Minnesota Infrastructure Fund Innovation Projects: Application and Guidance

Transforming the public health system in Minnesota

In 2021, the Minnesota Legislature passed a budget that allocated $6 million annually for community health boards and Tribal governments to test innovative ways of delivering Foundational Public Health Responsibilities, through the Minnesota Public Health Infrastructure Funds. In the 2025 legislative session, the annual amount for these grants was reduced to $4 million. The Commissioner of Health works with the State Community Health Services Advisory Committee (SCHSAC) to determine how these funds are distributed.

View current and past innovation projects: Minnesota Infrastructure Fund Projects: Local Innovation, Big Transformation

Apply for funding

MDH will accept request for applications for Round 4 funding beginning Aug. 10 through Sept. 30, 2026.

• Applications must be submitted using this link: IFund Round 4 RFA | REDCap
• This round of applications is only for new projects. Current Public Health Infrastructure Fund grantees - meaning those with active grant agreements - can only apply for a different or new innovation project.
• Eligibility: Community health boards and Tribes are eligible to apply for funds. Funds will support projects within any area or capability in the Foundational Public Health Responsibilities Framework.
• 2026-2027 Round 4 Request for Applications and Evaluation Criteria: Minnesota Public Health Infrastructure Fund Application Guidance (PDF)

MDH will continue to notify CHS administrators and Tribal health directors each time the application period opens. 

NOTE: Applications for Regional Data Models are not being accepted through this application process. If you are interested in pursuing a Regional Data Model, reach out to Gabby.Cahow@state.mn.us. You can find more about Regional Data Models here: Regional Data Models Funding - MN Dept. of Health

Application support

During open application periods, MDH will hold the following optional informational webinars and office hours:

• Aug. 11 at 3 p.m. - Informational webinar
• Aug. 12 at 9 a.m. - Informational webinar
• Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. - Office hours

The meeting links were sent via CHS-PHN email. Please reach out to health.ophp@state.mn.us if you need the meeting link.

Questions and answers

Updated July 2026

MDH received the questions below during March-April 2024, related to a previously open application period. 

The last day to submit questions and answers for Round 4 2026-2027 application is Sept. 15. Questions and answers will be posted here when received. Questions and answers are phrased as they were asked and answered and edited minimally for clarity. 

Please contact Kim Milbrath at MDH Center for Public Health Practice any time with questions: kim.milbrath@state.mn.us