Best Grants for Land Conservation in Minnesota

With a mission to support land and habitat conservation, nonprofits and local governments in Minnesota can seek implementation funding to enhance publicly owned open spaces. The Laura Jane Musser Fund offers up to US $35,000 for projects that restore ecosystems, improve public access, engage community members, and plan for long-term environmental and financial sustainability.

Nonprofits, government entities, sportsmen’s groups, and educational institutions in Minnesota can seek funding for land and habitat conservation, public access, and wildlife management projects. Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation supports efforts such as conserving migratory corridors, securing access easements, and improving outdoor recreation opportunities, with awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000.

Minnesota agricultural producers and land stewards seeking to improve working lands and conserve soil, water, and wildlife habitat can receive conservation payments through the Conservation Stewardship Program. USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Minnesota offers customized plans and annual financial assistance to enhance grazing, crop resiliency, and land and habitat conservation practices over time.

Grants help Minnesota land and habitat conservation organizations and local governments plan community-driven projects in publicly owned open spaces. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and local units of government can seek up to US $8,000 from the Laura Jane Musser Fund to design ecosystem restoration, public access, and long-term sustainability strategies with measurable outcomes.

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Minnesota can apply for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program from USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Minnesota to fund conservation practices on working lands. Support includes technical and financial assistance for land and habitat conservation, water and air quality, soil health, and climate resilience improvements.

Nonprofit organizations and government entities working on land and habitat conservation in Minnesota can receive US $5,000 - US $500,000 to restore, protect, or enhance prairies, wetlands, forests, and fish and wildlife habitat. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Conservation Partners Legacy grants require a 10% non-state match and fund projects on permanently protected or publicly owned lands.

Minnesota land and habitat conservation nonprofits can access funding through The Oak Hill Fund to restore diminished native tree species via research, seed orchard development, and forest land preservation projects. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations across the continental U.S. may apply for project-specific support, including necessary administrative and fundraising expenses tied to the restoration effort.

Minnesota 501(c)(3) organizations with annual budgets of at least $300,000 can apply for the Patrick & Aimee Butler Family Foundation’s Community Grants, awarding more than US $20,000 for environmental programs. Two-year operating or program support is available for land and water protection, sustainable land use, water quality, and related youth education across Minnesota.

Private and tribal landowners in Minnesota seeking to restore or protect degraded farmed wetlands can receive easement payments and restoration cost-share through wetland reserve easements. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Minnesota offers permanent, term, and 30-year easements or contracts to support long-term land and habitat conservation on eligible agricultural wetlands.

Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help Minnesota land and habitat conservation nonprofits fund projects in communities where the company operates. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can propose initiatives that protect and restore land and water, create green spaces, and promote sustainable, healthy, and vibrant communities connected to Cleveland-Cliffs’ local facilities.

Nonprofit or conservation-focused organizations helping private landowners adopt regenerative agriculture and conservation practices in Minnesota can seek US $250,000 - US $750,000 through the Conservation Partners Grant Program. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports technical assistance for management planning, implementing best practices, Farm Bill participation, and sharing lessons learned to improve soil, water, and wildlife habitat on private lands.

Mission

The Biodiversity Fund supports efforts to maintain and strengthen biodiversity in the Duluth-Superior region through preservation and restoration of habitat, help for particular species and ecosystems, planning for changing conditions, research and education. The purpose is to consider now the value to future generations of the species and ecosystem diversity that will remain when/if human population stabilizes.

Biodiversity Fund

The Biodiversity Fund supports projects that preserve and restore habitats, assist vulnerable species and ecosystems, plan for environmental change, and promote research and education in the Duluth-Superior region.

The fund aims to protect the region's biodiversity through conservation, preservation, and restoration of natural resources for the benefit of future generations.

Biodiversity Fund- Large & Multi-Year Grants

The Fund may also support larger initiatives of up to $50,000 per year for up to three years, for projects that require sustained investment to achieve meaningful, long-term impact. ‍

Multi-year requests should demonstrate:

• A clear long-term vision with defined milestones that allow progress to be assessed prior to subsequent years of funding each year
• How the work will scale, adapt, or deepen impact over time
• Strong partnerships, stewardship plans, or systems-level outcomes
• A plan for sustainability beyond the grant period

What We Mean by Biodiversity

‍Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, encompassing the diversity of genes, species, and ecosystems and the complex relationships that sustain them. Biodiversity underpins ecosystem stability, climate resilience, and human well-being by providing essential services such as clean air and water, natural food systems, nature-derived medicines, and climate adaptation and regulation.

This grant recognizes that healthy natural ecosystems and sustainable native plant and animal communities are deeply interconnected — environmental degradation often exacerbates social inequities and instability of communities of habitats and ecosystems. Community-led solutions strengthen ecological outcomes.

Biodiversity Fund Priorities

Funded projects should demonstrate strength in several of the following areas. Not every project must address all principles, but competitive proposals will show clear alignment across multiple dimensions.

• Upstream & Preventative Focus
  • Projects address root causes rather than symptoms.
  • Prioritize prevention, restoration, and long-term solutions
  • Reduce risk and vulnerability for people, species, and ecosystems
  • Anticipate environmental and social change rather than reacting after harm occurs
• Collaboration & Community Voice
  • Projects are grounded in authentic partnership.
  • Build cross-sector collaboration (e.g., nonprofits, Tribal Nations, schools, governments, researchers, community groups)
  • Center the expertise and leadership of people with lived experience, including Indigenous knowledge and local ecological expertise
  • Share power in design, decision-making, and implementation
• Equity-Centered Impact
  • Projects advance equity for both people and place.
  • Prioritize historically marginalized communities and/or vulnerable species and ecosystems
  • Focus resources, decision-making power, or stewardship closer to impacted communities
  • Recognize how environmental harm and social inequity intersect
• Systems, Policy & Practice Change
  • Projects have transferability and relevance beyond a single site or program.
  • Improve institutional practices, policies, land-use decisions, or resource flows
  • Strengthen community-level systems related to housing, food security, climate adaptation, education, or conservation
  • Demonstrate potential for replication, scaling, or broader adoption
• Sustainability & Capacity Building
  • Projects plan for impact that lasts beyond the grant period.
  • Strengthen organizational, community, or ecosystem capacity
  • Build skills, infrastructure, stewardship, or long-term management plans
  • Promote ongoing care, monitoring, or adaptive management of natural systems
• Evidence of Change & Learning
  • Projects contribute to shared learning and understanding.
  • Use data, research, community knowledge, or storytelling to demonstrate impact
  • Measure ecological, social, or systems-level outcomes
  • Share lessons learned to inform future equity-, resilience-, and biodiversity-focused work

The Jandy Ammons Foundation, established in 2012, is committed to enhancing local communities through innovative, project-driven initiatives. Focused on 'shovel ready' projects, it supports wildlife conservation, educational efforts, artistic installations, and Christian mission endeavors. By providing resources to IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charities, the foundation aims to inspire community engagement and sustainable growth. The foundation reflects the collaborative spirit of its founders, Andy and Jan Ammons, who believe in hard work, integrity, and maximizing available resources.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Hunting Heritage

Ensuring our hunting heritage is central to RMEF’s mission. Hunters—America’s first conservationists—remain the driving force behind wildlife conservation. RMEF funds hunting heritage and conservation education to help more people experience the outdoors, learn the skills of hunting, and carry forward the traditions that define big game country, including outdoor skills programs/events, hunter or conservation outreach, mentored hunts, and other similar activities.

The IDNR: State Duck Stamp Funding program supports the development of waterfowl propagation areas in the Mississippi Flyway. Funded by sales of State Migratory Waterfowl Stamps, it focuses on projects in Canada and the U.S. that enhance waterfowl populations. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations aiming to implement the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. This initiative not only fosters wildlife conservation but also strengthens ecological sustainability in the region.

Community Action Fund

A grant for Indigenous frontline organizations, groups, and individuals for direct action initiatives.

The Community Action Fund (CAF) grants support non-violent direct actions and organizing efforts that are often urgent and time sensitive. CAF prioritizes frontline, grassroots and community-based efforts that defend Indigenous peoples rights, communities and Nations.

Community Action Fund Intent

This grant supports Indigenous frontline, grassroots, community-based groups and organizations, Tribes, communities and villages, and individuals leading non-violent direct action or movement-building work in their effort to DEFEND Indigenous People’s rights, and protect their land, air, water, and natural resources.

Focused on water stewardship, Bell's Brewery invites U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations to seek grassroots grants of US $500 - US $5,000 for projects that protect water resources and ecosystems. Minnesota land and habitat conservation groups working on freshwater protection, ecosystem health, or climate-related water resilience may be eligible.

The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, assists private landowners in restoring and protecting vital habitats for fish and wildlife. Since its inception in 1987, the program has provided technical assistance and financial support to enhance conservation efforts across the United States. By collaborating with local stakeholders, the program establishes habitat goals and directs resources effectively to conserve important ecosystems, benefiting both wildlife and the American people.

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Program, initiated in FY 2001, aims to foster collaboration between State and Federal entities in conserving listed species. This program provides funding for acquiring critical land parcels to support U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-approved recovery plans. By securing habitats at risk from development, the initiative directly addresses the primary threat to endangered species, ensuring effective and immediate conservation actions.

Minnesota land and habitat conservation nonprofits can access funding through the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation for self-sustaining projects that strengthen the economic base of low-income, disadvantaged communities. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations may seek program-related investments or grants supporting economic development, housing, education, health, community revitalization, and related services alongside conservation work.

Nonprofits, researchers, and conservation-focused individuals improving land and habitat can apply for SITKA Ecosystem Grants, offering US $3,000 - US $20,000 for ecosystem restoration, biodiversity, and stewardship projects in Minnesota and beyond. Focused on land and habitat conservation, W.L. Gore & Associates supports work like habitat restoration, wildlife research, and trail maintenance through this program.

Eligible public and private partners working on land and habitat conservation near military installations in Minnesota can apply for the U.S. Department of Defense’s REPI Challenge, with awards up to US $20,000,000 for compatible land use and resilience projects. Conservation initiatives that prevent land-use conflicts and alleviate environmental restrictions may be competitive.

Nonprofits, schools, local governments, and fiscally sponsored community groups in the Mille Lacs Lake Watershed area can receive funding for environmental stewardship, land and habitat conservation, and community beautification projects in Minnesota. Initiative Foundation’s Mille Lacs Area Community Foundation Grant also supports sustainable farming, outdoor recreation, and cultural initiatives that strengthen local pride and economic vitality.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on land and habitat conservation, ecosystem restoration, or restorative economies in Minnesota and other U.S. regions can access funding through the Biophilia Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants support private land conservation, low-tech stream restoration, conservation policy, and nature-based economic initiatives, with a focus on systemic change.

The Steven C. Leuthold Family Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) non-profits in areas such as land conservation, environmental protection, human services, and animal welfare. Founded in 1991 by philanthropist Steven C. Leuthold, the foundation prioritizes organizations that align with its giving preferences. Applications are due by June 30, 2025, with grants distributed by December 2025. Note that incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Graduate students interested in land and habitat conservation in Minnesota and across the U.S. can gain paid, hands-on practicum experience through the Conservation Connect Fellowship Program. With a mission to support collaborative conservation leaders, National Forest Foundation provides fellows with project-based work, mentorship, training, and reimbursed travel connected to National Forests and Grasslands programs.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on land and habitat conservation, wildlife protection, and related advocacy can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants. Funding supports nationally significant efforts such as policy, legal advocacy, Indigenous wildlife management, and habitat preservation, which may benefit Minnesota groups focused on conserving critical species and ecosystems.