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.
One Watershed, One Plan Program - Planning Grants
BWSR is now accepting proposals from partnerships of eligible local governments for grants to support development of a 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 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.
Additional details about this program can be found on the One Watershed, One Plan program page under "Planning Grants."
How to Apply: Proposals must be submitted to BWSR.Grants@state.mn.us.
Application Deadline: June 11, 2021 at 4:30 pm
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.