Substance Use Prevention, Education, and Recovery (SUPER) Focus Grants RFP Questions and Answers

All questions regarding the Substance Use Prevention, Education, and Recovery (SUPER) Focus Grants RFP will be posted below. Questions must be submitted by email to health.super.mdh@state.mn.us. In the subject line, include the phrase, “SUPER RFP Question.” All answers will be posted within three business days.

Please submit questions no later than April 2, 2025, 4:30 p.m. (CDT)

Q: I intend to apply for this and was wondering what my letter of intent should include and where I should send it?  

A: There are no specific requirements for what applicants need to include in their Letter of Intent. However, we ask that applicants notify MDH of their organization's name. Applicants do not need to specify a population or project.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a non-binding Letter of Intent to apply by March 21, 2025. While prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent, it is not a mandatory requirement of this RFP. This means that an application may still be considered even if the applicant did not submit a Letter of Intent; likewise, an applicant is not obligated to apply just because they submitted a Letter of Intent. Applicants should submit their Letter of Intent via email to health.super.mdh@state.mn.us with the subject line “SUPER RFP Letter of Intent.” An email confirmation for the Letter of Intent will be provided. 

Q: If I have a current grant for Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council (OERAC) funds, can I still apply for this RFP?

A: Yes, if you are receiving Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council funds you can still apply for the grant. 

Q: Are entities that are receiving Cannabis and Substance Use Prevention grants eligible for this funding?  

A: Entities already receiving funding from Sec. 342.72 MN Statutes are not eligible to apply for funding. Entities that receive funding from Sec. 144.197 MN Statutes can apply but must clearly demonstrate how the new application will supplement, rather than duplicate, activities funded by Section 144.197. 

Q: Is there any additional guidance that can be given on what would constitute "urban" under this rfp? Does this definition include areas outside of the twin cities/metro area? 

A: The definition of Urban for this RFP aligns with the U.S. Census Bureau’s definition of Urban for the 2020 census (Urban and Rural). It does expand outside of the Twin Cities/Metro area.  

Examples of Urban by this application may include, but are not limited to: 

• Twin Cities/Metro Area
• Duluth
• Bemidji
• Rochester  

Q: Are for-profit clinics eligible for this grant? 

A: Yes, for-profit clinics are eligible for this grant, as they are considered a “health care organization” from the list of eligible applicants. 

Q: When requesting funding for each focus area, should we identify each specific purpose separately?  

A: It is not required to identify each purpose separately – the intention is that the focus areas would be interconnected and intersecting for the applicant and avoid the creation of silos. The only time focus areas need to have clear separation is in the applicant's budget.   

Q: Can you provide an example of when an advance payment might be made? For instance, could we request funds to purchase curriculum for teaching in schools, allowing staff time to review and prepare? Additionally, could we request funds to hire another counselor to enhance and expand programming? 

A: At this time, our program does not have an example of an approved advance payment request, but we can share information on the process. Requests for approval of advance payments are approved on a case-by-case basis. Requests are carefully reviewed by leadership and need a strong reason to show why the advance payment is necessary. The agency's review is designed to ensure confidence that the grantee can responsibly manage the funds and adhere to the terms of the grant agreement. 

Awarded grantees are encouraged to work with their grant managers to consider all available options. These may include submitting invoices more frequently (e.g., weekly or monthly instead of quarterly) or coordinating with MDH staff to expedite invoice processing, rather than waiting the standard 30-day timeframe.  

While the activities mentioned (purchasing curriculum and hiring staff) are considered approved activities for the grant, an advance payment request would require additional information about the requesting organization, agency review, and revisions to the grant agreement language to account for the advance payments.  

Q: If an applicant selects three focus communities and two of the three are Priority Focus Communities, how many bonus points would be awarded? 

A: The applicant would receive 2 bonus points. Bonus points are only awarded once for priority focus communities.  

Q: The materials note in several places that "the total grant award will reflect four equal installments of funding for four years." However, with the Enhancement Opportunity, there is obviously significantly more funding available for FY25 and FY26. Can you further explain this? 

A: Thank you for identifying this error and for the opportunity to provide further clarification! 

Applicants who do not apply for the enhancement opportunity should expect four equal installments over four years.

Applicants who apply for the primary and/or secondary focus AND the enhancement opportunity should expect four installments over four years where the amount of the first two installments is greater than the amount of the last two installments. 

Applicants who apply for the enhancement opportunity only will receive two equal installments over two years. 

Q: We noted the estimated award minimum is $100,000 and the estimated award maximum is $500,000. Is that per year or the total amount for the four years -- and does that include the Enhance Opportunity figures? 

A: It is up to $500,000 per year, and it does include the enhance opportunity figures. 

Q: We noted that "25% of funded applicants will have a focus on youth under the age of 25." Is this 25% a maximum or a minimum? Could more than 25% of the total grant funds go to applicants that have a youth focus? 

A: 25% is a minimum. More than 25% of total grant funds could go to applicants with a youth focus. 

Q: The Enhancement Opportunity AND Primary Focus seem to both fund strategies that address the intersection between substance use and mental health. Is the amount of time that an awardee would spend on these activities the key difference between Enhanced Opportunity and Primacy Focus (i.e., through June 2026 vs. 4 years)? If not, please share more information on the difference between them. 

A: It is correct that the amount of time for implementation is the major difference between the primary focus and enhancement opportunity. Program considers the enhancement opportunity as “short term funding” and projects are encouraged to be an enhancement of existing infrastructure. 

Q: Is there a maximum funding amount that applicants can request for the Enhancement Opportunity? 

A: If applying for the enhancement opportunity only the maximum funding amount per applicant is $500,000 annually for two years (total of $1,000,000).  

The funding limit does not change if the organization applies for both the primary and/or secondary focus and the enhancement opportunity and remains $500,000 annually. Applicants may indicate what they hope to receive as a base funding for the 4 years in addition to the amount for the 2-year enhancement amount. That amount may not exceed $500,000 annually.   

Q: Is there a minimum or maximum grant amount that will be rewarded? And how many agencies might receive funding?  

A: Up to 25 awards are expected to be granted, with estimated funding ranging from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $500,000 per year. 

Q: Can you tell me if an LLC is able to apply for SUPER Focus grant funding? 

A: Yes, LLCs are able to apply for this opportunity. Applicant organizations with this designation may fall into a specific category within the list of eligible applicants (e.g. health care organization) or meet eligibility by identifying as an "other interested agencies demonstrating experience to provide evidence-informed, or innovative substance misuse prevention and/or treatment."  

Applicants should clearly demonstrate in their applications how their proposals align with and support the intended purposes outlined in this RFP. 

 Q: Is the $500,000 max award an annual amount or is that total over the grant period? Are the min max awards for the total grant period?  

A: Please refer to question number 10 listed above for more details. 

 Q: If you are already receiving CSUP (Cannabis and Substance Use) funding are you able to apply for this funding? 

A: Please refer to question number 3 listed above for more details. 

Q: What is your definition of urban settings? Can you clarify how you define "urban" for American Indian populations?  

A: Please refer to question number 4 listed above for more details. 

 Q: What information should be included in the Letter of Intent other than that you plan to apply? 

A: Please refer to question number 1 listed above for more details. 

 Q: Does "youth" in this RFP refer to adolescents up to age 25 or does it include younger children as well? 

A: Younger children may be included. We are following the legislation (Sec. 144.197 MN Statutes) which states, “persons under age 25.” The legislation does not set a minimum age range, so younger children may be included.  

 Q: Can a licensed professional be hired as part of the application’s work plan? 

A: Yes. 

 Q: Are treatment centers eligible for this funding opportunity? Additionally, are professionals in a private practice (LADC – Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) eligible?  

A: Yes, these entities would fall under the “health care organizations” category laid out in the eligible applicants section of the RFP. 

Q: Does treatment include partially funding naloxone? 

A: Yes, it does. However, there is a capped amount where only a certain percentage of dollars may go towards naloxone, but it is considered an allowable expense.  

From the RFP, page 23: Overdose prevention medication is an allowable expense for up to 10% of applicant’s proposed budget. MDH will work with grantees to find low-cost/free options to acquire naloxone and maximize their funds.

 Q: Can you clarify the difference between recovery programs (primary focus) and treatment programs (secondary focus)? 

A: While there are overlaps and similarities between recovery and treatment programs, key distinctions exist. Recovery programs may include activities that support the individual's family and may not directly involve the patient or individual with the substance use disorder. In contrast, treatment programs are generally focused on the individual and may involve more direct, intensive interventions such as prescribing medication or providing inpatient and outpatient care. 

That said, some recovery programs may also work with individuals but often emphasize peer support groups or other community-based approaches rather than clinical settings. Examples of recovery-focused efforts could include peer support groups or healing circles, which can sometimes have elements of both recovery and treatment. 

We understand there is significant overlap between the two, and we are open to flexibility. If your proposal fits into one category more than the other, we will evaluate it to ensure it aligns with the funding opportunity. 

 Q: What does the short-term enhancement opportunity timeline look like? Is it 3 months, 6 months, or a year? 

A: The short-term timeline is approximately a year. However, there is some flexibility, as funds may be spent slightly beyond that one-year timeframe. This flexibility is tied to the structure of the biennium funding cycle, which is why we recommend planning for no more than two years. Overall, the short-term enhancement opportunity is designed to span about a year. 

 Q: Are programs required to focus solely on one priority community, or can proposals serve overlapping populations (e.g., justice-impacted African American youth)? 

A: Proposals can include overlapping populations. This RFP emphasizes the importance of acknowledging intersectionality among communities, allowing applicants to select multiple populations when submitting their application. We understand that overlapping needs and priorities often exist, so proposals addressing more than one community are welcome. 

Q: Does the short-term enhancement opportunity have to include the primary focus, or could it focus on treatment alone (secondary focus)? 

A: Proposals for the short-term enhancement can focus on treatment alone (secondary focus) and are not required to have both prevention (primary) and treatment focus (secondary).  

Q: What constitutes a "Collaborative Proposal?" 

A: A collaborative proposal involves at least two organizations working together. This collaboration could include a partnership approach sharing funding and responsibilities of the proposal, forming non-financial partnerships, and a partnership where there is an identified lead for the bulk of the proposal with a partnership for a specific aspect of the proposal. The goal is to build on or enhance existing collaborations and partnerships. 

Examples of approved partnerships might include collaborations between local public health organizations and educational service districts, or a partnership between a treatment center and a school. Another example could be partnering with a for-profit organization to design or develop resources, such as a treatment app or service. 

These are just a few examples, and we are open to hearing your interpretation of collaboration. We are flexible and will work with you to determine how your proposed partnership fits within this definition. 

Q: The form states that the enhancement opportunity's required community is "individuals with a mental health condition." Can individuals in substance use recovery, rather than those with a mental health condition, qualify for this funding? 

A: Yes, applicants can select multiple communities, including both individuals with a mental health condition and those in substance use recovery, to qualify for the enhancement opportunity. The intent is to emphasize the connection between mental health and substance use disorder, highlighting their intersection in program focus. 

Q: If an application includes individuals aged 18-30, would it still be considered a "youth-centered" application? 

A: Yes, it would qualify as youth-centered, as part of the age range falls under or includes individuals aged 25 and younger. 

Q: How are you defining and conceptualizing harm reduction for the RFP?  

A: Our approach to harm reduction is informed by the expertise of our drug overdose units and harm reduction specialists, as well as their ongoing work in this area. Harm reduction includes strategies such as needle exchanges, syringe service programs, medication-assisted treatments, and the use of tools like testing strips or Narcan (also known as naloxone or other overdose reversing medication). These are just a few examples, particularly in relation to opioid overdose prevention. 

We are also open to hearing additional harm reduction proposals for other substances. For instance, harm reduction in the context of cannabis use is an emerging area with ongoing conversations in this space. 

Q: For Black/African American communities, are there additional priority subgroups (e.g., immigrants, refugees) that MDH recommends focusing on?  

A: Immigrants and refugees are two subsets we strongly recommend considering. When documenting the populations you intend to work with in your application, you may use the "other" option to specify these subgroups. For instance, you can indicate a focus on Black/African Americans, particularly within these subsets, such as immigrants, refugees, or East African communities. This allows you to highlight specific aspects or priorities within your proposal. 

Q: Does the licensed professional need to have a specific type of license, such as being a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), or could it include a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)?  

A: Eligible professionals may include Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), or even Certified Peer Specialists. The key requirement is that the individual holds some form of professional licensing or certification. 

Q: Can organizations funded by Drug-Free Communities (DFC) apply for this opportunity?  

A: Yes, being funded by DFC does not prevent eligibility. You are welcome to apply for this funding opportunity. 

Q: If we apply for the Short-Term Enhancement Opportunity along with the Primary and Secondary Focus areas, does the $500K total award cap still apply?  

A: Yes, the $500K total award cap still applies. 

Q: Is a 501(c)(3) status required? Are fiscal sponsors permitted?  

A: 501(c)(3) status is not required. Fiscal sponsors are allowed. 

Q: How many miles from Bemidji is still considered urban? There are three Native American Tribal Nations surrounding Bemidji, so I am wondering if these are included.  

A: American Indian individuals residing within the city limits of Bemidji fall under the definition of “living in an urban setting.” There are no urban areas overlapping with Bemidji that would extend the area considered urban. To meet the definition of “American Indians living in urban settings,” individuals must currently live off federally defined Tribal lands within urban areas, per Urban Indian Health – Urban Indian Health Institute. Individuals living on the lands of the three Native American Tribal Nations surrounding the city of Bemidji would not be included in the definition.  

Q: Is a board of director(s) required to apply?  

A: No, a board of director(s) is not required. 

Q: Are MDH TOWN (Tackling Overdose with Networks) awardees eligible to apply for SUPER Focus grant funding?  

A: Yes, MDH TOWN awardees are eligible to apply. However, applicants must clearly outline in their application how they plan to build upon or supplement their existing work, rather than duplicating efforts. 

Q: Does an applicant need formal education (e.g., bachelor's, master's, or doctorate), or is life experience sufficient? What about certifications?  

A: No specific level of formal education is required to apply. However, for the treatment component of the RFP, some form of certification or license is necessary. This does not mean you necessarily need a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate to obtain that certification. Alternatively, you can indicate a partnership with someone or an organization that employs providers or individuals holding the required certification.

Q: Are telehealth services approved services? 

A: Yes. 

Q: Prevention activities include examples like school-linked behavioral health or school-based peer programs. Can these services be provided through an after-school program? 

A: Yes. 

Q: Is the budget narrative only required for Year one?

A: Yes, it is only required for Year one. 

Q: Can funds be used to support housing costs within a continuum of care model (recovery communities) for participants in Intensive Outpatient Substance Use Disorder Programs with justice-involved backgrounds (reentry/recovery programs)?

A: Yes, funds can be used for this purpose. However, to clarify, any costs associated with construction or building new housing are considered ineligible. Support for individuals in their current living situations is an eligible expense. 

Q: Are incentives or community support supplies considered allowable expenses under this grant funding source?

A: Yes, they are allowable expenses. Applicants can refer to the Incentive Guidelines for MDH Grantees (PDF) to ensure that expenses align with MDH’s requirements.

Q: Do you provide technical support for the application process? If so, what kind of support is available?  

A: At this time, we do not have a defined set of technical supports in place. However, if you have specific questions about the application or need assistance, please reach out to health.super.mdh@state.mn.us, and we will explore what types of support may be possible. 

We also encourage connecting with local public health partners or other MDH grantees who may be able to provide assistance. While we currently do not have a specific list of technical supports, we are here to help in any way we can. 

Q: How will MDH define success for this funding round? Are there overarching state-level goals or priorities applicants should align with?  

A: Success will be defined collaboratively between MDH and the awarded grantees as part of the evaluation process. As required by legislation, MDH will evaluate and report on these grants to the legislature, with specific success metrics determined in partnership with the grantees. 

Broadly, the desired outcomes include increasing access, providing support, and offering education, which are considered high-priority goals. However, the specific measures of success will be determined collectively as a cohort in collaboration with our evaluation team. 

Q: Is a program designed for statewide deployment across diverse groups considered equally alongside those serving specific geographic areas?

A: Yes, such programs are acceptable. 

Q: Does "impacted by the justice system" include involvement with the child protection system or the loss or limitation of custody of children?  

A: Yes, it does. 

Q: Is there a separate application process for the short-term enhancement opportunity?  

A: No, the process is the same. However, you may need to answer a few questions differently, such as selecting the short-term enhancement option and providing a two-year budget summary instead of a four-year summary. Otherwise, the questions remain the same. 

Q: Could you provide an example of how someone might apply for both secondary and enhancement dollars? Why would one consider applying for both?  

A: Applicants may choose to apply for both funding opportunities for a variety of reasons. For example, a local public health department that is already developing a program might use the short-term enhancement dollars to establish or expand an initiative, while leveraging the funding for the four-year grant period for continued development and sustainability over a longer period. 

Additionally, short-term enhancement dollars could be used to launch a specific project, clinic opportunity, or pilot program with an immediate infusion of funds to get it off the ground. Meanwhile, applying for secondary focus dollars allows for a focus on creating long-term impact or implementing broader system-level strategies. This approach ensures both immediate progress and sustained efforts.  

Q: Can food expenses be included for community activities?

A: Yes, food is an allowable expense for community activities. 

Q: Can you provide a definition for trade secret materials? 

A: "Trade secret information" means government data, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique or process (1) that was supplied by the affected individual or organization, (2) that is the subject of efforts by the individual or organization that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy, and (3) that derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use (Sec. 13.37 MN Statutes). 

Q: Will the selected organizations be publicly announced?  

A: Yes, applicants will be notified of funding decisions by April 23, 2025.  

Q: Can a proposal focus on supporting families in helping their loved ones with substance use?  

A: Yes, it can. 

Q: Can a licensed professional be hired as part of the work plan instead of being already on staff or collaborating?

A: Yes, they can. 

Q: Can funds be used to support an individual transitioning from incarceration into the community who has identified substance use disorder/mental health concerns and lacks housing? For example, could they cover a deposit or temporary shelter? Would this fall under recovery housing?

A: Yes, it would.  

Q: Would launching a mental health clinic focused on priority populations be considered a potential project under the enhancement opportunity category? Could you also elaborate on the goal of this category, particularly "to build foundational capacity around the intersection of mental health promotion and substance misuse prevention"?  

A: Regarding the first question about launching a clinic, yes, this would be considered a potential project under the enhancement opportunity category. However, it's important to note that construction expenses are ineligible. While building a clinic would face these limitations, establishing and operating a clinic is an allowable activity. 

As for the goal of building foundational capacity at the intersection of mental health promotion and substance misuse prevention, an example brought up during the development of this request for proposal highlights increasing knowledge and understanding of this connection. This could involve activities such as continuing education, supporting trainings or professional development for individuals, or working within schools to build capacity among those who engage with youth. Organizations could explore a variety of approaches to enhance knowledge and capacity in these areas, depending on their specific contexts and objectives. 

Q: Can enhanced opportunity funding be used for internal capacity building, such as training coaches to implement fidelity strategies aimed at improving program implementation and client outcomes?  

A: Yes, it can. 

Q: What measures has MDH implemented to ensure that populations with the highest rates of disparities are not excluded due to loopholes in the grant awarding process?  

A: The identification of specific populations for bonus points is based on current disparities shown in substance use data and use rates. These bonus points are intended to reflect and address the identified needs. 

Additionally, the application process includes a range of targeted questions, and the review process aims to involve community reviewers. This ensures that proposals are carefully evaluated to address the needs of populations most affected by these challenges. The infrastructure established within the application requirements helps reviewers assess applications thoroughly and mitigate concerns about potential loopholes, such as merely selecting populations to gain bonus points without substantial alignment. 

Q: Could funds be used to support organizational capacity, to support peer supervisor/coach capacity to support peers in building skills to maintain motivational interviewing fidelity? 

A: Yes, this is an eligible expense. 

Q: Is office space cost an eligible expense?  

A: Yes, office space costs are considered an eligible expense for a proposal. However, applicants should note that rent and office space costs are also covered under approved indirect costs (refer to Attachment C, Indirect Guidance tab). To avoid duplication, these costs should not be included in both areas of the proposal.

Q: Is staff development allowable? i.e. college courses 

A:  Staff development and training is an allowable expense. 

Q: Can our proposal have an increasing award request, allowing for expansion? 

A: Yes, proposals may have an increasing award request. It is recommended for applicants to provide clear justification for the increasing request. 

Q: How do you define “Individuals Impacted by the Justice System”? In addition to individuals with current or past incarceration, would this also include individuals in drug court programs? Would it include women with child protection system involvement? Would it include children of women involved with the justice system in one of the above ways? 

A: MDH is aware that the justice system has a lasting impact beyond those who are incarcerated, and the choice of verbiage is intentional to widen the scope for this RFP. All of the populations listed in the questions above would meet the definition of “individuals impacted by the justice system.”  

Currently, we consider the following list as our definition of individuals impacted by the justice system: individuals who are or were previously incarcerated, family members or loved ones of individuals who are or were incarcerated, individuals at risk of interacting with the justice system (youth AND adults), individuals directly or indirectly impacted by drug court programs, individuals directly or indirectly impacted by child protection system involvement, and individuals or communities that support individuals impacted by the justice system. 

MDH welcomes proposals that include additional populations beyond those listed. 

Q: Should applicants provide a budget for year 1 and then complete the short page for the following 3 years collectively? How will the enhancement portion will be identified? Alternatively, should applicants prepare a 1-year budget for each year and then compile a final budget for all 4 years? 

A:  Applicants should compile a budget narrative for one year, and then a summary of the total request for the four years. 

only the enhancement opportunity, the summary of the total request will be for only two years.   

If applying for the enhancement opportunity in addition to the primary and secondary focus, it will be listed in the applicant's project narrative. Applicant may also note it in the budget narrative. 

Q: In the RFP, it states "Please note, entities already receiving funding from 2024 Minnesota Statutes Chapter 342. Cannabis are not eligible to apply for funding. Additionally, this RFP funding opportunity is separate from the Communities That Care RFP, which is available through the same program." 

If an applicant has submitted a funding application to the Office of Cannabis Management but has not yet received a funding decision, would they still be eligible to apply for the SUPER grant? Furthermore, if selected, would they be able to receive both grants? 

A: Organizations receiving funding under MN Statutes Chapter 342 are not eligible for the SUPER Focus grants to avoid duplication of funding. However, applicants who have applied for other grants under Chapter 342 may still apply but can only choose one grant if awarded funding by both programs.

Q: Is there a cap on the indirect rate for the proposed budget? In the budget template it says, "10% or less, or federally negotiated rate.” Does this mean MDH will accept proposals with IDC rates greater than 10%?  

A: Currently, there is no cap on the indirect rate for a proposed budget if it is a federally negotiated rate. MDH may accept proposals with IDC rates greater than 10%, provided the rate is federally negotiated. Applicants must submit proper documentation for their federally negotiated IDC rate to MDH for record-keeping purposes.

Q: In filling out the Due Diligence Form, Section 4: Financial Review, would government entities fall under the exempt category per the description: “Community Health Boards (CHBs), political subdivisions, including municipalities (county, town, city, school districts), are exempt from this section and should proceed to Section 6. All other entities must complete one of the following subsections as applicable. This section is unscored.”

A: Correct, government entities fall under exempt category. 

Q: Can an organization not apply for the secondary focus area alone (without also applying for the primary focus or enhancement opportunity)?

A: Organizations are unable to apply for the secondary focus only. Applicants may apply for the secondary focus area through the enhancement opportunity.  

Q: Can a proposal include multiple activities (with distinct goals and activities) which prioritize different focus communities? For instance, one goal around community awareness promotion and education geared toward the African American community and another goal area focused on post-residential recovery support for African American and Native American women?

A: Yes.  

Q: In one of the answers to a question published on the website, it is stated: “The only time focus areas need to have clear separation is in the applicant's budget.” Can you explain this more fully? I reviewed the budget instructions, and I don’t see in them an instruction to split out budget figures by focus area.    

A: In the budget narrative (Attachment C, tab “Year 1 Budget Narrative”), it is recommended that applicants indicate whether a cost is for the short-term enhancement funding or the primary and/or secondary focus areas.   

Q: Regarding the Narrative portion of the application, the instructions state: "Applicants must provide answers to the application narrative questions. Applicants are strongly encouraged to use the Microsoft Word template provided on the MDH webpage."

Should applicants respond directly under each numbered question, or address all questions under specific headings in paragraph form?

For example: For Application Narrative questions #2-5, should I respond to each individually under its respective number, or combine responses into a single paragraph?  

A: Both approaches are acceptable. Applicants may choose to respond directly under each numbered question or address multiple questions together in paragraph form. Please note that while using the Microsoft Word template is encouraged, it is not mandatory. MDH is also open to reviewing applications using alternative response formats.  

Q: Are entities/organizations limited to submitting a single application?

A: While applicants may submit multiple applications, it is recommended to submit only one due to the high volume of expected submissions. Applicants are encouraged to include multiple communities of focus within a single application to streamline efforts and minimize the need for multiple submissions.  

Q: Would covering a portion of driver’s license reinstatement fees for justice-involved individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions be an allowable expense under the Primary Focus area—specifically as a means to “provide resources and support…to initiate, stabilize, and maintain long-term recovery”? In rural Minnesota, license reinstatement costs are a significant barrier to employment, treatment access, and recovery support.

A: Yes, this activity is considered an allowable expense.  

Q: Is the SUPER grant solicitation affected by the federal grant cuts announced on March 26, 2025?

A: No, these grants are funded through state resources and are not impacted by federal grant cuts.