Assisted Living Competitive Grant Program Frequently Asked Questions

The Assisted Living Competitive Grant Program is a new MDH initiative established under Minnesota Statutes, section 144G.31. The program provides funding for projects and initiatives that improve quality of care, safety, and resident outcomes in licensed assisted living facilities and related organizations across Minnesota.

The tentative date to launch the program will be March 2, 2026.

The program supports special projects and initiatives that advance quality, safety, and resident outcomes in assisted living settings. Funding comes from fine monies collected from assisted living providers and allocated to a dedicated special revenue account.
 

MDH must award funds within two years of the legislation’s effective date (January 1, 2026), provided adequate applications are received, and must allocate funds annually thereafter.

During the first two years (2026–2027), MDH anticipates awarding grants semiannually (twice per year) or until available fine monies are exhausted.

Eligible applicants include:

• Licensed Assisted Living Facilities (ALF) or Assisted Living Facilities with Dementia Care (ALFDC) under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 144G.
• Organizations or entities with demonstrated experience or knowledge in assisted living operations, compliance, resident needs, or best practices.

Note:

• Provisional licensees are not eligible.

The minimum grant award is $10,000.

Applicants must complete and submit the Assisted Living Competitive Grant Application by [Insert Due Date]. Required information includes:

• Facility or organization details (name, address, phone).
• Licensed resident capacity (if applicable).
• Contact and authorized signer information.
• Project summary and requested funding amount.

Projects must directly support quality improvement, safety, or resident outcomes. Examples include:

• Education and training for staff, residents, and families.
• Technical assistance or quality improvement initiatives.
• Information technology and data projects.
• Communication and engagement strategies.
• Capital investments to maintain compliance and safety.

Grant funds may be used for the following, if initiated after the grant is fully executed:

• Capital Investments – Facility upgrades, safety systems, code compliance, infrastructure improvements.
• Education and Training – Programs for staff, residents, and families.
• Compensation – Limited consultant or temporary staffing supporting compliance or care improvement.
• Quality Initiatives – Projects addressing care quality, satisfaction, or performance tracking.
• Information Technology, Data, and Communications – Tools supporting data management, compliance, or engagement.
• New and Replacement Equipment – Equipment supporting health, safety, infection control, or daily operations.

No. Only expenses incurred after the grant agreement is fully executed are eligible for reimbursement.

Grantees will invoice MDH monthly for reimbursement of allowable expenses.

Grantees must submit quotes, invoices, and proof of expenditure as required by the grant agreement.

Yes. Grantees must submit progress and financial reports demonstrating that grant funds are used appropriately, and project goals are being achieved.

SWIFT stands for State Wide Integrated Financial Tools, Minnesota’s statewide accounting and procurement system implemented in 2011.

The Supplier Portal allows applicants to:

• View payment details.
• View invoice information.
• Maintain address and contact information associated with their applicant record.

Any individual or organization doing business with the State of Minnesota is considered a vendor.

Yes. To view invoices or payments, applicants must be registered with the State of Minnesota as a vendor.

Use the Supplier Portal Vendor Registration link to register as a new applicant. [Add link]

Existing vendor without a User ID can request one by clicking Create a New User ID in the Supplier Portal.

You will receive a confirmation email sent to the address provided during registration.

Applicants-vendors can update their:

• Address information.
• Contact information.
• Other profile details.

Applicants may contact the Minnesota Department of Health – Health Regulation Division for assistance.
(Insert contact email/phone once available).
 

Details, forms, and updates will be available on the MDH website under the Assisted Living Competitive Grant Program section once the program launches.

If you have questions, please email assistedlivinggrant.mdh@state.mn.us.