Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program
The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program funds science-driven habitat restoration and protection projects in Minnesota’s metro areas, supporting forests, wetlands, prairies, and wildlife habitats.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: September 7, 2026 (ECP Round 1) | September 15, 2026 (Metro Grants Round 1) | November 9, 2026 (ECP Round 2) | January 11, 2027 (ECP Round 3) | February 16, 2027 (Metro Grants Round 2) | March 8, 2027 (ECP Round 4) | May 10, 2027 (ECP Round 5)
Funding Amounts: $5,000–$500,000 (Metro Grants); $5,000–$75,000 (ECP); all require 10% non-state match; total project cost max $1,000,000; $13.1M available in FY2027
Summary: Supports habitat restoration, enhancement, and protection projects in Minnesota’s 7-county metro area and major cities, with a focus on forests, wetlands, prairies, and wildlife habitats.
Key Information: For FY2027, only Metro and ECP cycles are available; no statewide or new applicant rounds.
Description
The Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program (CPL), managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, funds competitive matching grants for projects that restore, enhance, or protect critical habitats—such as forests, wetlands, prairies, and areas important to fish, game, and wildlife—within Minnesota’s 7-county metro area or the city limits of Duluth, Rochester, and St. Cloud. The program is supported by the Outdoor Heritage Fund and is open to nonprofit organizations and government entities. For FY2027, all funding is restricted to projects in the eligible metro regions, with no traditional statewide or new applicant rounds.
