The $10.9 million CanRenew program, established in the original 2023 cannabis bill, invests in communities disproportionately impacted by the enforcement of cannabis laws—identified as communities where long-term residents are eligible to be social equity applicants—fostering community and economic development, safety and stability. By funding projects focused on economic development, social determinants of health, violence prevention, civil labor aid and youth engagement, CanRenew supports organizations making a meaningful impact in community renewal. CanRenew grant funds are not intended to support cannabis business operations and cannot be used on revenue-generating projects.    

“The impact of cannabis prohibition extends far beyond the individuals who were directly affected. Entire communities have experienced the lasting consequences of policies that limited opportunity and contributed to economic and social inequities,” said Jess Jackson, OCM’s director of community and economic development. “Through CanRenew, we have an opportunity to turn the page on that history by reinvesting in the people, organizations and neighborhoods that have borne the greatest burden. This is about more than addressing past harms—it’s about empowering communities to shape their own futures and creating opportunities for lasting prosperity, stability and well-being.” 

The CanRenew community restoration grant program prioritizes projects that demonstrate community support and are led by organizations with a history of successful community investment, including projects that support youth development. Grants are awarded through a competitive process. Eligible applicant organizations include educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, federally recognized Tribes, private businesses, community groups, units of local government, or partnerships among these entities and must meet eligibility criteria to be considered for funding. 

Grant recipient case studies: Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) and Beltrami Area Service Collaboration (BASC) 

Now entering its third funding cycle, CanRenew community restoration grants are making a difference in communities across Minnesota. During the first round of funding (for the 2025-2026 fiscal year), the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA) received $70,000 to establish the Roadmap to Business Success initiative which focuses on supporting BIPOC entrepreneurs in North Minneapolis by providing personal and business financial literacy training, structured mentorship and hands-on guidance for developing sustainable business models. Participants completing the program described it as transformational in building confidence and business direction. Further, participants showed significant progress in building documented business systems, understanding business structure, and transitioning from reactive operations to more strategic, scalable models. 

Beltrami Area Service Collaboration’s (BASC) UPLIFT Project received $100,000 to fund a peer-led substance use prevention program at Bemidji Middle School that empowers youth to build leadership skills and make healthy choices. Funds allowed student participants to create interactive mentoring projects and activities throughout the school year, creating positive opportunities for middle school students to connect and enhance school climate in a substance-free environment. Seventh grade students who participated in activities promoted through the UPLIFT Project responded overwhelmingly that the project helped them to think about making healthy choices (85% agreed), feel confident standing up for themselves and others (81% agreed), and see the importance of choosing support over substances (81% agreed). 

Details for the upcoming funding cycle 

For fiscal year 2027-2028, OCM expects to select between 15 and 50 organizations to receive grant awards ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000. Organizations interested in applying for a CanRenew grant must submit a written application that explains their proposed community investment, the community's needs, and the expected positive outcomes. Applications for the grants will be evaluated based on their potential community impact, the organization’s track record of success, and community support for the investment. Priority will be given to applications from organizations with a demonstrated history of successful community investments, community support for the project, and support for youth civic engagement, leadership, and/or youth-led health education opportunities. OCM will give weight to applications where the proposed grant projects will serve areas where residents are eligible to be social equity applicants.   

CanRenew grants are part of a larger collection of state grants that support and provide funding for technical assistance, financial capital, and workforce training for Minnesota’s legal cannabis industry. OCM also promotes CanGrow to help farmers enter the legal cannabis market. Applications for the next cycle of CanGrow funding are scheduled to be accepted early next year. Three additional grant programs supporting the state’s legal cannabis industry are overseen by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED): CanStartUp, CanNavigate, and CanTrain. For more information on those grant programs visit DEED’s Support for Cannabis Businesses website.  

For more information on CanRenew and CanGrow grant opportunities and how to apply, please visit OCM's Grants webpage.