BWSR offers a variety of competitive and noncompetitive grant programs to its local government partners. These funds may be appropriated through the Clean Water Fund, Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, the general fund, or direct appropriations.

When funding opportunities are available through BWSR, opportunities to submit competitive or noncompetitive funding requests will be listed on this page.

FY24 Clean Water Fund Competitive RFP

The FY24 Clean Water Fund (CWF) Competitive Program RFP is now open and includes funding for Projects and Practices grant and the Drinking Water subgrant. Applications must be submitted through eLINK, BWSR’s grants management system. Please read the RFP and policy documents thoroughly to ensure eligibility, and that all application requirements are met.  Applicants may contact their Board Conservationist for additional questions or assistance in submitting an application.

How to Apply: Proposals must be submitted via eLINK.  

Application deadline: Applications must be submitted in eLINK no later than 4:30 pm on Thursday, August 24th, 2023. Late applications, or applications not submitted via eLINK, will not be considered.

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Performance Review and Assistance Program Grant

The Performance Review and Assistance Program (PRAP) provides grants to local governments who seek to improve efficiency and effectiveness in delivering and executing planned organizational goals and objectives. Local government units do not need to be the subject of a previous PRAP performance review to apply for these funds, but with limited funding, priority is given to recommended activities or strategies from previous reviews. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Board Conservationist, and/or Jenny Gieseke at 507-381-3131 or jenny.gieseke@state.mn.us for additional information on this program and for assistance in submitting an application.

How to Apply: Proposals must be submitted electronically to Jenny Gieseke at jenny.gieseke@state.mn.us

Application deadline: Applications submitted on an ongoing basis as funding is available.

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Wellhead Protection Partner Grants Program (Pilot)

The MN BWSR will be conducting a second round of grant funding for the Wellhead Protection Partner Grants Program (Pilot). This second round will hope to build upon projects currently underway to assist local government units in addressing their sensitive wellhead areas through land protection options such as fee title acquisition or long-term easements.   Only High or Very High vulnerable Wellhead Protection Areas as mapped in an approved Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Wellhead Protection Plan are eligible to apply.  This grant program is offered in conjunction with ongoing BWSR protection programs such as CREP and RIM where sensitive wellheads remain a high priority for enrollment. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Sharon Doucette at 651-539-2567 or Sharon.Doucette@state.mn.us for additional information on this program and for assistance in submitting an application.

How to Apply: Proposals must be submitted electronically to Sharon Doucette at Sharon.Doucette@state.mn.us.

Application deadline: Applications due the last day of each month as funding is available.

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