IWLA: Minnesota Division Awards Grant

IWLA: Minnesota Division Awards Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Izaak Walton League of America
Amount: Unspecified amount in in-kind support
Last Updated: February 20, 2026

Summary

The IWLA Minnesota Division Awards recognize outstanding conservation efforts and contributions by individuals and groups in Minnesota. Awards include the Distinguished Service Award for long-term service, the Dr. Walter Breckenridge Award for educators, and the Sigurd F. Olson Conservation Award for exceptional natural resource preservation. These awards celebrate the dedication of conservationists and promote community engagement in environmental stewardship, fostering a legacy of conservation within the state.

Overview

About Us The Izaak Walton League is one of America’s oldest and most successful conservation organizations – and we are the only organization training, equipping, and coordinating volunteer water quality monitors on a national scale. These volunteers are the heart and soul of our common-sense conservation mission. Through member-driven bottom-up governance, the Izaak Walton League is protecting outdoor America in communities across the country, while working strategically at the national level to win critical conservation battles. Minnesota Division Awards Please read the descriptions below to nominate a person or group for one of the MN Division awards. IWLA Distinguished Service Award - Special and long-term service to the MN Div. Division. Dr. Walter Breckenridge Award - Recognizes professional educators and others who teach all of us to value natural resources. Ed Franey Outdoor Writer and Conservation Media Award - Professional who works in written word, visual form or spoken word. Sigurd F. Olson Conservation Award - Our special award for someone with outstanding contributions to the preservation of Minnesota's natural resources - IWLA member preferred but not mandatory. IWLA Stewardship Awards - A member who has worked on special projects, achieved public acclaim and helped the community in meaningful ways. Ray Haik Watershed District Award - Named for the Minnesotan who was a national IWLA president and authored the legislation establishing watershed districts. Dave Zentner Minnesota Defenders Award - Named for the Minnesotan who was a national IWLA president - granted annually to any chapter that completes six of the eight following criteria: Membership growth (Jan-Dec) Distribute (by mail or electronically) a regular newsletter/blog/email, etc.Conduct or contribute to a local/state/national Ikes scholarship program (minimum $100)Conduct or participate in a local school or youth outdoor/conservation activityConduct a local chapter conservation project (other than previous category)Work with a conservation/environmental group (non-school) to conduct a project or fundraiser (other than above categories).Visit another chapter OR attend a regional, state or national Ikes meeting (minimum of 3 from chapter)Conduct an event or attend a governmental meeting to discuss a conservation or environmental issue. (minimum 3 from chapter)

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Conservationists within Minnesota will be honored.The nominated person or group may be required to have membership status depending on the specific instructions for the individual award above.