BWSR offers a variety of formula grant programs. These funds may be appropriated through the Clean Water Fund, the general fund, or direct appropriations. Funding opportunities for BWSR formula grant programs utilizing a Request for Interest (RFI) will be listed on this page.
FY27 Buffer Implementation Grants
The Request For Interest for Fiscal Year 27 Buffer Implementation grants is now open and closes on NOVEMBER 19TH. These grants are used to fund the SWCD’s roles and responsibilities associated with implementation of Minnesota statute 103F.48.
Requests must be submitted through eLINK, BWSR’s grants management system. Please read the RFI and program documents thoroughly to ensure you understand eligible activities and general program obligations. Requestors may contact their Board Conservationist with additional questions if they need assistance when submitting a response to the RFI. Questions regarding 103F.48 program information can be directed to your Buffer and Soil Loss Specialist.
How to submit: Proposals must be submitted through eLINK. Other required program information and the available funding amount can be found in the RFI and supporting program information can be found here Minnesota Buffer Law Program information.
Request deadlines: Requests in eLINK for FY27 grants will be accepted through November 19, 2026. Submittals will be reviewed, and awards will be made soon after.
NOTE: Opting to not receive funding does NOT mean that you opt out of fulfilling the SWCDs roles in implementing the Buffer Law. It will also not impact an SWCD’s eligibility to receive future Buffer grant funding.
Resources:
- FY27 Buffer Implementation RFI
- MN Buffer Law Program Page
- MN Buffer Law Procedures
- RFI Response Process in eLINK guidance
- Applicants may contact their Board Conservationist with additional questions if they need assistance when responding to the RFI
FY27 1W1P Mid-Point Grants
BWSR offers One Watershed, One Plan Mid-Point Grants for evaluating and amending approved comprehensive watershed management plans developed under the One Watershed, One Plan program. Please see the RFI and the Mid-Point Grants section of the One Watershed, One Plan page for more information. Requestors should contact their Board Conservationist or the One Watershed, One Plan Coordinator (Julie.Westerlund@state.mn.us) prior to or if they need assistance when submitting a response to the RFI.
Eligible Org. Types: Counties, Watershed Districts, Soil and Water Conservationist Districts, Local Government Joint Powers Entities
How to Submit: Requests must be submitted through eLINK. NOTE: Find this opportunity in eLINK by clicking on "Funding Opportunities" under the "Request Funds" heading in the side menu, not the "RFI Opportunities" under the "Request for Interest (RFI)" heading.
Request deadline: Requests must be submitted in eLINK no later than 4:30 pm on April 30, 2027.
Resources:
- FY27 One Watershed, One Plan Mid-Point Grants RFI
- One Watershed, One Plan Webpage
- One Watershed, One Plan Mid-Point Grants Reporting Profile
- eLINK RFI Response Process Guidance
FY27 Soil Health Delivery Grants
These grants provide financial, technical, and educational support necessary to accelerate the adoption of soil health practices to improve water quality and drinking water benefits.
Please read the RFI and program documents thoroughly to ensure you understand eligible activities and general program obligations. Requestors may contact their Board Conservationist or the Soils Programming Coordinator (Jared.House@state.mn.us) with additional questions or if they need assistance when submitting a response to the RFI.
Eligible Org. Types: Soil and Water Conservationist Districts
How to Submit: Requests must be submitted through eLINK.
Request deadline: Requests must be submitted in eLINK no later than 4:30 pm on October 15, 2026.
NOTE: Opting to not receive funding will not impact an SWCD’s eligibility to receive future Soil Health Delivery grant funding.
Resources:
Applicants may contact their Board Conservationist with additional questions if they need assistance when responding to the RFI.