BWSR offers a variety of competitive and formula 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 formula funding requests will be listed on this page.
FY 2024-2025 Clean Water Legacy Partners Grant Program Request for Proposals (RFP)
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. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact either Ara Gallo (651-539-2524 or ara.gallo@state.mn.us) or Melissa Sjolund (651-539-2547 or melissa.sjolund@state.mn.us) for additional information on this program and for assistance in submitting an application.
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, Aug. 5, 2025.
Resources:
- Request for Proposals (RFP)
- Pre-Award Financial Capacity Form for Nonprofit Organizations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Clean Water Legacy Partners webinar
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 Sara Reagan at 651-539-2533 or Sara.Reagan@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 Sara Reagan at Sara.Reagan@state.mn.us
Application deadline: Applications due the last day of each month as funding is available.
Resources:
- FY22 Wellhead Protection Partner Grants Program (Pilot) RFP (updated 09/21/21)