MDH Announces New Assisted Living Competitive Grant Program for 2026

Posted on February 12, 2026 by Kelly Conrad

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has announced a new funding opportunity for 2026: the Assisted Living Competitive Grant Program.

Established under legislation effective January 1, 2026 (MN Statute 144G.31), this program supports projects and initiatives that strengthen quality of care and resident outcomes in assisted living settings licensed under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 144G. Organizations with demonstrated experience in assisted living operations, compliance, resident needs, or best practices are also eligible to apply.

Purpose and Funding

The competitive grant program is designed to fund special projects that advance quality, safety, and resident outcomes in assisted living facilities. Funding is derived from fines collected from assisted living providers and deposited into a dedicated special revenue account.

Funds available in the account as of January 1, 2026, must be appropriated within two years—provided sufficient applications are received—and will be appropriated annually thereafter.

Allowable Uses of Funds

Grant funds may support a wide range of initiatives, including:

• Education and training for staff, residents, and families to strengthen care practices and regulatory compliance
• Technical assistance and quality improvement initiatives to enhance resident outcomes
• Information technology or data-driven projects to identify trends and improve care delivery
• Communication strategies for residents, families, licensees, and the public
• Capital investments that sustain operations and maintain compliance (e.g., sprinkler systems, emergency systems, or physical plant improvements)
• Other MDH-approved projects that improve resident quality of care and outcomes

Letter of Intent Requested

Because this is a new program, MDH is requesting that interested applicants submit a Letter of Intent by February 20, 2026. Submitting a letter of intent is optional; it does not obligate you to apply, and applicants may still submit a full proposal even if they do not complete a letter of intent.

Providers are encouraged to review the program details and consider whether a proposed initiative could align with this opportunity.

For additional information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s webpage: Assisted Living Competitive Grant Program – MN Dept. of Health.