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.

If your facility or organization is interested in receiving an approved grant through this program, please fill out the Assisted Living Competitive Grant Application by [Insert Due Date] with the following information:

• Facility or Organization Name
• Facility or Organization Address
• Facility or Organization Phone
• Licensed Resident Capacity (if applicable)
• Contact Person Name, Position, Phone and Email
• Authorized Signer Name, Position, Phone and Email

Facilities and organizations are also required to provide a brief summary of the proposed project or initiative and the funding request amount (minimum $10,000).

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 by [DATE]. 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 by [DATE]. 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 by [DATE]. 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 by [DATE]. 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 by [DATE]. 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.