Region Nine Development Commission

09/04/2026

RNDC Receives $200,000 Blandin Foundation Grant

We’re excited to share that RNDC has received a $200,000 grant from Blandin Foundation to help some of southern Minnesota’s rural communities turn local ideas into action.

Through this funding, RNDC will provide technical assistance in areas including housing, community development, and clean energy. This will help communities with grant writing, planning, and project development so they can compete for larger public investments and build capacity for future growth.

We’re grateful to Blandin Foundation for investing in rural Minnesota and look forward to working alongside communities across the region to build stronger, more resilient places for everyone.

09/03/2026

Industrial Stormwater Permit Deadline Extended

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended the expiration date for the 2020 Multi-sector General Permit (MSGP) to September 30, 2026, giving facilities more time to apply for the 2025 MSGP or No Exposure Certification.

The online application service is now open, and facilities are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Before applying:
• Your facility must be added to your MPCA e-Service account.
• You must have ISW Signatory access.
• If you need access, request it through e-Service and submit the electronic signature submittal agreement form.
• Review the MPCA's application guidance before contacting staff, as the agency is experiencing a high volume of assistance requests.

View MPCA application guidance athttps://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/wq-strm3-105a.pdf

09/02/2026

Local Foods Month came to an end, but the connections made can last all year. Every month can be Local Foods Month!

08/28/2026

MDA Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant

Minnesota farmers and organizations have a new opportunity to test innovative agricultural practices through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant.

The program will award up to $350,000, with grants of up to $50,000 available per project. Funding supports two- to three-year, on-farm research and demonstration projects focused on practices that could improve farm profitability or resource efficiency. Priority will be given to farmer-led projects.

Eligible applicants include Minnesota farmers, Tribal Nations and organizations, educational institutions, nonprofits, and local units of government. Past projects have explored cover crops, crop rotations, on-farm composting, livestock grazing, and new crop varieties.

Applications are due by 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. Learn more about eligibility, past projects, and how to apply through the MDA’s Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant webpage: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/agri-sustainable-agriculture-demonstration-grant

08/26/2026

Free Mental Health Workshops for Agricultural Communities

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and partners in the Minnesota Farm Su***de Prevention Campaign are offering free mental health and suicide-prevention workshops in communities across Minnesota this fall.

The two-hour Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) for Agriculture workshop teaches participants how to recognize warning signs, have supportive conversations, and connect someone who may be at risk with appropriate care and lifesaving resources.

The Changing Our Mental and Emotional Trajectory (COMET) workshop provides practical tools for starting caring conversations with someone who may be struggling and helping them move toward wellness.

These trainings are open to farmers and others who interact with agricultural communities, including crop consultants, agricultural lenders, Extension educators, veterinarians, rural business owners, local officials, clergy, and others.

A QPR for Agriculture session will be held in New Ulm on Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon. There is no charge to attend.

Learn more about upcoming workshops and the Minnesota Farm Su***de Prevention Campaign: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/broad-coalition-puts-spotlight-farmer-suicide-prevention/

08/25/2026

This is the last week of the 2026 Local Foods Month! Stop by a participating restaurant to support local farmers bringing food to our plates. Every day is Local Foods Day when you support local growers!

08/24/2026

08/21/2026

Funding Opportunity for Rural Climate Solutions

The Rural Climate Partnership is accepting Letters of Inquiry on a rolling basis from organizations working to advance practical, community-focused climate solutions in rural communities across the United States.

Funding is available for rural-led and rural-serving nonprofits, public agencies, tribal governments, religious organizations, and other eligible organizations. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $100,000 for projects and $75,000 to $150,000 for general operating support.

Eligible organizations should be based in or directly serve rural communities, small towns, and small cities, with a focus on communities with populations under 50,000.

If your organization is working on innovative, equitable climate solutions in rural communities, this could be an opportunity worth exploring. Letters of Inquiry are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Learn more and submit an LOI here, https://ruralclimate.org/grantmaking/

08/20/2026

Local Foods Month is still going strong! Find your favorite locally sourced dish at 2026 Local Foods Month

08/18/2026

Save the Date! August 29th, RNDC is partnering with COPAL MN for the ECOPAL Experience.