September 08, 2021

New CMP Grant Window: Employee Engagement with Align

On September 8, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman

Care centers have access to an engagement, retention, and leadership building platform for FREE through a grant for Align’s Employee Engagement Solution. A new grant window is opening soon, just as the previous cycle is wrapping up.

LeadingAge Minnesota and Care Providers of Minnesota collaboratively led this two-year initiative through the civil money penalty (CMP) grants to address employee turnover and its impact on the resident experience and quality of life in Minnesota skilled nursing facilities.

The grant opportunity offers full funding to nursing facilities to improve engagement and retention. In partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and Align, this project will provide tools to both measure staff engagement and make meaningful improvements to create a more engaged workforce. Ultimately, this will positively impact the experience of Minnesota skilled nursing residents.

Five Easy Steps to Apply for Grant Dollars
Step 1: Download the RFP from the Minnesota Department of Human Services website entitled "Nursing Facility Align Employee Engagement Project." Read the RFP to ensure you understand this grant's goals and participant expectations and are prepared to write the most effective application. Download application from the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.

Questions about the application? For technical assistance in preparing your RFP response, please contact Munna Yasiri, DHS, at (651) 431–2264 or email at munna.yasiri@state.mn.us. Contacting any other state employee in connection with this RFP could result in rejection of your response. Email info@align30.com with your questions.

Step 2: Complete and submit your application package to DHS. The fillable form must be submitted to DHS as an email attachment by midnight on Aug. 30. A second round will open after Aug. 30 if this deadline is too soon for your organization. The email address for submission is DHS.NFRP.CostReport@state.mn.us.

Step 3: DHS will review your application and notify you if your application is accepted.

Step 4: Once you’ve received notification of acceptance, contact Align to arrange for your contract. Align will provide an invoice. Following payment, Align will provide you with a receipt to be submitted to DHS.

Step 5: Submit receipt to DHS for reimbursement of the full amount through CMP grant dollars.

Other questions can be directed to Jenna Kellerman at jkellerman@leadingagemn.org.