HF3920

Purpose

The bill would have the Division of Social Equity award grants to eligible organizations through a competitive process to fund community investments in eligible communities. A key focus is on engaging youth and addressing communities that have been most affected by cannabis-related criminalization or incarceration.

Main provisions

• Grant process and requirements
  • Establishes a competitive grant process for awarding funds.
  • Eligible organizations must submit a written application using an office-developed form describing the proposed community investment.
  • Applications must include: 1) analysis of the community’s need for the proposed investment 2) description of the positive impact expected from the investment 3) evidence of the organization’s ability to achieve the impact 4) evidence of past success with similar investments 5) estimated cost of the proposed investment 6) sources and amounts of nonstate funds or in-kind contributions 7) description of the organization’s engagement with youth-centered community-based organizations serving youth aged 14 to 24 impacted by cannabis-related enforcement 8) any other information the office requests
• Priority and selection criteria
  • The office must give priority to:
  • Organizations with a history of successful community investments, especially in areas now eligible for funding
  • Proposals that support youth civic engagement, leadership, and youth-led health education
  • Proposals with demonstrated community support for the investment
• Scope and funding
  • Investments may be funded in eligible communities across Minnesota (statewide).
  • At least 50% of grants awarded each year must support youth civic engagement, leadership, and youth-led health education, with a preference for communities most affected by cannabis-related criminalization or incarceration.
• Youth engagement requirement
  • A specific requirement is that grant applications describe engagement with youth-centered organizations that work with youth ages 14 to 24 who have been most impacted by cannabis-related issues.

Significant changes to existing law

• Expands the grant program under Minnesota Statutes to explicitly require engagement with youth-centered organizations and to focus significant grant funding on youth-related activities (civic engagement, leadership, and health education).
• Adds explicit priority and geographic emphasis to support communities most affected by cannabis-related criminalization or incarceration.
• Establishes mandatory criteria for grant applications and directs a portion of funding to youth-focused investments, with statewide reach.

Practical effect

• More structured, transparent grant process with clear expectations for applicants.
• Greater emphasis on youth participation and on addressing harms from cannabis-related enforcement.
• Equity-focused distribution of funds across Minnesota, prioritizing communities most impacted.

Relevant Terms - Division of Social Equity - Grants - Eligible organizations - Competitive grant process - Community investment - Community need - Positive impact - Evidence of ability - Past success - Nonstate funds - In-kind contributions - Youth-centered community-based organizations - Youth (ages 14 to 24) - Cannabis-related criminalization or incarceration - Eligible communities - Youth civic engagement - Leadership - Youth-led health education - Geographic areas - Office - Priority criteria - Statewide funding