The Clean Water Legacy Partners Grant Program, administered by Minnesota’s Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), aims to protect and restore the state's water resources through expanded partnerships and targeted activities. Funding is divided into two grant categories: the Clean Water Legacy Partners Grant, supporting projects that protect or restore water quality, and the Green Infrastructure Grant, focusing on reducing costs for landowners implementing green infrastructure solutions like rain gardens, permeable pavement, and rainwater harvesting. A total of $2.5 million is available across these programs, with individual grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. A minimum 10% non-state match is required for all awards.

Eligible applicants include Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, tribal governments, and watershed districts. Proposed projects must align with state priorities, provide measurable water quality benefits, and adhere to established standards like the Minnesota Stormwater Manual or Natural Resource Conservation Service guidelines. Priority is given to initiatives in low-income or high-pollution areas and projects that incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.

Applicants must submit proposals via BWSR’s eLINK portal. The first round of proposals opens on October 7, 2024, and closes on January 7, 2025. If additional funding remains, a second round will run from May 5 to August 5, 2025. Proposals must include detailed project plans, budgets, and descriptions of anticipated outcomes, along with compliance documentation such as nonprofit financial reviews or government certifications. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Grant awards will be distributed in three installments: 50% upon work plan approval, 40% after mid-project reporting, and the final 10% upon completion and reconciliation of the project. Recipients must comply with BWSR's reporting requirements, display the Legacy Logo at project sites, and promote the project through public communications.

To support applicants, BWSR provides resources like the eLINK training modules and will host a Q&A session on January 3, 2025. Questions can be submitted to cwfquestions@state.mn.us. For more information on application procedures and requirements, visit the BWSR website or the eLINK portal.