Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program
Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program supports nonprofits and government entities restoring, enhancing, and protecting Minnesota forests, wetlands, prairies, and wildlife habitat for direct ecological benefits.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: November 9, 2026 (ECP Round 2) | January 11, 2027 (ECP Round 3) | February 16, 2027 (Metro Round 2, if funds remain) | March 8, 2027 (ECP Round 4) | May 10, 2027 (ECP final round)
Funding Amounts: Metro: $5,000–$500,000; ECP: $5,000–$75,000; 10% non-state match; projects completed by June 30, 2030
Summary: Supports projects that restore, enhance, or protect Minnesota forests, wetlands, prairies, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat.
Key Information: FY2027 projects are restricted to seven metro counties or the city limits of Duluth, Rochester, or St. Cloud.
Description
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manages the Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) program, a reimbursement-based matching grant program funded by the Outdoor Heritage Fund. It supports nonprofit organizations and government entities undertaking habitat restoration, enhancement, and protection. Applications must identify direct benefits to species, ecosystems, habitat types, or natural heritage features.
For FY2027, funding is allocated exclusively to Metro and Expedited Conservation Projects (ECP). Metro grants support restoration, enhancement, and acquisitions through competitive review. ECP grants support eligible restoration and enhancement activities through pass/fail review, with approved projects funded first-come, first-served. There is no Traditional statewide round or New Applicant round in FY2027. Research activities are not eligible for grant funding, although biological surveys may count as match.
