Climate and resiliency funding

We support community climate adaptation, resiliency, and mitigation initiatives through two distinct funding opportunities. FORTIFY and IGNITE support non-profits organizations and municipalities as they develop climate projects.

FORTIFY

Through FORTIFY, Hennepin County supports community climate adaptation and climate resiliency initiatives. These projects help Hennepin County become more resilient to the impacts of climate change. By funding these projects, Hennepin County seeks to expand the capacity of residents, communities, businesses and the environment to withstand, respond, and recover from climate change impacts. Note that this is not a grant program, but rather a fund that utilizes contracts to perform services and complete specific projects.

FORTIFY eligibility

• Community engagement and education
• Community preparedness
• Green spaces
• Adaptation and resiliency in the built environment
• Energy resilience

• Community based organizations
• Neighborhood associations
• Not-for profit organizations

IGNITE community climate mitigation fund

The IGNITE Community Climate Mitigation Fund is designed to support projects that directly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within communities, contributing to countywide climate targets. This fund supports community- and city-led energy efficiency, energy reduction, and renewable energy initiatives. Note that this is not a grant program, but rather a fund that utilizes contracts to perform services and complete specific projects.

IGNITE eligibility

Eligible projects include:

• Energy efficiency and conservation
• Renewable energy
• Sustainable transportation
• Mitigation-focused education and engagement

Eligible applicants:

• Municipalities within Hennepin
• County Community based organizations
• Not-for profit organizations

Application timeline and details

Request for proposals (RFPs) for both FORTIFY and IGNITE are open and will close on February 4, 2026. 

The request for proposal can be found in Supplier Portal help.

• Register, get application materials and submit a response through the Supplier Portal
• In "Event Search" enter the event ID or the event name:
  • Event ID: HNCTY-GFP0000136 
  • Event Name = FORTIFY and IGNITE programs funding opportunity
• Review the full details provided in the request for proposal
• Application will require the submission of three documents: Application, workplan, and budget

Selected projects will be contracted to complete work between April 2026 and November 2026.