May 5, 2025

Contact: Mary Juhl, 651-215-9008

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) is now accepting grant applications for the Clean Water Legacy Partners Program, which seeks to protect, enhance and restore water quality throughout the state. Tribal Governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are eligible to apply for this round of funding. 

The grants can be used for a wide range of conservation activities including urban stormwater practices, agricultural best management practices, shoreline stabilization projects, drinking water protection and public engagement efforts.

“These grants will support valuable water quality improvement and protection efforts in more Minnesota communities,” said BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke. “The program’s flexibility also offers opportunities to strengthen partnerships with Tribal Governments and Minnesota’s robust conservation-geared nonprofit sector.”

A total of $1.066 million from the Clean Water Fund is available: $272,000 is available for NGOs and $794,000 is available for Tribes. Grant requests must be between $50,000 and $250,000; a non-state match of at least 10%, provided via cash or in-kind services, is required. 

The application period opens today and closes August 5, 2025. For more information on how to apply, see the program’s Request for Proposals on BWSR’s website. 

About the Minnesota Clean Water Fund
Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in 2008 to protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat; to preserve arts and cultural heritage; to support parks and trails; and to protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater. The Clean Water Fund receives 33 percent of the sales tax revenue generated by the Legacy Amendment. More information about the Clean Water Fund is available here.

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BWSR is the state soil and water conservation agency, and it administers programs that prevent sediment and nutrients from entering our lakes, rivers, and streams; enhance fish and wildlife habitat; and protect wetlands. The 20-member board consists of representatives of local and state government agencies and citizens. BWSR's mission is to work with partners to improve and protect Minnesota's land and water resources.