News

Drive for Five Initiative Grants – Request for Proposal Has Been Released

On October 26, 2023 by Anna Mowry

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is seeking proposals for the Drive for Five Initiative Competitive Grants to conduct outreach, provide education and training, and job placement in high-demand fields, including the caring professions.

Workforce Incentive Grant Program for Care Centers- Deadline Extended

On September 7, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has decided to extend the application deadline for the Nursing Facility Workforce Incentive Grant Program to Friday, Sept. 15. DHS has posted a revised version of the RFP and application form for Workforce Incentive Grants on the Nursing Facility Provider Portal.

DHS Posts Request for Applications for Workforce Incentive Grants

On August 14, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted a Request for Applications for Workforce Incentive Grants for care centers on the nursing facility provider portal.

Top New Laws Starting Aug. 1

On August 3, 2023 by Mark Schulz

Several new laws became effective before or on Aug. 1 and impact senior care services in the state. While you can review more information about these changes and more in the 2023 Legislative Report, we have provided links to Advantage articles for topics previously discussed for easy reference and review.

DHS Seeking Proposals for CMP ResoLute Program Initiative

On July 27, 2023 by Julie Apold

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), through the Nursing Facility Rates and Policy (NFRP) Division and the State Civil Monetary Penalties (CMP) Initiative, is seeking proposals from qualified Minnesota Medicaid-Certified Nursing Facilities interested in implementing the ResoLute Program.

2023 Legislative Session Impact: Grant Programs, Loans, and Other Opportunities for Long-Term Care Providers

On June 29, 2023 by Anna Mowry

After a year of historic investments in long-term care, LeadingAge Minnesota has compiled a resource detailing several grant programs and other opportunities funded in the 2023 Minnesota legislative session.

LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Awarded Mental Health Grant to Support Members

On April 6, 2023 by Terri Foley

The LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation team will be using more than $72,000 to continue offering free Mental Health First Aid training to members, through the Minnesota Department of Health’s Mental Health Care Professionals Grant program.

DHS Offers Provider Capacity Grants for Rural & Underserved Communities

On December 15, 2022 by Mark Schulz

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is conducting a second round of grant funding for HCBS providers supporting rural and underserved communities.

LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation Invests $400,000 in 24 Workforce Grants

On December 1, 2022 by Terri Foley

Totaling $400,000, 24 workforce grants were awarded to LeadingAge Minnesota members across the state by the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation this week. The grant program funds staff appreciation, OnTrack Nursing Assistant Training program set-up expenses, and initiatives to improve recruitment, retention, and talent pipeline development.

HCBS Employee Scholarship & Loan Forgiveness Program – Now Accepting Applications

On December 1, 2022 by Anna Mowry

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is now accepting applications for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Employee Scholarship Grant and Loan Forgiveness Program until Jan. 6, 2023.

HUD Makes $174.6 Million in Grant Funding Available for Construction

On September 28, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $174.6 million in grant funds through a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support the development of new affordable multifamily rental homes for low-income seniors and ongoing project rental assistance and supportive services. The grants are offered under HUD's Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program and will be awarded to nonprofit organizations across the country.

$400K in Workforce Grants Available from the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation

On August 25, 2022 by Terri Foley

To support members in addressing the significant challenges caused by the current labor shortage, the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is investing up to $400,000 in workforce grants. Applicants must apply by Oct. 5. The maximum award per site is $20,000. Grants are available for various purposes.

Staff Appreciation Initiatives

Grants will be awarded to thank staff teams for their continued commitment. Examples of eligible expenses include:

• Gift cards
• Free meals
• Break room improvements
• Staff recognition events

Funds cannot be used to offset wages, benefits, bonuses, or other compensation.

OnTrack Nursing Assistant Training Program Set-Up Expenses

Grants will be awarded to train high-quality direct caregivers. Examples of eligible expenses include:

• Technology
• Equipment such as mannequins
• Physical plant changes for a new or existing training room

Funds can cover nurse educators’ time for the OnTrack program set-up. Funds cannot be used for OnTrack student enrollment fees, exam fees, or student wages.

Build-Your-Own Workforce Projects

Grants will be awarded to start or expand initiatives aimed at recruitment, retention, or talent pipeline efforts. Projects can involve, for example:

• Labor-saving tools and technology
• Onboarding process improvements
• Partnerships with local schools
• Upgrading online recruiting tools

The Details

Applications are due Oct. 5 by 5 p.m. Learn more in the Request For Proposal (RFP) and apply online.

Multi-site organizations can submit applications for individual settings or combine projects across sites. An announcement of awards will be made by Dec. 1.

For questions, please contact Terri Foley, Program Office at the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation, at tfoley@leadingagemn.org or 651-815-8137.

Age-Friendly Minnesota Community Grant Program Launch

On June 30, 2022 by Terri Foley

Community grants of up to $99,000 are being offered by the Age-Friendly Minnesota Council in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Human Services. As the first step in this process, communities can submit an interest form by Aug. 1. A virtual Responders Conference will be held during the application period to address applicant questions.

DEED Announces Grant Recipients to Help Internationally Trained Healthcare Professionals Become Certified in Minnesota

On June 16, 2022 by Anna Mowry

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced the grant recipients of the Internationally Trained Professionals Competitive Grant Program, a program to help internationally trained healthcare workers earn healthcare licensures in Minnesota.

CMP Funds Available to Nursing Homes for Air Filters, Visitation Aids

On February 17, 2022 by Jonathan Lips

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued expanded guidance for the COVID-19 In-Person Visitation Aid Grants available to nursing homes.

Live Well at Home Grants Available Through DHS

On January 27, 2022 by Lori Meyer

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking proposals for the Live Well at Home grant program. The purpose of this initiative is to develop and provide services for older Minnesotans to live and age in the community of their choice by improving the capacity to develop, strengthen, integrate, and maintain culturally competent home- and community-based services for individuals aged 65 and older at risk of long-term nursing home use or spending down into Medical Assistance. Proposals may also include strengthening services for the caregiver support network.

Jan. 30 Ends CMP Grant Application to Retain Staff

On January 13, 2022 by Jenna Kellerman

Care centers have access to an engagement, retention, and leadership building platform for free through a grant for Align’s Employee Engagement Solution. The final grant window closes on Jan. 30. Download a webinar to learn more about the application process here.

CMP Grant Application to Retain Staff Ends Jan. 30

On December 23, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman

Care centers have access to an engagement, retention, and leadership building platform for free through a grant for Align’s Employee Engagement Solution. The final grant window closes on Jan. 30. Previous messages indicated that subsequent grant cycles would open over the next two years; however, this will be the last opportunity.

Nurse Loan Forgiveness Program - Webinar for Applicants

On December 16, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman

The Minnesota Health Care Loan Forgiveness program cycle is accepting applications through Jan. 17, 2022. The Loan Forgiveness program is available for various health care professionals serving in high-need areas, including nurses in nursing homes, assisted living, and home care settings. You can find general program information for long-term care on the MDH website.

DHS Puts Out Guidance on Care Center Staff Bonuses

On December 16, 2021 by Jeff Bostic

$50 million in American Rescue Plan funding will be sent to care centers soon to provide retention and recruitment bonuses for employees. Although the initial announcement indicated the money would arrive in December, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) plans to send the funding out on the Jan. 4 remittance advice due to red tape within the agency. Each care center will receive $10.97 times their number of Medicaid resident days on the 2020 cost report.