Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish a Minnesota Volunteerism Innovation Board to enhance and innovate volunteer efforts across the state. It focuses on supporting community engagement by implementing a grant program and reporting on the impact of volunteer activities.

Main Provisions

• Creation of the Volunteerism Board: An 11-member board will be appointed by the governor. This board will include diverse community leaders and will be responsible for enhancing volunteer capacity in Minnesota.

• Grants for Volunteerism Projects: The board is tasked with administering a grant program designed to support innovative volunteer efforts that align with community indicators like those outlined by Minnesota Compass.

• Reporting and Accountability: The board must deliver annual reports to the legislature and governor, detailing its financials, activities, rules, and the outcomes of awarded grants.

• Expiration and Funding: The board and related sections expire in 2030. There is a financial appropriation from the general fund to support the board’s activities and grants.

Significant Changes

• Establishes a formal structure for promoting volunteerism through the creation of the Minnesota Volunteerism Innovation Board and a related grant system.
• Introduces a requirement for matching funds from non-state sources for grant eligibility.
• Provides a clause to potentially reduce the matching requirement for low-income applicants.

Relevant Terms

Volunteerism, Innovation Board, Community Engagement, Grants, Minnesota Compass, Nonprofit, Public Sector, Business Sector, Legislative Report, State Fund, Matching Funds, Low-Income Applicants.