PFAS Source Identification and Reduction Grant Program

The PFAS Source Identification and Reduction Grant Program, managed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), is designed to assist in identifying and reducing sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Minnesota's wastewater and waste management systems. The grant provides funding for projects that detect PFAS sources, implement pollution prevention, and monitor effectiveness in reduction efforts. PFAS chemicals, due to their persistent nature and known health risks—including cancer and liver disease—pose significant environmental and public health challenges. The program has a funding pool of $2 million, with grants awarded on a rolling basis until funds are depleted or by April 2, 2025. Projects should be completed by December 18, 2026, to qualify for reimbursement.

Funding for this program is distributed on a reimbursement basis, with maximum awards up to $125,000 per applicant. However, no more than $75,000 of each grant may be used for planning and preparation; the remaining amount must go toward project implementation. A minimum matching fund of 10% of the grant amount is required, which may be met through in-kind contributions or cash, but not through other MPCA-administered grants. Applicants can potentially leverage MPCA’s Small Business Environmental Improvement Loan program to help fund equipment purchases if they qualify.

Eligible applicants include Minnesota municipalities, public and private solid waste management facilities, and industrial and stormwater facilities contributing PFAS to municipal wastewater or the environment. To qualify, applicants must have participated in or been sampled by the MPCA's PFAS monitoring plan. This includes those involved in municipal wastewater PFAS Monitoring MOUs or as part of MPCA’s PFAS Monitoring Plan. Ineligible applicants include PFAS manufacturers, MPCA-owned sites, and entities not in compliance with certain environmental or tax regulations.

Projects eligible for funding should focus on PFAS pollutant management, PFAS source identification, PFAS-free product substitution, and identification of PFAS-affected equipment in need of replacement. Projects should be designed to benefit underserved communities or environmental justice areas, which are outlined in MPCA’s environmental justice criteria. Ineligible projects include the construction of treatment systems, direct replacement of PFAS-contaminated equipment, and activities that do not address PFAS source reduction.

The application process requires submission through electronic means by April 2, 2025, at 4:00 pm Central Time. Questions regarding applications should be emailed to the MPCA by March 26, 2025. Applications are reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis, and applicants will be notified within 30 days of submission regarding their funding status. Successful applicants must comply with SWIFT vendor registration, reporting, and periodic project evaluation by MPCA, including a final report 180 days after project completion.

This program emphasizes projects in areas identified as environmental justice communities, prioritizing fair and inclusive grant distribution. Additional grant conditions require compliance with Minnesota’s anti-discrimination policies, prevailing wage rules, and financial reviews for nonprofit applicants. MPCA encourages diversity in grant making and fair access to environmental benefits across demographics and income levels.