The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management announced 11 organizations that have been awarded funding from the state’s CanRenew grant program to help fund projects addressing a range of community needs, including economic development, public health, violence prevention, youth development, and civil legal aid.
Approximately 150 organizations applied for the grants, requesting more than $22 million for projects and services to communities across Minnesota. The $1 million CanRenew program, established in the 2023 cannabis bill, invests in communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition, fostering development, safety, and stability.
CanRenew grant funds are not intended to support cannabis business operations and cannot be used on revenue-generating projects; instead, projects are intended to help make meaningful and positive impacts in Minnesota communities.
“The exciting projects funded with CanRenew grant funds prove that social equity goes beyond just licensing,” said Jess Jackson, OCM’s director of social equity. “The programs will provide much-needed support to communities experiencing the lingering burden of excessive and discriminatory law enforcement.”
Funding was awarded through a competitive process with review by a committee representing content and community specialists. CanRenew grants cover a one-year grant period and funded programs will begin operating within 90 days of the award notice. The next opportunity to apply for CanRenew funds will come this winter in advance of fiscal year 2027, when funding for grantees increases to $10 million annually.
“At a time of financial uncertainty for organizations providing services to communities, grants like CanRenew are needed now more than ever,” said Jackson. “This ongoing investment will be felt in communities in most need of support across the state.”
