Minnesota Accepting Applications for $10.9 Million in CanRenew Grants Through January 12

(Photo credit: Adobe Stock/promesaartstudio).

The CanRenew program, funded at $10.9 million, was established under the state’s 2023 cannabis legalization law. Its goal is to help rebuild and strengthen communities disproportionately impacted by prohibition through investments in economic development, violence prevention, youth programs, and health and safety initiatives. The new round of applications will be accepted through January 12, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. CST. “These grants give us a way to address the long-lasting effects of cannabis prohibition,” said Jess Jackson, OCM’s director of social equity. “During the first round of funding, 150 organizations requested over $22 million to support important community programs. We’re proud to continue providing this kind of support where it’s needed most.”

In the previous funding cycle, the program awarded $1 million to organizations across the state. This new round offers two funding tiers. Tier 1 microgrants will range from $2,500 to $10,000 for smaller or emerging organizations, while Tier 2 awards will range from $50,000 to $2 million for groups with experience handling larger-scale projects.

OCM says applications will be evaluated on community impact, the applicant’s track record, and local support for the proposed project. Preference will be given to projects in areas eligible for social equity applicant status and those focused on youth engagement and leadership.

The CanRenew initiative is part of a broader suite of programs aimed at ensuring Minnesota’s new marijuana industry benefits communities that were previously penalized by prohibition. Alongside CanRenew, the state also offers CanGrow, designed to help farmers enter the legal cannabis market, and three additional grant programs—CanStartUp, CanNavigate, and CanTrain—administered through the Department of Employment and Economic Development.

OCM expects to announce recipients of the new CanRenew grants early next year.