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
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)
The Bridging Conservation informational webinar will take place on Wednesday, February 25 from 1-2PM via Teams. To join, please register here.
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.
Resources:
- FY26 RFP
- Bridging Conservation Grant Program Webpage
- Fact sheet
- FAQ
- Completing a Funding Request in eLINK (training video)
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: