Metro Grant Cycle

The Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant Program will begin to accept applications for the first round of Metro Project awards on August 1, 2026. Please apply by 4 p.m. on September 15, 2026. For more details, please review the updated request for proposals and full funding schedule and best practices documents.

• Land Manager Review and Approval Form

• Public Waters Project Form

• CPL Evaluation Criteria Table

• Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government entities

• Projects must occur on public lands or waters or lands protected by a permanent conservation easement

• Projects must occur within the 7 county metro area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott or Washington counties) or within the city limits of Duluth, Rochester or St. Cloud

• 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).

*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.