Medical Education and Research Costs (MERC)
The MERC grant from the Minnesota Department of Health reimburses clinical sites for costs of hands-on clinical education, supporting high-quality training for Minnesota's future health professionals.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Health
Due Dates: September 30, 2026: Clinical Training Site Application (Step One) Due to Teaching Program | October 20, 2026: Teaching Program Application Due to Sponsor | October 31, 2026: Sponsor Institution Complete Application Due to MDH | December 15, 2026: Clinical Training Site Expenditures (Step Two) Due
Funding Amounts: ~$10.7M available statewide (FY2027); minimum site award $5,000; awards are formula-based and depend on eligible expenditures and FTEs.
Summary: Partial reimbursement for Minnesota clinical training sites to offset costs of hands-on clinical education for eligible health professions.
Key Information: Multi-step application via sponsor, teaching program, and site; eligibility and deadlines are strictly enforced.
Description
The Medical Education and Research Costs (MERC) program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health, provides partial reimbursement to Minnesota clinical training sites for the costs incurred in delivering accredited, hands-on clinical education for a range of health professions. The program aims to sustain and strengthen Minnesota’s health care workforce by supporting the infrastructure and resources needed for high-quality clinical training. Funding is distributed by formula based on Medicaid/MA revenue, clinical training expenditures, and trainee FTEs.
