Brownfields Gap Financing

The Brownfield Gap Financing Program (BGFP) provides grants to nonprofit developers for environmental assessment of property in Hennepin County through funding from the County’s Environmental Response Fund (ERF).  This fund is intended to be used for unexpected environmental issues, to prepare for a larger funding request in the County funding cycle, or to identify/clarify and, in some cases, remediate suspected environmental concerns. Minnesota Brownfields is the co-administrator of the BGFP. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and all funding decisions are made by Hennepin County. All nonprofit developers are encouraged to apply for funds. 

Typical BGFP grants are <$15,000.  Projects may apply for a maximum of $15,000 total in a 12-month span. Projects benefit the community through the development or clean-up of greenspace, recreation centers, affordable housing, education centers, community centers, and neighborhood level economic development opportunities. Information about developing brownfields for community gardens can be found here.

In 2020, the Brownfield Gap Financing Program:

Granted a total of $254,790 to to 24 projects:

 Affordable housing: 13 projects
 Youth and family services: 4 projects
 Neighborhood revitalization: 5 projects
Arts & Culture: 2 projects

Click here to view an interactive BGFP map (2013-21)