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BWSR offers a variety of competitive grant programs. 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 requests will be listed on this page.

Funding opportunities for BWSR formula grant programs utilizing a Request for Interest (RFI) can be found here Request Formula Grant Funds 

Multipurpose Drainage Management

The Multipurpose Drainage Management RFP is now open, with an additional $900,000 in funding available starting in FY27. The amount available for any batching period may change based on awarded projects. Current balance for the available funding amount can be found here Multipurpose Drainage Management Program 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 program documents thoroughly to ensure eligibility, and that all application requirements are met. Applicants may contact their Board Conservationist with additional questions if they need assistance when submitting an application.

Eligible Org. Types: Counties, Joint Powers Board, Soil Water Conservation Districts and Watershed Districts

How to Apply: Funding request applications must be submitted through eLINK. Other required program information and the available funding amount can be found here Multipurpose Drainage Management Program

Application deadlines: Funding request applications in eLINK for FY27 grants will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications must be submitted in eLINK no later than 4:30 pm on May 27, 2027, or until all funds are awarded. Submittals will be reviewed and funding decisions made at the following quarterly intervals:

  • May 29, 2026
  • August 31, 2026
  • November 30, 2026
  • February 25, 2027
  • May 27, 2027

Resources:

FY 2027 Clean Water Legacy Partners Grant Program 

The Clean Water Legacy Partners Grant Program provides funding for developing and implementing a water legacy grant program to expand partnerships for clean water. Non-governmental nonprofit organizations, Tribal governments, the 1854 Treaty Authority, and the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission are eligible to apply.

For questions regarding the grant program, email cwfquestions@state.mn.us with “Clean Water Legacy Partners Grant” in the subject line.

How to Apply: Applications must be submitted via eLINK, BWSR’s grants management system. Financial information required for nonprofit organizations must be emailed following the instructions in the Request for Proposals.

Application deadline: Applications must be submitted in eLINK no later than 4:30 pm on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. 

Resources: 

Bridging Conservation

The purpose of the Bridging Conservation Grant Program to promote conservation to non-native English-speaking communities by creating new or expanding existing outreach and education programs. The term “non-native English-speaking communities” refers to communities whose first and/or primary language is not English.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Board Conservationist or Mandy Duong, Organizational Development & DEI Coordinator, at mandy.duong@state.mn.us for additional information on this program and for assistance in submitting an application.

 

Eligible Org. Types:

Nonprofit organizations, Cities, Counties, Local Government Joint Power Boards, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Townships, Watershed Districts, Watershed Management Organizations, Tribal Governments and Commissions or Consortiums representing Tribal Governments, and Public/Charter Schools (K-12)

How to Apply: Funding request applications must be submitted via eLINK, BWSR’s grants management system.

Application deadline: Funding request applications must be submitted in eLINK no later than 4:30pm on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026. 

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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 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 Don Bajumpaa, PRAP Coordinator, at don.bajumpaa@state.mn.us for additional information on this program and for assistance in submitting an application. 

 

Eligible Org. Types: Counties, Joint Powers Boards, MASWCD Technical Service Areas, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Watershed Districts and Watershed Management Organizations

 

How to Apply: Funding request applications must be submitted via eLINK, BWSR’s grants management system. 

 

Application Deadline: Applications are submitted through eLINK on an on-going basis as funding is available. BWSR will process funding requests on a monthly basis - due on the last business day of the month.

 

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