The Conservation Partners Legacy grant program is habitat-focused. There are three different grant programs available—Traditional, Metro, and Expedited Conservation Project—each with their own parameters and requirements. Projects should enhance, restore, or protect forest, prairies, wetlands, or habitat for fish, game, and wildlife.
Grant Guide
Overview
Application & Review Process
Deadline: Depends on program
Each program has its own timeline, typically starting to accept applications in fall. Depending on the applications received, multiple funding cycles may be available. An online application should be submitted, which will then be reviewed by DNR staff on the basis of project value, applicant performance, public benefits, finances, etc.
Funding Amount
$5,000 – $400,000
Total project costs, including any match, should not exceed $575,000. Recipients receive the money from the grant as a reimbursement. A 10% cash or in-kind match is required. The Expedited Conservation Project requests cannot exceed $50,000.
Eligibility
Projects
Projects must have a direct habitat benefit, such as to restore, protect, or enhance prairies, wetlands, or forests.
Land/Resource
Applicants
Recipients must be 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities. Partnerships are encouraged.
Government Entity
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Land Type & Geography
Projects must take place in Minnesota on public lands, public waters, or private land with a permanent conservation easement.
State 
Regional
Local
Parks 
Trails
Statistics & Examples
Funding History
| Year | Funds Awarded | # Projects | Average Award |
| FY20 | $10,651,360 | 99 | $107,589 |
| FY19 | $9,823,073 | 81 | $121,273 |
| FY18 | $8,200,000 | 87 | $83,886 |
| FY17 | $7,298,054 | 66 | $112,121 |
| FY16 | $7,726,342 | 69 | $111,976 |
FY20 Project Distribution
Past Award Examples
| Amount | Recipient | Project |
| $12,430 | Carver County Water Management Organization | Courthouse Lake pollinator prairie buffers |
| $15,000 | American Bird Conservancy | Prescribed burns at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge |
| $25,000 | Chisago Soil & Water Conservation District | County parks pollinator habitat program |
| $50,000 | Great River Greening | Invasive species control at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge |
| $400,000 | Friends of Sax-Zim Bog | Wetland acquisition in owl and warbler critical corridor |