Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program

The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and is funded through the Outdoor Heritage Fund, which was established by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment approved by Minnesota voters. The program has been implemented annually since 2009 and is designed to provide competitive, reimbursable matching grants that support conservation activities across the state. The program focuses specifically on restoring, protecting, and enhancing critical habitats including prairies, wetlands, forests, and ecosystems that support fish, game, and wildlife populations. The initiative reflects a long-term state commitment to preserving natural resources and biodiversity through partnerships with nonprofit organizations and public entities. The primary objective of the program is to fund projects that deliver measurable habitat benefits. Eligible project activities include restoration, enhancement, and protection efforts, as well as land acquisition through fee title or conservation easements. All projects must clearly demonstrate ecological value, align with current conservation science, and provide direct habitat benefits to targeted species or ecosystems. Restoration and enhancement projects must occur on lands that are permanently protected, publicly owned, or classified as public waters. Acquisition projects must ensure public access for hunting and fishing unless otherwise restricted by law. The program emphasizes sustainability, cost effectiveness, and alignment with statewide conservation priorities. Funding is provided through multiple grant cycles, including Traditional, Metro, New Applicant, and Expedited Conservation Projects. Award amounts generally range from 5000 to 500000 depending on the cycle, with expedited projects capped at 75000. The total project cost cannot exceed 1000000. The program requires a minimum 10 percent match from non state sources, which may be fulfilled through cash contributions or in kind support such as volunteer labor or donated services. All grants operate on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must initially cover expenses and then request repayment. Certain costs such as engineering, biological surveys, and design work may only be eligible as pre award match if completed within defined timeframes. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofit organizations with 501 c 3 status and a wide range of government entities such as cities, counties, tribal governments, school districts, and public universities. Private individuals and for profit organizations are not eligible to apply. Partnerships are encouraged, with one eligible organization designated as the lead applicant responsible for compliance and reporting. Applications must include detailed project descriptions, budget information, a land manager approval form, and supporting documentation such as financial statements for larger requests. Additional requirements may include environmental compliance reviews, natural heritage database assessments, and permits depending on project scope. The application process is conducted entirely online through the CPL application system. Applicants must create an account, complete all required fields, and upload necessary documentation before submission. Key components include a project summary, problem statement, objectives, methods, organizational experience, and community engagement strategies. Evaluation criteria include habitat impact, applicant capacity, public benefits, financial soundness, and project urgency. Applications undergo multiple levels of review, including technical evaluation by experts and final approval by the DNR Commissioner. Expedited projects are reviewed on a rolling basis using a simplified evaluation approach. For the fiscal year cycle, applications for standard grant rounds typically open in early August and close in mid September, with award decisions announced by the end of the calendar year. A second round may open in January if funds remain. Expedited Conservation Projects are accepted on a rolling basis until mid May, with periodic review deadlines approximately every two months. The grant period generally begins upon contract execution and extends up to three and a half years, with a final completion deadline tied to the funding cycle. For FY26 funding, all work must be completed by June 30, 2029. Ongoing reporting, monitoring, and compliance requirements ensure accountability and alignment with program goals. Contact for the program is available through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, with designated program coordinators and administrative staff providing guidance throughout the application and grant management process. Applicants are encouraged to review all program materials, including the request for proposals and supporting guidance documents, and to engage with program staff early to ensure compliance with all requirements. The program represents a structured and competitive funding opportunity aimed at delivering lasting conservation outcomes through collaborative partnerships.

Ensure strong habitat impact alignment with conservation science demonstrate measurable outcomes include complete budget justification and secure matching funds with documented commitments early