Since our establishment in 1985, Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota (CDF-MN) has been at the forefront of addressing the unique needs of Minnesota’s children, youth, and families envisioning a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive.
To achieve this vision, we are committed to a strategy of movement-building and institutional growth, focusing on child-centered public policy, racial equity, and the lived experiences of young people. In addition to our advocacy efforts, which include extensive research, community engagement, and youth development programs, CDF-MN is proud to own two vital tools aimed at enhancing family economic stability and improving child outcomes:
Bridge to Benefits: This initiative increases awareness and participation in public work support programs and federal and state tax credits. Our web-based project includes an online screening tool to help families determine potential eligibility for various programs. Despite the availability of these resources, many eligible Minnesota families are not participating or claiming the benefits that could significantly enhance their economic stability.
Economic Stability Indicator: This dynamic online tool illustrates how wages, public programs, and tax credits interact to either support or hinder a family’s path to economic stability. By demonstrating the gap between low wages and a basic needs budget, the tool helps policymakers evaluate legislative changes and enables families to better understand how wages and public programs can improve their journey toward self-sufficiency.
Through these initiatives and our ongoing work, we continue to pave the way for a brighter future for Minnesota’s children and youth.
Apply Now to Receive Summer EBT in 2025
Summer EBT provides $120 in grocery benefits per eligible child during summer break. Contact your school now to complete the Educational Assistance application to receive this benefit NEXT summer. The application deadline is Aug. 31st!
Educational Assistance Application
Each school year school districts ask families to complete the Educational Assistance Application. This not only provides money to schools to support free school meals but also student and family benefits may include free or discounted fees for cable and internet providers, no-cost meals and snacks, reduced athletics, transportation, and testing fees. Eligibility from a previous year expires 30 days after the new school year begins. Applications are mailed to every enrolled student the first week of August. Families will need to connect with their school to complete an application if they do not receive one. Schools may request as many additional applications as needed for your school.
K-12 Tax Credit
Save Receipts for School Supplies! The Minnesota Department of Revenue offers two valuable tax benefits for caregivers who purchase school supplies for their K-12 students: the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction. These benefits can reduce taxes to increase a family’s refund, but is only available for those who keep receipts. Purchases for most school supplies, field trips, and musical instruments for school band are eligible. Most Minnesota caregivers qualify for the K-12 subtraction, which reduces their taxable income. Parents under certain income limits may also qualify for the K-12 credit, which can refund up to 75% of their costs – even for parents who do not owe any taxes.
ELS Online Application System
Early Learning Scholarships help families afford high-quality child care and early education programs. At this time, maximum scholarship award amounts vary based on the child’s age, program type, county where the program is located, and Parent Aware participation status. View the Early Learning scholarships Maximum Award Amounts and Early Learning Scholarships Maximum Registration Fees to learn more. The scholarship cap may be subject to change.
As of July 16, 2024, the Pathway I Early Learning Scholarship application can be completed online! To create an account, visit the Early Learning Scholarships Hub