[Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation](https://www.dsacommunityfoundation.org)

March 9, 2026 (LOI) | April 27, 2026 (Full application)

Up to $50,000 per year for up to three years; small grants also available ($5,000–$50,000 for one year)

Supports multi-year projects that protect, restore, and enhance biodiversity in the Boreal Waters Community Foundation service area.

LOI required; only invited applicants may submit full proposals.

--- ## Description This opportunity provides significant multi-year funding for projects that advance biodiversity, conservation, and ecological health within the Boreal Waters Community Foundation service area. The fund is designed to support efforts that preserve and restore habitats, assist vulnerable species and ecosystems, address climate adaptation, and promote research and education. Projects should foster long-term environmental stewardship and demonstrate meaningful, community-driven impact. --- ## Due Dates - **Letter of Intent (LOI) submission deadline:** March 9, 2026 - **Full application submission deadline (by invitation):** April 27, 2026 Applicants will be notified about LOI decisions by March 30, 2026, and invited to submit a full application if selected. Grant awards are announced in June, with funding beginning July 1, 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - **Large & Multi-Year Grants:** Up to $50,000 per year, for up to three years (maximum total: $150,000 per project) - **Small Grants:** One-year projects ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 - **Multi-year funding is contingent on annual progress and mutual agreement** - Funding can support project costs, capacity building, research, restoration, and community engagement --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, public entity (Section 170(c)(1)), Tribal government (Section 7871), church, or have a fiscal sponsor with one of these designations - Serve residents within the [Boreal Waters Community Foundation service area](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t7v8BiyP-04-n5AEvjFnuVGCCMMOlO0S/view?usp=sharing) - Both established and emerging organizations are welcome, with emphasis on those rooted in and led by the communities they serve - Collaborative efforts and fiscal sponsorships are eligible --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Guidelines:** Read the [2026 Biodiversity Fund Grant Guidelines and Application Process](https://www.borealwaters.org/stories/2026-biodiversity-fund). 2. **Confirm Eligibility:** Ensure your organization and project align with fund goals and geographic/service requirements. 3. **Submit LOI:** Complete and submit a Letter of Intent by March 9, 2026, via the [online grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=dsacf). 4. **Invitation to Apply:** If selected, you will be invited by March 30, 2026, to submit a full application. 5. **Full Application:** Submit your full proposal by April 27, 2026, through the same portal. 6. **Review & Notification:** Applications are reviewed by a community-based committee. Final decisions and notifications are made in June, with funding distributed by the end of June. --- ## Additional Information - Projects are encouraged to demonstrate a preventative, upstream focus, collaboration, equity-centered impact, systems or policy change, sustainability, and measurable outcomes. - Eligible activities include habitat preservation/restoration, support for vulnerable species, community-based research, environmental education, and climate adaptation planning. - Preference is given to projects with strong community involvement, especially those led by or serving historically marginalized communities. - At this stage, individual meetings or project-specific inquiries are not accepted; use the LOI process for questions. --- ## External Links - [Biodiversity Fund Grant Directory](https://www.borealwaters.org/grants-scholarships/grant-directory) - [2026 Biodiversity Fund Guidelines & Application Process](https://www.borealwaters.org/stories/2026-biodiversity-fund) - [Service Area Map](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t7v8BiyP-04-n5AEvjFnuVGCCMMOlO0S/view?usp=sharing) - [Online Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=dsacf) - [Boreal Waters Community Foundation Home](https://www.borealwaters.org/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |---------------------|----------------------------------|------------------------------------------|--------------| | Kursula Harris | Senior Community Impact Associate| [kursula@borealwaters.org](mailto:kursula@borealwaters.org) | 218-726-0232 | For technical assistance with the grant portal only. ---

Biodiversity Fund

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