Up to $500,000 Available for Conservation Projects in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced that the Conservation Partners Legacy grant program (CPL) is now accepting applications. The CPL program is designed to support projects that restore, enhance, or protect forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife throughout eligible areas of Minnesota. Applications for the first round of ECP funding are due by 4:00 PM on September 7, 2026.

Grant requests may range from $5,000 to $500,000, with a maximum total project cost of $1,000,000. Nonprofit organizations and government entities are eligible to apply. A 10% match from non-state sources is required. Projects must be located on public lands or waters, or on lands protected by a permanent conservation easement.

For FY2027, the Minnesota State Legislature has allocated CPL funding to projects located in the 7-county Metro Area, including Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties, as well as cities with populations greater than 50,000, including Duluth, Rochester, and Saint Cloud.

A total of $11.1 million is available through the Metro grant cycle. Applications are due by 4:00 PM on September 15, 2026. An additional $2 million is available through the Expedited Conservation Projects (ECP) grant cycle, which funds eligible projects up to $75,000. The ECP application will remain open through May 10, 2027, or until all funds are awarded. 

For more information, please contact Sean Leary, Minneapolis District Office Manager.