HF2589

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to create the Minnesota Volunteerism Innovation Board to enhance volunteer efforts across the state. It seeks to encourage and support innovative volunteer initiatives that positively impact Minnesota communities by establishing a structured system for administering grants, supporting volunteer organizations, and evaluating the effectiveness of volunteer programs.

Main Provisions

• Establishment of the Minnesota Volunteerism Innovation Board: The board consists of 11 voting members appointed by the governor, alongside a non-voting secretary from an administrative support contractor.
• Board Responsibilities: The board will gather information on existing volunteer efforts, assess and enhance the capacity of organizations to address community challenges, recommend strategies to volunteer leaders, and report outcomes to state leadership.
• Grant Administration: The board will manage a grant program aimed at promoting measurable volunteering achievements related to state development indicators, primarily through non-stipend volunteer work.
• Eligibility and Requirements: Organizations must match grant funds with their own resources, though in-kind contributions are allowed. Certain match requirements can be reduced for low-income applicants. Grants are awarded with an emphasis on equitable distribution across different regions.
• Funding and Duration: A $2 million fund is allocated for 2026-2027, with administrative cost limits set at $80,000 per year. The board and its functions are set to expire on June 30, 2030.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill introduces new sections into Minnesota Statutes chapter 10 that structure how volunteerism is managed at the state level, focusing on innovative approaches to community service through evidence-based volunteer efforts.

Relevant Terms

Minnesota Volunteerism Innovation Board, grant program, nonprofit organizations, community engagement, volunteer efforts, grant tracking, community indicators, legislative report, volunteer account, nonstate match.