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 FY26. 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 FY26 grants will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications must be submitted in eLINK no later than 4:30 pm on February 26, 2026, or until all funds are awarded. Submittals will be reviewed and funding decisions made at the following quarterly intervals:
- November 26, 2025
- February 26, 2026
FY27 grant applications will be made available in eLINK starting March 2, 2026. Updates to application deadlines will be made for FY27 in March 2026.
Resources:
- Multipurpose Drainage Management Program
- FY26-27 Multipurpose Drainage Management Competitive RFP
- FY26-27 Multipurpose Drainage Management Budget Worksheet
- Applicants may contact their Board Conservationist with additional questions if they need assistance when submitting an application.
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.
Resources:
Water Quality and Storage Grants
This competitive grant program provides financial assistance to model, design, and construct projects and practices that will control water volume and rates to protect infrastructure, improve water quality and related public benefits, and mitigate climate change impacts. Funding for this application period is $4,500,000, with up to $500,000 available for modeling and conceptual design applications. Please read the RFP to understand changes to this program from previous years.
Eligible Organizations:
Cities
Counties
Joint Powers Board
MASWCD Technical Service Area
Soil Water Conservation Districts
Tribal Governments
Watershed Districts
Watershed Management Organizations
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted through eLINK, BWSR’s grants management system. *Account requests from individuals not associated with an eligible organization will be automatically deleted.
Application deadline: December 23, 2025, at 4:30pm. Late applications, or applications not submitted via eLINK, will not be considered.
Resources: