The Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations (HCCOLA) Charitable Fund Grant

The Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations (HCCOLA) Charitable Fund Grant supports nonprofit and community-based projects that promote sustainable and environmentally responsible use of lakes and watersheds in Hubbard County, Minnesota. This annual grant provides funding of up to $2,000 per project and is intended to facilitate collaboration among member lake associations while protecting and enhancing the region’s aquatic ecosystems. The fund is managed in partnership with the Northwest Minnesota Foundation (NMF), which serves as the legal fiscal host and holds final authority over disbursement. The 2025 application deadline is October 20, with notifications of award decisions made in November 2025. Funds will be distributed in June 2026 and must be used within the 2026 calendar year unless a pre-approved extension is granted. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and informal community groups, though the latter must secure a fiscal sponsor. All proposed projects must serve Hubbard County or watersheds that directly affect the region. The grant supports a broad range of charitable and educational activities related to lake conservation, including early detection of aquatic invasive species, shoreline restoration, vegetation mapping, water quality research, and community education programs. Additional funding priorities include shoreline habitat restoration, redirecting stormwater runoff, buffer strips, rain gardens, and conservation easements. Projects can be used as local matches for larger water quality funding programs such as Minnesota’s Clean Water Legacy or Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR) grants. A 1:1 match is required for all projects and may consist of cash, in-kind contributions, volunteer labor, or donated services. Labor match is valued at $25 per hour for unskilled work. Applicants must submit a complete application package, including a narrative, budget, cover sheet, support letter, and information about the sponsoring organization. Ineligible projects include those involving chemical treatments, legal aid, fish stocking, general operating costs, and watercraft inspection. Selection is based on criteria such as alignment with HCCOLA’s mission, clarity of goals, evidence of grassroots support, partnerships, long-term sustainability, and evaluation plans. Projects must include both final and periodic (1, 3, and 5-year) status reporting. Grant proposals are reviewed by an advisory committee and approved by the HCCOLA Board of Directors, with final fund management by NMF.

Final report and follow-up required at 1, 3, and 5 years; submit via email or mail