Minnesota Environment Grants

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for its Metro Grant Cycle. Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources State: Minnesota County: Anoka County (MN), Carver County (MN), Dakota County (MN), Hennepin County (MN), Ramsey County (MN), Scott County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: Grant activities include the enhancement, restoration, or protection of forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game, or wildlife in Minnesota. All applications should identify the direct habitat benefits of the project including but not limited to specific species, ecosystems, habitat types, and natural heritage features.  Restoration and enhancement projects will only be funded on lands that are: Permanently protected by a conservation easement as defined in MN Statutes 84C.01;  in public ownership (ownership by a unit of government including tribal, federal, state, county, city, school district, special district, etc.); or in public waters as defined in MN Statutes, Section 103G.005, subdivision 15. Funding Information Grant requests between $5,000 and $500,000. Grant Period The grant period starts when the grant contract is “executed,” meaning all required signatures have been obtained, and typically lasts 3 to 3 ½ years. Eligible Expenses Eligible expenses are expenses (contracts, supplies and materials, salaries, etc.) directly incurred through project activities that are direct to and necessary for the project described in the application. These expenses must be specified in the application and documented during the grant period as indicated in the Payment Manual. Geographic Areas Projects must occur within the 7 county metro area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington counties) or within the city limits of Duluth, Rochester or St. Cloud counties) or within the city limits of Duluth, Rochester or St. Cloud. Eligibility Criteria Registered 501 c(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities are eligible for CPL funding. Private individuals and for-profit organizations may not apply. Partnerships are encouraged. Examples of eligible applicants include but are not limited to the following:  Non-Profit Organizations Land Trusts Lakes Associations Charitable Organizations Private Colleges and Universities Fishing and Hunting Organizations “Friends of” Groups Other Registered Non-Profits Government Entities Cities Counties Tribal Governments Federal Agencies Conservation Districts Public Universities School Districts Other Units of Government. For more information, visit Minnesota DNR.

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Research and Education (R&E) Grant Program is a competitive funding opportunity offering $100,000 to $500,000 for up to 3 years to researchers, educators, and organizations exploring sustainable agriculture, with the aim of improving economic viability, environmental quality, and quality of life in the North Central Region's agricultural sector.

The North Central Region SARE (NCR-SARE) Partnership Grant Program is seeking applications to provide funding of $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that foster cooperation between agriculture professionals and small groups of farmers and ranchers, aiming to catalyze on-farm research, demonstration, and education activities related to sustainable agriculture.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to locomotive owners in Minnesota for implementing technologies that reduce idle time and diesel emissions, improving air quality and public health.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is offering a $10 million grant to tribal nations and local governmental units in Minnesota for projects aimed at preparing local wastewater infrastructure for climate change impacts, with a focus on protecting water quality, increasing resilience, and promoting energy and water efficiency.

The Health Professionals Clinical Training Expansion (HPCE) grant program support the establishment or expansion of clinical training for eligible health professional training programs. Donor Name: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/09/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Providing funding opportunities for clinical training programs will strengthen Minnesota’s health care workforce and increase access to primary care and mental health services for rural and underserved urban communities. This grant program funds activities associated with planning and implementing new clinical training programs and expanding the number of professionals trained through existing clinical training programs in rural and underserved urban areas in Minnesota. Priorities Health Equity Priorities The Health Professionals Clinical Training Expansion Grant seeks to expand Minnesota’s health care workforce by establishing and expanding clinical training opportunities, with a particular focus on increasing the number of health professionals serving in rural and underserved urban communities in Minnesota. Clinical training is a necessary component of health professional education, but capacity for clinical training is limited and barriers to expansion exist.  This grant will serve: Rural and underserved urban communities by strengthening Minnesota’s health care workforce and improving access to health care. Eligible health professional programs and students by expanding clinical training opportunities. Grant outcomes will include: Greater access to health care in rural and underserved urban Minnesota communities. An increase in the number of clinical training opportunities for health professionals. Other Competitive Priorities Program advances health equity. Program incorporates strong model of team-based primary care. Program is likely to be sustainable after the grant period. Funding Information The Minnesota Legislature has appropriated $500,000 annually for this program. Distribution of Funding: Eligible clinical training programs may receive up to $75,000 for a one-year planning project. Eligible clinical training programs may receive up to $300,000 for a three-year expansion project. Eligible Expenses  Grant funds awarded may only be spent to cover the costs of: Establishing or expanding clinical training for physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, pharmacists, dental therapists, advanced dental therapists, and mental health professionals in Minnesota.  Recruitment, training, and retention of students and faculty.  Connecting students with appropriate clinical training sites, internships, practicums, or externship activities.  Development and implementation of health equity and cultural responsiveness training.  Supporting clinical education in which trainees are part of a team-based primary care model.  Travel and lodging for students.  Faculty, student and preceptor salaries, incentives, or other financial support.  Training site improvements, fees, equipment, and supplies required to establish, maintain, or expand an eligible training program.  Evaluations of the clinical training program(s). Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants are programs that fulfill the following criteria: Are located in Minnesota and train, or propose to train, students residing and working in Minnesota.  Plan to establish or expand clinical training for students in the following health professional programs: Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Program  Must be accredited as a master’s, doctoral, or postgraduate level advanced practice registered nursing program by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, or be a candidate for accreditation. Dental Therapy Program or Advanced Dental Therapy Program  Must be approved by the Minnesota Board of Dentistry or currently accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.  Mental Health Professional Program  Must be accredited by the appropriate accrediting body for clinical social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or licensed professional clinical counseling, or be a candidate for accreditation.  A mental health professional is defined as an individual providing clinical services in the treatment of mental illness who meets one of the qualifications under MN Statutes Pharmacy Program  Must be accredited as a Doctor of Pharmacy program by the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education.  Physician Assistant Program Must be accredited as a physician assistant program by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant or be a candidate for accreditation.  Applicants must be able to demonstrate membership and compliance with the corresponding accrediting bodies.  Applicants from the same organization may hold two grants as long as they are providing clinical training program planning or expansion in two different departments. For more information, visit MDH.

This program provides financial assistance to farmers, producer groups, and local governments in Minnesota to help cover the costs of purchasing or retrofitting equipment that improves soil health and promotes sustainable agriculture.

The Ramsey County is seeking applications for its Ramsey County Trusted Messenger Initiative Grants. Donor Name: Ramsey County State: Minnesota County: Dakota County (MN), Ramsey County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of these grants is to generate and grow innovative ways to deliver a variety of public health services, resources and information. Focus an Scope Services Each organization must only submit one application and can only select one priority area below. Healthy Communities: The applicant collaborates to increase awareness and access to culturally informed public health information and programs which include healthy aging, Hmong health, sexual violence services, adolescent health, and child and teen checkups. Extra effort is made to reach racially and ethnically diverse communities, immigrant families and new Minnesotans who face the greatest health inequalities, language barriers, and/or may be isolated from county and other community services. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): The applicant collaborates to increase WIC program awareness and referrals of pregnant and postpartum women and their children so they may receive healthy food, nutrition education and lactation support. Extra effort is made to reach people early in pregnancy and multigenerational African American populations. Family Health and Home Visiting: The applicant collaborates to promote equity in birth outcomes for racially and ethnically diverse communities, especially African American, Native American, Latino/x and immigrant populations. Extra effort is made to support families, fathers and other caregivers, to navigate care before and after birth and to increase cultural and community connections using a holistic approach. Clinical Services: The applicant collaborates to increase awareness and access to vaccines and immunizations, tuberculosis care, sexual and reproductive health services such as HIV and STD testing and treatment, syringe services, wound care, naloxone training and outreach for people using drugs. Environmental Health: The applicant collaborates to find creative ways to increase participation in food scraps pick-up, household hazardous waste drop-off and electronics recycling programs, especially within racially and ethnically diverse communities. They also increase awareness of the Environmental Service Center, the future “one stop shop” for recycling and waste collection. Climate Action: The applicant collaborates to increases awareness of climate change and its impacts on health as well as the county’s resources and programs to lessen those impacts. Funding Information Ramsey County Public Health is continuing this initiative and anticipates awarding approximately 10 grants, up to $36,000 each. Eligibility Criteria Current and former Trusted Messenger organizations may apply. The following are not requirements, however these people or organizations are encouraged to apply: Those who have never contracted with Ramsey County before. Ethnically and culturally diverse, women-owned or veteran-owned organizations. Organizations with less than 50 employees. Organizations serving not only Ramsey County but also adjacent counties including Dakota County. For more information, visit Ramsey County.

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is seeking applications for its 2024 Open Grant Round. Donor Name: Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation State: Minnesota County: Dakota County (MN), Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/07/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Areas of Community Vitality The Foundation supports work that addresses at least one of six areas of community vitality. Data and the experience suggest that the following elements play key roles in community health and vitality. Community Connectedness Creating opportunities for equity in arts, civic dialogue, community problem solving as well as supporting natural and built spaces where people live, work and play While community connectedness can be fostered in many ways, the Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation is prioritizing three broad strategies: arts and culture, civic engagement and environmental justice. The Foundation shares Grantmakers in the Arts’ view that “[a]ll peoples, their cultures, and their art contribute to the meaning and understanding of the humanity and should be honored and celebrated.” Priority will be given to arts and culture organizations that seek to amplify narratives and voices across BIPOC communities and other communities experiencing marginalization (e.g., people with disabilities, low-income communities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, formerly incarcerated people, etc.) through the arts. The civic engagement priorities include work designed to build the capacity and power of marginalized community members through organizing and training. The goals for this work should be focused on advancing equity. The Foundation’s environmental justice priorities include work that contributes to an intergenerational, multi-racial movement that promotes a safe, clean community and workplace environment. The Foundation also seeks to aid East Metro communities to build and strengthen enduring community connections between people, to heal and revitalize the community while restoring natural spaces, and to encourage stewardship of natural resources through education programs. Economic Opportunity and Security Strengthening support for low-income individuals and families through community development, workforce education and training and creating sustainable employment pathways The Foundation seeks to invest and partner in solutions informed and formed by the people facing the highest barriers to wealth creation, economic security and family-sustaining career pathways. In the East Metro, this includes BIPOC, women, veterans, young people, people with disabilities, formerly incarcerated people and LGBTQ+ people. Specific priorities for wealth creation include strengthening the entrepreneur ecosystem, increasing local ownership of businesses and homes, and expanding access to culturally appropriate services. Regarding economic security, the Foundation recognizes the importance of anchor institutions embedded at the neighborhood level. For workforce development, they will prioritize employment pathways that meet the needs of individuals and employers alike. Education Exploring high-quality educational opportunities for everyone, from cradle to career, and more equitable access for racial and cultural communities The Foundation recognizes how important it is for students and young people to feel cared for, protected, valued and seen after a difficult period in their learning and growth. This is complex and urgent work, and the Foundation will prioritize organizations that blend academic, social and emotional supports for young people most impacted by educational inequity. The Foundation will also support the policy change and other systems change efforts of organizations working toward ensuring a robust early childhood system that gives children and families access to high-quality early care and education programs. Health Increasing health equity through quality, affordable health services, particularly for low-income, uninsured and under-insured individuals The Foundation continues to prioritize health organizations that focus on health equity and increasing access to affordable, culturally relevant health services. The Foundation hopes to better align its health grants to be inclusive of programs and organizations that serve low-income families and provide free or affordable, culturally relevant services and holistic care. Given the increase in severity, cost of and demand for mental health services, urgent care and/or crisis prevention, access to reproductive health care, trauma-informed health care, and free or reduced services for uninsured or underinsured communities, the Foundation will prioritize these programs and organizations to continue to serve the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. Housing and Transportation Strengthening the region through affordable, quality housing, addressing homelessness and investing in equitable transportation options and benefits The Foundation embraces the vision for housing justice articulated by the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness. The Foundation will prioritize work that ensures the most marginalized people experiencing housing instability and homelessness are able to access housing that is “safe, decent, affordable,” and “free of prejudice” while also receiving the additional supports and services they need. Work within the transportation sector that explicitly addresses intersections of racial justice, climate justice, economic opportunity and health equity will also be prioritized. Human Services and Family Support Meeting basic needs for individuals and families, helping them be safe, stable and independent The Foundation will prioritize grants that assist residents in navigating life transitions, find safety and stability, and promote independence. In addition to supporting work that centers the voices of the people most impacted by an organization’s work, special priority will be given to disability support services, child welfare support services, family and parent support services, food relief and assistance, older adult services, immigration and legal services, and re-entry supports for formerly incarcerated people. Types of Grants The current grant opportunity includes funding for general operating support for the whole organization and capital support. General Operating Grants These grants provide flexible funding for nonprofits. To be eligible for general operating support, organizations must primarily serve the East Metro area with 50% or more of all services provided by the entire organization benefiting East Metro (Washington, Dakota and Ramsey counties) residents. Capital Grants These grants are designed to support your organization’s investment in buildings, facilities and equipment. Foundation investments are typically limited to buildings owned by nonprofits or held by long-term lease agreement. These grants are generally paid over multiple years. Capital projects must be located in the East Metro AND 50% or more of all services provided by the entire organization are benefiting East Metro residents. They will consider capital grants for projects located in Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties for: Renovations/repairs Land acquisition Construction costs Technology hardware and software Equipment Furniture Appliances. Geographic Areas The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is proud to serve and fund Saint Paul’s East Metro region, which is defined as Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties. Eligibility Criteria  Grants can be made to 501(c)3 organizations, education or governmental units and religious institutions. Grants can also be made to groups working through an eligible fiscal sponsor. While an organization may be eligible to apply, attention and preference will be given to organizations: Prioritizing those experiencing the most marginalization, especially due to race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation, age, ability, immigration status, etc. Establishing a clear connection to the Informs, Forms, Benefits framework, which states that those experiencing barriers should not only benefit from the work they support but inform, form, and lead it as well. Ineligibility  The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation will not consider grant requests for support of: Sectarian religious programs or organizations Work by an individual Capital projects located outside Dakota, Ramsey and Washington counties Program/project specific requests. For more information, visit Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.

The Waste Reduction & Innovation Grant (WRIG) is available to eligible schools, businesses and nonprofits for planning, equipment, supplies and capital improvements that result in the significant reduction of solid waste that the business creates. Donor Name: BizRecycling State: Minnesota County: Ramsey County (MN), Washington County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Waste reduction is the most environmentally preferred strategy for managing solid waste. Waste reduction projects eliminate the use of materials that end up being discarded from production and sales processes. Waste reduction projects can take many different forms, including reusing source materials, bulk purchasing, packaging changes, technology enhancements or production redesign. Program Goals The Waste Reduction and Innovation Grant has the following program goals: Increase waste reduction and recycling activities within the business community. Support source specific reduction, recycling, and reuse needs. Provide innovative solutions to waste reduction problems. Support sustainable solutions to ensure growth of on-site efforts by staff and contractual services related to waste reduction and recycling. Support efforts to manage operations higher on the waste management hierarchy as it relates to: waste reduction and reuse activities. market development activities. food recovery and donation. Composting/organics collection. hard to recycle materials/ source separated materials. large business, industrial and college campuses. Priority Areas Impact – Estimated weight in pounds of waste, recycling or organic material that will be reduced or eliminated. Innovation – Implementation of a new idea or technology with clear waste reduction outcomes. Types of Waste  The primary material reduced must be mixed municipal solid waste (MSW). Garbage, refuse and other solid waste from residential, commercial, industrial and community activities that the generator of the waste aggregates for collection. For the purposes of this grant, solid waste includes garbage, refuse or sludges in solid, semisolid, or liquid form. Waste is typically disposed of in garbage, recycling or organics collection systems. Funding Information One-time grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to eligible businesses and nonprofits for planning, equipment, supplies and capital improvements that result in a significant reduction of solid waste that the business creates. Applicants must contribute a 10% cash match of the total project cost. Uses of funds  Equipment & Materials  Industry-specific equipment and supplies that eliminate solid waste from the production process or captures materials for reuse. Infrastructure improvements to enhance industry-specific waste reduction and recycling capabilities. Equipment and supplies that move businesses from disposable items to reusable options. Construction & Infrastructure  Waste, recycling and organics management infrastructure improvements among co-operative businesses located within the same building or business park. Infrastructure improvements to enhance industry-specific waste reduction and recycling capabilities. Research & Development  Industry-specific consultation costs to reduce the creation of solid waste at its source, which is beyond the expertise of R&E consultants. Costs related to the research and development activities of products or services that would significantly reduce solid waste in Ramsey and Washington County. Company must be located within Ramsey or Washington counties. Staff or consultation time to develop environmentally preferable purchasing plans. Staff or consultation time to develop co-operative purchasing groups to leverage access to bulk materials which align with the business’s environmental purchasing plan. Education & Engagement  Staff time to develop an onsite “Green Team.” Production and printing of custom signage, labels and education materials. Eligibility Criteria  Businesses must meet the following criteria: Be one of the following types of businesses: For profit Nonprofit Private college or university Place of worship Schools Ramsey County: Charter schools with less than 250 students and all private schools Washington County: All charter schools and all private schools Must have a permanent physical location in Ramsey or Washington counties of Minnesota. Be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State and the Minnesota Department of Revenue at time of application. Previous recipients of BizRecycling grants may apply. Applicants must be in compliance with their previous grant contract. Ineligible entities include: Home-based businesses All public entities including federal, state, county and city; public colleges and universities Public K-12 schools in Ramsey County Residential apartment buildings. For more information, visit BizRecycling.

This funding opportunity assists Minnesota dairy farmers in modernizing their operations and developing strategic business plans by covering half the costs of hiring qualified consultants.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for assessing and revitalizing contaminated properties in Minnesota to promote community development and essential services while preventing gentrification.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites proposals for a community air monitoring pilot grant program, targeting neighborhood-scale air quality monitoring in the Twin Cities metro area. Eligible organizations, primarily community nonprofits and their partners, will develop a dense network of fixed and mobile air sensors. Priority will be given to projects in environmental justice communities with robust community engagement. The objectives include monitoring air quality, fostering community cooperation, and providing actionable air quality data to MPCA. The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. Central Time on June 28, 2024.

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) “Difference Maker” grant round seeks to support community initiatives through a variety of grants. Donor Name: Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) State: Minnesota County: Douglas County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Programs funded will bring about positive change in the Alexandria area community. AACF is looking to provide leadership, financial support and build a partnership that goes beyond the grant in order to advance the project or initiatives.   Focus Areas Education – Grants will be made to support education; especially K-12 and after-school programs. Social Services – Grants will be made to assist basic needs and support & strengthen families, children and youth. Health – Grants will be made that support health education, physical and mental health and activities that reduce abuse or violence. Arts and Culture – Grants will be made to support activities that generate an appreciation of diverse cultures and that enhance and improve cultural opportunities. Civic – Grants will be made to support activities that build, promote and preserve communities. Funding Information Funding Amount Range: $5,000 – $30,000. Favorable Considerations Create innovative solutions to community challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Build or support collaborative efforts and Involve other community partners such as other nonprofits, government entitles, businesses, and/or citizen groups Make a sustainable positive impact in the community Build social capital (I.e. connectedness) across generations, cultures, and other diverse segments of the community Create highly impactful and highly visible and that have the potential to inspire additional investments in the community. Support projects/programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion. Geographic Area Grants must serve the residents within Douglas County. Eligible Organizations 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations, schools or government entities. They Fund: Capital projects New or expanded programs/projects Other strategic Investments that will have a lasting impact. For more information, visit AACF.

The Alexandria Area Community Foundation seeks to make grants that will support health and wellness in the Alexandria area – especially for the health needs of people in poverty. Donor Name: Alexandria Area Community Foundation (AACF) State: Minnesota County: Douglas County (MN) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Support Strategies: Operations New or expanded programs/projects. Focus Areas Health: Provide health education to the public to prevent disease Support food nutrition or nutrition education Help people living in isolation to build social connections. Favorable Considerations Create innovative solutions to community challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities Build or support collaborative efforts and involve other community partners such as other nonprofits, government entitles, businesses, and/or citizen groups Make a sustainable positive impact in the community Build social capital (I.e. connectedness) across generations, cultures, and other diverse segments of the community Are highly visible and have the potential to inspire additional investment in the community Projects/Programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion. Funding Information Funding Amount Range: $2,500-$5,000. Geographic Area Grants must serve the residents within Douglas County. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible organizations: 501(c) 3 nonprofit organizations Schools Government entities. For more information, visit AACF.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is offering approximately $4.5 million in grants to support organics management projects aimed at reducing the amount of organic material sent to landfills or incinerators. This funding is intended for projects that enhance or establish collection, processing (through composting, anaerobic digestion, or feeding to animals), and education/outreach initiatives related to organics management. Eligible entities must serve or operate within Minnesota, and include not-for-profit organizations, businesses, institutions, political subdivisions (e.g., counties, cities), state agencies, and tribal governments. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on June 10, 2024.

The Multipurpose Drainage Management grant program provides financial assistance to model, design, and construct projects and practices that will control water volume and rates to protect infrastructure, improve water quality and related public benefits, and mitigate climate change impacts. Donor Name: Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 Million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Multipurpose Drainage Management RFP is now open, with $900,000 in funding available for FY 24. This competitive grant program funds multipurpose drainage management practices, targeting critical pollution source areas to reduce erosion and sedimentation, reduce peak flows and flooding, and improve water quality, while protecting drainage system efficiency and reducing drainage system maintenance for priority Chapter 103E drainage systems. Eligible Projects  Eligible activities can consist of structural practices and projects; non-structural practices and measures, project support, grant management and reporting. Technical and engineering assistance necessary to implement these activities are considered essential and are to be included in the total project or practice cost. Eligibility Criteria This grant program strongly encourages a Chapter 103E drainage authority (County, Joint County Board, or Watershed District) and Soil and Water Conservation District(s) to establish or define a partnership to apply for and use these grant funds. One SWCD or drainage authority partner is eligible to apply on behalf of a partnership, but must verify in the proposal that all the partner(s) are committed to the project. The following entities are eligible: Drainage authorities as defined by Minn. Stat. Chapter 103E Local governments (counties, watershed districts, watershed management organizations, and soil and water conservation districts or local government joint power boards) working under a current State approved and locally adopted local water management plan, comprehensive watershed management plan or soil and water conservation district comprehensive plan. Municipalities are eligible if they: 1) have a water plan that has been approved by a watershed district or a watershed management organization as provided under Minn. Stat. 103B.235; or 2) adopted an approved comprehensive watershed management plan developed under Minn. Stat. 103B.801 Counties in the seven-county metropolitan area are eligible if they have adopted a county groundwater plan under Minn Stat. 103B.255 or county comprehensive plan that has been approved by the Metropolitan Council under Minn. Stat. Chapter 473. For more information, visit BWSR.

The Pollinator Pathways grant program promotes native plantings that establish key corridors (or pathways) for at-risk pollinators such as (but not limited to) the Monarch Butterfly and Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Minnesota’s State Bee. Donor Name: Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources State: Minnesota County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/20/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Minnesota Pollinator Pathways program is led by local conservation partners who work with Minnesota Residents to promote and establish pollinator plantings and key corridors for at-risk pollinators such as (but not limited to) the Monarch Butterfly and Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Minnesota’s State Bee. This can be done by establishing/connecting pollinator pathways across communities with an emphasis on residences and/or community spaces. Pathways can range from a local neighborhood scale to across watersheds. Creating these pathways, by establishing deep rooted native vegetation will have climate resiliency benefits, increase biodiversity and provide other important ecosystem services. Funding Informaion A total of $1,100,000 is available for funding for the FY24/25 biennium . Only grant requests greater than $50,000 will be considered. Eligible Activities and Expenses  The primary purpose of activities funded through this program is to promote native plantings that establish key corridors for at-risk pollinators and establishing habitat for benefitting pollinators at scales from local neighborhoods to across watersheds. This will be achieved through efforts to establish habitat and educating Minnesotans about pollinators within pollinator corridors/pathways and building overall interest in ecological landscaping. This program is intended to fund pollinator plantings and to inspire and guide DIY projects. Eligible activities can consist of: Project development and public outreach actives which will directly support or supplement the goals and outcomes of the work plan such as civic engagement: public outreach; initial contacts, action, and activities with landowners/residents and/or partners; preliminary information gathering, conservation marketing or other activities. Establishment of pollinator habitat projects such as planting beneficial trees and shrubs, pollinator lawns, pollinator meadows, native pocket planting, container planting on impervious surfaces (pavement, rooftops, apartment decks etc) that are no greater than 5 ac. in size. Eligible project expense include: MN Native Plants and Seeds includes insecticide/neonicotinoid free flowers/forbs, bare root plants, grasses and sedges, trees and shrubs, and seeds. Projects should have at least three blooming plants species during spring, summer and fall with higher diversity strongly encouraged. Source native plants and seeds within 175 miles of the project location to the extent possible. Project expenses including biodegradable weed suppression mulch (non-dyed preferred), compost, fencing or other herbivores portion materials, signage, equipment rental fees, and delivery fees), contractor installation and/or maintenance of project. Program and project support- education, outreach, marketing, staff time; Education development and implementation of conservation education activities and programs such as workshops, clinics, publications, websites, presentations, fairs, etc. Supplies/Equipment acquisition of equipment (hand sod kicker, hand shovels, hand rakes and trowels, watering tree gator) or supplies. Administration/Coordination staff time for grant administration Technical and engineering assistance necessary to implement grant activities associated with technical site assessment, surveys, preliminary analysis and design, final design construction supervision, installation, inspection, and completion of projects. Eligible Lands: Projects should have a focus on residential and/or community and/or educational space garden with a maximum project size of 5 acres. Eligible expenses are those expenses solely incurred though project activities that are directly related to and necessary for producing the project outcomes described in the proposal. Grant recipients are required to account for the staff time charged to BWSR grants in order to track the expenditure of grant funds and match to ensure the use of the funds is consistent with applicable State and BWSR requirements. Costs that are unallowable to be charged to BWSR grants include but are not limited to: Bad debts, late payment fees, and investment management fees Giving donations and fundraising Entertainment, gifts, prizes, and decorations Alcohol Interest on loans not authorized under state statute. Loans of BWSR grant funds Lobbying, lobbyists, and political contributions. Eligible Organizations Academic (including but not limited to PreK through grade 12 schools and PreK through grade 12 public schools) Cities Counties Joint Powers Board Non-Profit Soil Water Conservation Districts Townships Tribal Governments Watershed Districts Watershed Management Organizations. For more information, visit BWSR.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to various organizations and entities in Minnesota to improve the competitiveness of specialty crops through research, food safety, and sustainable practices.

This program provides financial assistance to businesses in Ramsey and Washington counties to help them reduce harmful chemicals and improve their environmental practices, with a focus on supporting minority-owned businesses and those in pollution-vulnerable areas.