Minnesota Natural Resources Grants

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation's 2024 Open Grant Round seeks to support community vitality through work that addresses six key areas: Community Connectedness, Economic Opportunity and Security, Education, Health, Housing and Transportation, and Human Services and Family Support. This grant program is deeply aligned with the Foundation's mission to foster community health and vitality by investing in solutions informed and led by those facing the highest barriers. The Foundation offers both general operating support and capital grants, aiming to provide flexible funding for nonprofits and support investments in buildings, facilities, and equipment within the East Metro area. The program targets a broad range of beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on marginalized communities. This includes BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, low-income communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, formerly incarcerated people, women, veterans, and young people. The overarching impact goal is to advance equity and strengthen enduring community connections, heal and revitalize communities, and promote independence and stability for individuals and families. The Foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its focus on supporting organizations that prioritize marginalized communities and those that demonstrate a clear connection to the "Informs, Forms, Benefits" framework, where those experiencing barriers not only benefit from the work but also inform, form, and lead it. Key priorities and focus areas within the Community Connectedness pillar include arts and culture organizations amplifying narratives from marginalized communities, civic engagement building capacity and power among these groups, and environmental justice work contributing to a multi-racial movement for safe and clean environments. For Economic Opportunity and Security, the focus is on strengthening the entrepreneur ecosystem, increasing local ownership, expanding access to culturally appropriate services, and prioritizing employment pathways for those facing barriers to wealth creation. In Education, the Foundation prioritizes organizations blending academic, social, and emotional supports for young people impacted by educational inequity, and those working towards robust early childhood systems. Within Health, the Foundation prioritizes organizations focusing on health equity, increasing access to affordable and culturally relevant health services, and addressing the growing demand for mental health, urgent care, reproductive health, and trauma-informed care for vulnerable communities. For Housing and Transportation, the emphasis is on ensuring marginalized people experiencing housing instability and homelessness can access safe, decent, affordable, and prejudice-free housing with necessary supports, and work that addresses racial justice, climate justice, economic opportunity, and health equity in transportation. Finally, Human Services and Family Support prioritizes grants that help residents navigate life transitions, find safety and stability, and promote independence, with special attention to disability, child welfare, family, older adult, immigration, legal, and re-entry support services. Expected outcomes include a more equitable, connected, and vital East Metro region where all residents have opportunities to thrive.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently accepting applications for its Metro Grant Cycle, focusing on the enhancement, restoration, or protection of natural resources. This grant program aligns with the broader mission of preserving Minnesota's diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, prairies, and critical habitats for fish, game, and wildlife. By funding projects that directly address habitat benefits, the DNR aims to promote ecological health and biodiversity within the state. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are the ecosystems and wildlife within the seven-county metro area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington) and the cities of Duluth, Rochester, or St. Cloud. Projects funded through this cycle are expected to result in measurable improvements in specific species populations, ecosystem functions, and the overall quality of various habitat types. The impact goals are centered on tangible, on-the-ground conservation efforts that lead to healthier and more resilient natural environments. The grant prioritizes projects that contribute to the direct habitat benefits, emphasizing the identification of specific species, ecosystems, habitat types, and natural heritage features. Restoration and enhancement activities are specifically restricted to lands that are permanently protected by a conservation easement, in public ownership (including tribal, federal, state, county, city, school district, special district), or in public waters as defined by Minnesota Statutes. This focus ensures that the funded efforts contribute to long-term conservation and are implemented on lands with secure protection. Expected outcomes include the successful restoration and enhancement of natural habitats, leading to improved conditions for various wildlife and plant species. Measurable results will likely involve metrics related to habitat acreage restored, species diversity increases, or improvements in water quality, all of which must be explicitly identified in the application. The DNR's strategic priority, as reflected in this grant, is to invest in projects that demonstrate clear ecological benefits and contribute to the state's natural heritage. The underlying theory of change is that by supporting localized, well-defined conservation projects, the state can achieve broader, cumulative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Funding requests can range from $5,000 to $500,000, with a typical grant period lasting 3 to 3.5 years once the contract is executed. Eligible expenses are those directly incurred and necessary for the project, such as contracts, supplies, materials, and salaries. This ensures that the grant funds are utilized efficiently and effectively to achieve the stated conservation objectives. Eligible applicants include registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities, with partnerships highly encouraged. This broad eligibility criterion allows for a diverse range of organizations, from land trusts and lakes associations to cities and tribal governments, to contribute to the conservation efforts. Private individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply, ensuring that the grants are directed towards public good and conservation initiatives.

This grant provides funding to Great Lakes states to implement their plans for managing and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, benefiting both the states and the Great Lakes ecosystem.

This program provides funding and resources to Minnesota residents for creating pollinator-friendly gardens in their outdoor spaces to support at-risk pollinators.

This program provides funding for farmers and ranchers in the North Central region to develop and share sustainable agricultural practices through research and educational projects.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and local governments in the Pine River Watershed of Minnesota to implement projects that improve water quality, promote sustainable land use, and protect local habitats.

This program provides financial support to Tribal governments and local organizations in Minnesota for managing harmful invasive aquatic plants to protect natural ecosystems and recreational waters.

This program provides funding to local governments in Minnesota for the development and enhancement of significant recreational trail systems outside the metropolitan area.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and Tribal governments in Minnesota for projects that protect and restore the state's water resources, including initiatives like clean water workshops and stormwater filtration systems.

This program provides competitive funding to nonprofit organizations and government entities in Minnesota for projects that restore, protect, and enhance critical habitats to support wildlife and biodiversity.

This program provides financial assistance to local governments in Minnesota for improving roads that enhance access to state parks and recreational areas, ensuring safer travel for visitors.

This funding opportunity supports schools, nonprofits, and educational institutions in Minnesota to enhance agricultural education programs and develop future leaders in agriculture, food, and natural resources.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, local and state governments, tribal entities, and educational institutions to promote conservation practices and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers on private working lands.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public entities in the St. Croix Valley region to support environmental stewardship, education, and access to natural spaces.

This program provides financial support to Minnesota organizations for projects that promote material reuse and reduce toxic chemicals in hair products, enhancing environmental sustainability and public health.

This program provides funding to residents, schools, and community organizations in Rochester, Minnesota, to create gardens that support pollinators and improve water management.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations and businesses in Minnesota to develop or expand composting facilities and infrastructure, aimed at reducing food waste and promoting sustainable waste management practices.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in creating public awareness campaigns about Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias, specifically targeting underserved communities such as BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and residents of Greater Minnesota.

This funding opportunity supports a variety of organizations and individuals working to improve the competitiveness of Minnesota-grown specialty crops through projects focused on marketing, research, sustainability, and food safety.

This grant provides funding for conservation projects that restore and enhance habitats for monarch butterflies and other native pollinators, targeting nonprofit organizations, government entities, tribal groups, and educational institutions.