Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program - Expedited Conservation Project Grants

The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program offers matching grants between $5,000 and $500,000 to organizations aiming to restore, protect, or enhance Minnesota's natural habitats. The program, managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, emphasizes projects that focus on prairies, wetlands, and wildlife habitats. A 10% match of non-state funds is required, and total project costs cannot exceed $1,000,000. Applications are reviewed bi-monthly until May 11, 2026, or until funding is depleted.

Completed applications will be pulled for review every two months.
Grant Program Summary
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the CPL program to provide competitive matching grants from $5,000 up to $500,000 to local, regional, state, and national non-profit organizations and government entities. Grants must restore, protect or enhance prairies, wetlands, forests, or habitat for fish, game, or wildlife in Minnesota. A 10% match of non-state funds is required for all grants. The match may be cash or in-kind resources. The amount and source of match must be identified at the time of application. Total project costs may not exceed $1,000,000. CPL is a reimbursement-based grant program.
Goals and Priorities
The CPL program is habitat-focused. 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. All projects must adhere to MS 97A.056.
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.
Expedited Conservation Projects (ECP)
Grants are limited to a maximum award of $75,000 (minimum $5,000). Total project cost may not exceed $1,000,000. Projects must be on the ECP Activity List
Restoration and enhancement projects only (no acquisitions). Projects must be on public lands or waters, or on land protected under a permanent conservation easement.