Open competitive applicant grant for eligible Minnesota nonprofit special education parent advocacy organizations. Initial grant period expected January 2027 to December 31, 2028. Continuation subject to funding and performance.
Minnesota MDE SFY2027 Special Education Dispute Resolution Training and Information for Parents Grant (Up to $150,000; November 4)
FundingApplicant award alternatives: one award up to $150,000 OR two awards up to $75,000 each for initial two-year grant period. $150,000 is the entire program funding pool, not an additional amount per recipient. State may offer a lower award.
DeadlineNovember 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time; applications must be received by MDE by that deadline.
Last verified2026-10-30
Required next actionVerify 20 U.S.C. 1471 parent-organization qualifications, Minnesota location, board composition and mission. Prepare signed coversheet/assurances/application narrative as one PDF plus separate Excel budget. Obtain or validate SWIFT supplier ID and UEI. Email complete package to mde.compgrants@state.mn.us by November 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Only salary and travel are eligible costs; consult current MDE instructions.
Broad Eligibility
Minnesota-based private nonprofit parent advocacy organizations meeting 20 U.S.C. 1471 parent-organization board composition and mission requirements. Majority of directors must be parents of children with disabilities ages birth-26. Includes representation by disability professionals and individuals with disabilities. General nonprofits and school districts are not automatically eligible.
Atlas Analysis
Official MDE SFY2027 program announcement and controlling eleven-page application instructions verified October 30, 2026. This is competitive financial assistance for Minnesota nonprofit parent organizations satisfying 20 U.S.C. 1471 board composition and special education mission requirements. The $150,000 funding pool can support one award of up to $150,000 or two awards of up to $75,000 each. Eligible costs are salary and travel; funded written/video materials require MDE general counsel involvement. Applications are due November 4, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time, with signed application PDF and separate Excel budget emailed to MDE. SWIFT and UEI documentation, reimbursement and monitoring conditions apply. No mandatory applicant match percentage is stated.
Minnesota SFY2027 Special Education Dispute Resolution Training and Information for Parents
Applications are open through November 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. The Minnesota Department of Education offers competitive financial assistance for Minnesota nonprofit special education parent advocacy organizations to help families understand and use Individuals with Disabilities Education Act dispute resolution processes. This is a restricted applicant grant, not an ordinary vendor procurement.
Applicant funding and period
The $150,000 total program pool may fund one award of up to $150,000 or two separate awards of up to $75,000 each, at the state’s discretion. The initial period is anticipated to run January 2027 through December 31, 2028. Continuations through December 2031 are possible but not guaranteed. No required applicant matching percentage is stated in the controlling instructions. Grantees track expenditures and reimbursements.
Strict eligibility
Applicants must be Minnesota-based private nonprofit parent organizations meeting 20 U.S.C. section 1471. Their boards must have a majority of parents of children with disabilities ages birth through 26, include individuals with disabilities and special education professionals, and reflect the families served. Their mission must serve families of children with a broad range of disabilities. Schools, individual parents, and general nonprofits are not automatically eligible.
Eligible activities, restrictions and reporting
The grant supports culturally responsive training, parent assistance with mediation, facilitated meetings, due-process hearings, and related IDEA procedural safeguards. Allowable expenses are limited to salary and travel expenses. Written or video resources funded through the grant require collaboration with and advance approval by MDE general counsel for dispute resolution. Quarterly activity and evaluation reporting is expected. Grant funding is subject to award documentation and department conditions.
How to apply
Prepare the signed application coversheet, assurances and narrative together as one PDF and the completed budget as a separate Excel file. A Minnesota SWIFT Supplier ID and, for this federal-source funding, a UEI are required. Submit by email to mde.compgrants@state.mn.us before the deadline; fax, SERVS and Google Docs submissions are not accepted. Review all screening, scoring and application instructions before sending.
Official MDE grant page and controlling FY2027 instructions. Verified October 30, 2026.
Source verificationOfficial government source · education.mn.govAtlas last verified this record 2026-10-30. Always use the funder's current application materials, amendments and portal instructions as the controlling source.View source and application materials ↗
