DEED Seeks Request for Proposals for FIRST Grants by Aug. 27

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has announced another round of FIRST grants to help regions plan growth and economic development.

The agency will accept applications through Aug. 27 for four grants of up to $50,000 each with awards announced Sept. 12. Earlier this year, nine FIRST grants were awarded.

FIRST grants, which stand for Framework for Integrated Regional Strategies, were created after a series of listening sessions around the state last year indicated many regions lacked a coordinated strategy for long-term growth. With the help of FIRST grant funding, public officials, educators, business executives and other community leaders will work together to create an economic blueprint to guide future growth.

“FIRST grants help regions develop a plan that fits their needs,” said DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy. “Sustainable collaborations that create wealth, and not just jobs, are important in developing regional prosperity and community success.”

Any public, private or nonprofit entity engaged in workforce development, economic growth or education is eligible to submit a grant proposal. Grant funding will be used for staff support, consulting help, materials and other costs. Funding will be available for work completed through March 2010.

Details on the requirements for submitting a proposal and the review process are available at http://www.positivelyminnesota.com/workforce/prosperity/index.htm. Other questions may be directed to Shelley Landgraf, director of fiscal planning, DEED Workforce Development Division, at 651-259-7580 or shelley.landgraf@state.mn.us.