades to meet Minnesota Food Code requirements.
• Replacement or modernization of aging mechanical, electrical, or plumbing system.
• Replacement or modernization of the building or property, such as sidewalk repair, door replacements, elevator installation/repair, or similar.
   

Grantees will be reimbursed for systemic education and/or training initiatives for staff, residents, and/or families of assisted living residents initiated after the grant is fully executed. The Grantee must provide documentation of quotes for a future project to be implemented. Projects must aim to improve and enhance quality care and/or provide technical assistance to improve compliance with statutory requirements and/or clinical care standards. Examples include, but not limited to:

• Comprehensive training programs on resident care practices, safety, infection control, and compliance.
• Family education sessions focused on understanding care standards and resident rights.
• Development of training materials or curriculum to support ongoing staff competency.
   

Grantees will be reimbursed for limited employee or contract compensation expenses necessary to sustain operations or improve compliance with statutory and clinical care standards. The Grantee must provide documentation detailing the proposed expenses to be implemented. Eligible expenses include, but not limited to: 

• Consultants engaged to provide technical assistance, mock surveys, or compliance support.
• Temporary staffing support to maintain or improve resident care and regulatory compliance during critical periods.

Grantees will be reimbursed for quality improvement projects or initiatives initiated after the grant is fully executed. The Grantee must provide documentation of quotes for future projects to be implemented. These projects should focus on improving resident outcomes, enhancing quality care, and supporting compliance with statutory and clinical care standards. Examples include, but not limited to:

• Development of quality management programs and performance metrics.
• Implementation of resident satisfaction or outcomes tracking systems.
• Initiatives that address identified trends or deficiencies in care or operations.

Grantees will be reimbursed for information technology, data, and communication projects initiated after the grant is fully executed. The Grantee must provide documentation of quotes for future projects to be implemented. These initiatives should support improved data management, compliance tracking, or resident care outcomes Examples include, but not limited to:

• Electronics to aid staff with resident cares staff and for resident use, such as laptops, cell phones, or Wi-Fi assistive technologies.
• Hardware, software, or systems designed to improve regulatory compliance, data analysis, or quality management.
• Development of communication tools or platforms to enhance engagement with residents, families, and staff.

Grantees will be reimbursed for the purchase of new or replacement supplies, services, and/or equipment acquired after the grant is fully executed.  The Grantee must provide documentation of quotes for future purchases to be made. Eligible expenses include, but not limited to:

• Medical equipment supporting resident health and safety.
• Life safety equipment, such as alarms or emergency response systems.
• Infection control equipment, including disinfection systems and protective devices.
• Furniture and appliances, such as tables/chairs, lounge furniture, kitchen prep equipment/counters, refrigeration, dishwasher, stove, serving carts, lounge piano/TV, etc.

Before starting the online application process, it is recommended that you review and print out the documents in the application forms section. Those documents serve as references and will assist you in filling out the application. They are not replacements for the application itself. You cannot save your place in the online application and come back to it. Once the online application is submitted it is considered final. 

• Assisted Living Competitive Grant Online Application

In accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 13.599 applications are nonpublic until opened. Once opened, the name, address, and the amount requested by the applicant are public. All other data in an application is nonpublic data until the evaluation process is complete. After the evaluation process has been completed, all data submitted by the applicant is public.

If the applicant submits information in response to this RFP that it believes to be trade secret materials, as defined by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes, section 13.37, the applicant must:

• Clearly mark all trade secret materials in its response at the time the response is submitted.
• Include a statement with its response justifying the trade secret designation for each item.
• Defend any action seeking release of the materials it believes to be trade secret, and indemnify and hold harmless the State, its agents and employees, from any judgements or damages awarded against the State in favor of the party requesting the materials, and any and all costs connected with that defense. This indemnification survives the State’s award of a grant contract. In submitting a response to this RFP, the applicant agrees that this indemnification survives as long as the trade secret materials are in possession of the State.

Applicant/recipient conflict of interest disclosure (PDF)

Due diligence review form (PDF)

These documents are intended to serve as references for completing the application process. They are not replacements for the application itself.

• Assisted Living Competitive Grant Program Application Criteria for Assisted Living Facilities (PDF)
• Assisted Living Competitive Grant Program Application Criteria for Organizations (PDF)

• Assisted Living Competitive Grant Application Score Sheet (PDF)
• Assisted Living Competitive Grant Application Scoring guide (PDF)

For additional information, see our FAQ page.

• March 19 Assisted Living Competitive Grant informational webinar presentation (PDF)
• March 19 Assisted Living Competitive Grant informational webinar recording

• Jan. 15 Assisted Living Competitive Grant informational webinar presentation (PDF)
• Jan. 15 Assisted Living Competitive Grant informational webinar recording