Climate-Smart Counties & Communities (CSCC) is a three-year program that connects Minnesota-based leaders with a growing group of peer leaders and technical experts, including partners in Germany, working side-by-side to accelerate climate resiliency efforts and develop actionable solutions. Program participants are also eligible to apply for funding for a resiliency-focused technical project.
This program is funded by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and builds on Climate-Smart Municipalities, a long-standing program hosted by the Institute on the Environment that connects German and Minnesotan municipal leaders.
Who Can Apply?
The CSCC program supports organizations across Minnesota that are developing and implementing climate resiliency plans. Leaders from counties, municipalities, Tribal nations, and regional development organizations who are ready to build momentum on resiliency are strongly encouraged to apply – no fully-formed plan needed. Individuals representing organizations based in or serving rural communities are especially encouraged to apply. As part of the program, admitted participants will have opportunities to apply for technical project funding. Project proposals that represent more than one organization – such as neighboring cities or county-city collaborations – are especially desirable.
How It Works
- Regular virtual meetings: Participants attend nine virtual meetings each year to share and learn from technical experts and peer leaders from Minnesota and Germany. These meetings are already underway; we welcome participants on a rolling basis.
- Technical support funding: Participants can apply to receive up to $9,000 and be matched with an advanced technical intern from FH Münster University for a five-month resiliency project.
- In-person workshops: Participants attend two in-person workshops where peer leaders work together to identify practical solutions to sustainability concerns. The workshops are expected to be two-day gatherings; the first will be held February 2027 in Greater Minnesota.
What You'll Gain
- Connection to a statewide network of Minnesota leaders tackling resiliency together with direct access to peers and lessons learned
- Relevant knowledge, ideas, and connections to apply to your organization’s climate resiliency goals
- Statewide recognition as a resiliency leader and model for other Minnesota counties and communities
How to Participate
Joining this group of peer leaders requires your commitment to showing up and an intention to develop understanding and leadership on one or more resiliency topics that fit your organization.
Step 1: Join the Group
We accept new participants on a rolling admission basis through a low-barrier application process. To join the group, applicants must provide:
Ready to apply? Fill out the step 1 application form.
Step 2: Apply for Technical Support Funding
On a yearly basis, we provide technical support funding to CSCC members. Selected applicants will be matched with an advanced technical intern from FH Münster University and receive up to $9,000 toward a five-month resiliency project. Host organizations are responsible for fully compensating their interns; see below for details.
The next deadline for funding is October 2027; we will begin accepting applications in August 2027.
To apply for technical support funding, applicants must already be part of the CSCC network and provide a designated mentor, project description and details, and information about their financial contribution.
To receive funding, your organization must designate a qualified mentor who will supervise and support the intern for the duration of your project. Applicants will need to provide the mentor’s job title, contact information, and a brief description of their qualifications for the role.
The application will prompt you to briefly describe (3–4 paragraphs) the resiliency project or problem you'd like help solving. For inspiration, review the resiliency projects listed below on this page. If your project involves other organizations, be prepared to list them.
Interns must receive at least the Minnesota minimum wage in your region and work 32–40 hours per week. As of October 2026, state-wide minimum wage is $11.41/hour; applicant organizations should expect to pay their interns roughly $7,900 to $9,900, depending on hours worked. The metro area's minimum is $16.37 an hour, with an estimated range of $11,300 to $14,100.
Hosting organizations will also need to cover the visa processing fee of $1,200. Climate-Smart Counties & Communities program staff will work with you on the specific visa requirements and help ensure a smooth process.
CSCC technical funding award covers up to $9,000 toward intern wages. The application will require you to enter the dollar amount your organization can commit towards the project work performed by your potential intern.
Climate-Smart Project Examples from Minnesota Cities
Wondering what's possible? Climate-Smart Municipalities program participants, which inspired the Climate-Smart Counties & Communities program, have completed a number of resiliency projects, some of which are listed below.
Meet the Program Team
Mauren Pierson
Funding & Acknowledgements
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. Currently 40% of net Minnesota State Lottery proceeds are dedicated to growing the Trust Fund and ensuring future benefits for Minnesota’s environment and natural resources.