The Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant Program will begin to accept applications for the first round of New Applicant, Traditional and Metro Project awards on August 1, 2025. Please apply by 4 p.m. on September 16, 2025. For more details, please review the updated request for proposals and full funding schedule and best practices documents.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government entities
Projects must occur on public lands or waters or lands protected by a permanent conservation easement
Competitive grants evaluated with the CPL Evaluation Criteria Table
Grants from $5,000-$500,000 with a 10% non-state match requirement and a total project cost cap of $1,000,000.
Projects that protect, restore or enhance forests, wetlands, prairies & habitat for fish, game and wildlife in Minnesota
Protection projects include fee title and permanent conservation easement acquisitions
Land acquired in fee must be open to all seasons of hunting and fishing
Up to 2 rounds of funding (if funding remains from the 1st round).
See the How to Apply Tab for:
In-kind Information and Rates for Project Match
Example Partner Commitment Letter
CPL Eligible and Ineligible Expenses
* A signed Land Manager Review and Approval Form is a required attachment for all applications. The Public Waters Project Form must also be completed and attached if any work will involve public waters.
