GMPT provides the links below as a resource for existing grant and funding resources.
Please email us at greatermnparkstrails@gmail.com with other suggestions & sources.
Currently accepting applications:
Expedited Conservation Project Grant Cycle (ECP) — (3rd round): The Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant Program funds conservation projects that restore, enhance, or protect forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife in Minnesota. Non-competitive grants from $5,000-$50,000 with a 10% non-state match requirement and a total project cost cap of $575,000 available to local, regional, state, and national nonprofit organizations, including government entities. Applications are due Jan. 17, 2023.
Federal Recreational Trail Program — Grants between $2,500 and $200,000 will be awarded for motorized and non-motorized trail projects; maintenance/restoration of recreational trails; development/rehabilitation of recreational trail linkages or trail head facilities; environmental awareness and safety education programs, and redesign/relocation of trails to benefit/minimize the impact to the natural environment. All projects must be sponsored by a unit of government, but preference is given to projects done in cooperation with a local trail organization or that involve youth corps worker groups. A 25% cash or in-kind match is required. Applications are due Feb. 24, 2023.
Forest Management/EAB Grant Program — Grants up to $50,000 are available to local governments to assist communities in managing ash trees for emerald ash borer (EAB) on public land. Eligible activities include public tree inventories, developing a management plan that includes an EAB component, tree/stump removal and tree replacement, and tree planting. A 25% cash or in-kind match of total project funds is required. Applications are due Feb. 27, 2023.
Outdoor Recreation Grant Program — Grants of up to 50% of project costs (with a maximum award of $350,000) are available to local governments to increase and enhance outdoor recreation facilities in local and community parks. Park acquisition and/or development/redevelopment projects are eligible including internal park trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, athletic facilities, boat accesses, fishing piers, swimming beaches and campgrounds. The SCORP guidelines will establish priorities for this grant program. Applications are due March 31, 2023.
Natural and Scenic Area Program — Grants up to $500,000 are available to local governments for acquisition of natural and scenic land for development. The 2020-2024 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) provides guidance on priorities. A maximum of 50% of total project costs will be reimbursed. Applications are due March 31, 2023.
Local Trail Connections Grant Program — Grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 are available for local units of government for the acquisition or development of short trail connections between where people live and desirable locations. A 25% match is required. Priority is given to projects that provide significant connectivity. Applications are due March 31, 2023.
Regional Trail Grant Program — Grants ranging from $5,000 to $300,000 are available for the development of trails in Greater Minnesota of regional or statewide significance. A 25% cash match is required. Applications are due March 31, 2023.
No longer accepting applications for this year/round of funding:
No Child Left Inside Grants (Phase 4) – Phase 4 of this popular grant program consists of larger grant awards with a more extensive application process, competitive review, and greater project scope. The minimum funding request is $5,000, with a maximum request of $25,000. Please review the Request for Proposals for a complete listing of phase 4 criteria and requirements.
There are $250,000 in grant funds available during phase 4. At least $100,000 of those funds will be dedicated to high-scoring fishing and hunting related projects. Applications will be competitively reviewed and awarded on a geographically balanced statewide basis. Additional phases are being planned for late 2022/early 2023 with an additional $450,000 in funding available. Applications were due by 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 10.
Connecting People to the Outdoors Small Grant Fund – The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission is pleased to announce a special Connecting People to the Outdoors (CPO) Small Grant Fund. The CPO grant fund of $212,053 is available to all designated Greater Minnesota facilities with the intent to encourage innovative ideas and nurture creative partnerships across facilities and with community partners. Applications were due May 31, 2022.
Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund – Approximately $70 million from the lottery-generated fund is available for projects that aim to protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. Applicants must submit proposals through the LCCMR’s online proposal and grant management system. Proposals were due April 2, 2021.