BWSR offers a variety of competitive and noncompetitive grant programs to its local government partners. These funds may be appropriated through the Clean Water Fund, Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, the general fund, or direct appropriations.

When funding opportunities are available through BWSR, opportunities to submit competitive or noncompetitive funding requests will be listed on this page.

Multipurpose Drainage Management RFP

The Multipurpose Drainage Management RFP is now open, with $900,000 in funding available for FY 24. This competitive grant program funds multipurpose drainage management practices, targeting critical pollution source areas to reduce erosion and sedimentation, reduce peak flows and flooding, and improve water quality, while protecting drainage system efficiency and reducing drainage system maintenance for priority Chapter 103E drainage systems.
 
Applications must be submitted through eLINK, BWSR’s grants management system. Please read the RFP and policy documents thoroughly to ensure eligibility, and that all application requirements are met.  Applicants may contact their Board Conservationist for additional questions or assistance in submitting an application.
 
How to Apply: Proposals must be submitted via eLINK. Other required program information and the available funding amount can be found here Multipurpose Drainage Management Program
 
Application deadlines: Applications for FY24 funding will be accepted on a rolling basis through June 3, 2024, or until all funds are awarded. Submittals will be reviewed and funding decisions made at the following quarterly intervals:
 
  • December 1, 2023
  • March 1, 2024
  • June 3, 2024                             
FY25 funding will be made available starting July 1, 2024. Updates to application deadlines will be made for FY25 once those funds are available.
 
Resources:
 
 

 

One Watershed, One Plan Planning Grants

BWSR is accepting proposals from partnerships of eligible governments for grants to support development of comprehensive watershed management plan through the One Watershed, One Plan program. These grants provide partial support for plan development; a significant amount of time and effort, which is not covered by the grant, will be required by local government staff and officials to complete the plan. Partnerships pursuing a planning grant must demonstrate readiness and a commitment to work together and an understanding of the scope of work required for a successful planning effort. Applicants are strongly encouraged to work with their BWSR board conservationist as they consider participation in One Watershed, One Plan. 

How to Apply: Proposals must be submitted to BWSR.Grants@state.mn.us.

Application Deadline: June 13, 2024 at 4:30 pm

Resources: 
 

Pollinator Pathways Grants

The Pollinator Pathways grant program promote native plantings that establish key corridors (or pathways) for at-risk pollinators such as (but not limited to) the Monarch Butterfly and Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Minnesota’s State Bee. This will be achieved by establishing and educating Minnesotans about pollinator conservation and promoting overall interest in ecological landscaping.  

Eligible Organizations: 

Academic (including but not limited to PreK through grade 12 schools and PreK through grade 12 public schools)
Cities
Counties
Joint Powers Board
Non-Profit
Soil Water Conservation Districts
Townships
Tribal Governments
Watershed Districts
Watershed Management Organizations

How to apply: Applications must be submitted through eLINK, BWSR’s grants management system. Only grant requests greater than $50,000 will be considered.

Application deadline:  June 20th, 2024, at 4:30pm. Late applications, or applications not submitted via eLINK, will not be considered. 

Resources:

Lawns to Legumes Individual Support Grant

Who administers this grant? Blue Thumb

How to apply: Please visit https://bluethumb.org/

Who is eligible? if you are a Minnesota resident interested in cost-share funding of up to $400.

Application deadline: open through May 15, 2024.

                                

Habitat Enhancement Landscape Program

The Habitat Enhancement Landscape Program (HELP) is focused on restoring and enhancing strategically located, diverse native habitat across Minnesota on conservation lands and natural areas to benefit populations of bees, butterflies, dragonflies, birds, and other wildlife. The program also provides co-benefits of carbon sequestration, soil health, water quality improvements, and increased landscape and climate resiliency.

Eligible Organizations:  

Cities
Counties
For Profit Private
Joint Powers Board
MASWCD Technical Service Area
Non-Profit
Soil Water Conservation Districts
Townships
Tribal Governments
Watershed Districts
Watershed Management Organizations

How to apply: Applications must be submitted through eLINK, BWSR’s grants management system.

Application deadline: June 27, 2024, at 4:30pm.  Late applications, or applications not submitted via eLINK, will not be considered. 

Resources:

 

Performance Review and Assistance Program Grant

The Performance Review and Assistance Program (PRAP) provides grants to local governments who seek to improve efficiency and effectiveness in delivering and executing planned organizational goals and objectives. Local government units do not need to be the subject of a previous PRAP performance review to apply for these funds, but with limited funding, priority is given to recommended activities or strategies from previous reviews. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Board Conservationist and/or Don Bajumpaa, PRAP Coordinator, at don.bajumpaa@state.mn.us for additional information on this program and for assistance in submitting an application.

How to Apply: Proposals must be submitted electronically to Don Bajumpaa at don.bajumpaa@state.mn.us

Application deadline: Applications submitted on an ongoing basis as funding is available.

Resources:

 

Wellhead Protection Partner Grants Program (Pilot)

The MN BWSR will be conducting a second round of grant funding for the Wellhead Protection Partner Grants Program (Pilot). This second round will hope to build upon projects currently underway to assist local government units in addressing their sensitive wellhead areas through land protection options such as fee title acquisition or long-term easements.   Only High or Very High vulnerable Wellhead Protection Areas as mapped in an approved Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Wellhead Protection Plan are eligible to apply.  This grant program is offered in conjunction with ongoing BWSR protection programs such as CREP and RIM where sensitive wellheads remain a high priority for enrollment. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Sharon Doucette at 651-539-2567 or Sharon.Doucette@state.mn.us for additional information on this program and for assistance in submitting an application.

How to Apply: Proposals must be submitted electronically to Sharon Doucette at Sharon.Doucette@state.mn.us.

Application deadline: Applications due the last day of each month as funding is available.

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