08.a1 Request for Consideration by Scandia for DNR grant applications
Request for Consideration by Scandia
City Council to partner on Grant Applications that
support the WATER TOWER BARN arts and heritage
center Project
Scandia Heritage Alliance would like to request partnership from the City of Scandia in
applying for two DNR grants outlined below to benefit the WATER TOWER BARN
SCANDIA arts and heritage center project and the community of Scandia. Scandia
Heritage Alliance would prepare the application content. For the Outdoor Recreation
Grant, the City Administrator would need to submit the application. For the
Conservation Partners Legacy Grant, the application can be submitted by Scandia
Heritage Alliance with a letter supporting it from the City of Scandia
1) MN DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Program
This grant could cover up to half the cost of building the Water Garden Play Area
(splash pad) at Water Tower Barn Scandia. NO MATCH REQUIRED FROM CITY
2) MN DNR Conservation Partners Legacy Grant for Habitat Restoration
This grant provides funds for habitat restoration, and the grant would be much
stronger if a larger area is covered. Therefore, we are proposing that the City
and SHA partner and apply for a grant to remove invasive species from the
forest and wetlands on the City’s full community commons property (City Hall
and the proposed lease area with Scandia Heritage Alliance) and plant the rain
garden on the lease portion of the property. NO CITY MATCH REQURED. The
match proposed in the application would come from volunteer efforts in the
plan, with SHA recruiting the volunteers. NOTE: The Washington Conservation
District is donating staff time to create the restoration plan that will be included in
the grant application.
MN DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Program
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/recreation/outdoor_rec.html
NOTE: The 2026 round of applications for the Outdoor Recreation
Grant Program will open December 2025.
Program purpose
To increase and enhance outdoor recreation facilities in local and community parks throughout
the state. This program is established in Minnesota Statutes 85.019.
Metro regional parks and Greater Minnesota regional parks are not eligible for funding under this
program. Funding for designated regional parks and trails is available from the Metropolitan
Council and the Greater Minnesota Regional Park and Trails Commission.
How it works
The Outdoor Recreation Grant Program provides matching grants to local units of government
for up to 50% of the cost of acquisition, development and/or redevelopment of local parks and
recreation areas.
Only one park may be included in an application and only one application per
park. Applicants are eligible to submit more than one application and receive more than one
grant. Significant progress must be completed on active projects before an additional proposal
can be submitted. Review frequently asked questions (PDF).
Eligible applicants
Cities, counties, and townships.
Eligible projects
Park acquisition and/or development/redevelopment including, internal park trails, picnic
shelters, playgrounds, athletic facilities, boat accesses, fishing piers, swimming beaches and
campgrounds. All park projects must be maintained for outdoor recreatio n into perpetuity.
Minimum requirements
Project proposals must include, at least, one of the eligible primary outdoor recreation facilities in
the program manual (PDF) and have a total project cost of at least $50,000. Support facilities
such as restrooms and parking lots can only be funded as part of a larger project that includes a
primary recreation facility. Land proposed for development and/or redevelopment must be
owned by the applicant or be part of an acquisition project.
Level of assistance
Grants are reimbursed based up to 50 percent of the total eligible costs. The maximum grant
award is $350,000 (for a total project cost of $700,000). The local match can consist of cash; the
value of materials, labor and equipment usage by the local sponsor; donations; or any
combination thereof. Costs must be incurred and paid for before reimbursement can be made.
Grant funding available
There are two sources of funding for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program: federal and state
funds. Federal funds come from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Federal funding
available for FY 2026 has not yet been allocated but should be at least $2.5 million for the
Outdoor Recreation Grant Program and the Natural and Scenic Areas Grant Program.
State funding available for FY 2026 is a portion of $1.1 million from “In Lieu Of” lottery proceeds
available for three Park and Trail grant programs. Additional state Environment and Natural
Resources Trust Fund dollars may be recommended by the Legislative Citizens Commission on
Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). Other state funding may be available but is subject to Legislative
approval. Final amounts available will not be known until after the legislative session ends.
Funding priorities
The 2020-2024 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) is Minnesota’s outdoor
recreation policy plan. This plan was developed with public and stakeholder input. It establishes
outdoor recreation priorities for Minnesota to assist outdoor recreation and natural resource
managers, the state legislature, and the executive branch in decision-making about the state’s
outdoor recreation system and sets out criteria for awarding grants consistent with these
identified priorities.
A majority of the review and selection process will focus on guidelines outlined in the 2020-2024
SCORP. Additional review components will assess the design of the proposed project and
existing park facilities. Project design should be compatible with the physical characteristics of
the site, consistent with generally accepted engineering and architectural design standards, in
accordance with accessibility standards and minimize risk to the health and safety of users.
Grant awards
The Department of Natural Resources will review and rank applications during the spring of 2025.
Preliminary grant awards will be announced in the summer of 2025.
Project period
The earliest anticipated project start date will be the fall of 2025. However, this can be later
depending on requirements for environmental resources, historical and archeological resources,
and federal approval, if applicable. All work must be completed by June 30, 2027. Most of our
funding does not allow for a project extension beyond this date. Applicants should focus on
projects that will be completed during the 2026/2027 construction seasons.
How to apply
The completed application is due March 31, 2025. If you would like feedback on your
application, please submit it by February 28, 2025.
• 2025 Outdoor recreation grant application (DOC)
• 2025 Outdoor recreation program manual (PDF)
Contact
Jennifer Bubke, grants specialist: Jennifer.Bubke@state.mn.us, 651-259-5638
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Parks and Trails
500 Lafayette Road, Box 39
Saint Paul, MN 55155
Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/habitat/cpl/index.html
The Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant Program is accepting applications for Expedited
Conservation Projects (ECP) on a rolling basis until May 11, 2026. For more details, please review
the updated request for proposals (PDF), full funding schedule (PDF) and best practices
(PDF) documents for more details.
FY2023 Grant Awards (PDF)
Thank you to the 200+ applicants and grantees who participated in the CPL program
evaluation. The survey results (PDF) are now available.
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. Funding for the CPL grant program is from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, created by
the people of Minnesota. The CPL Program has been recommended by the L-SOHC to (and
approved by) the MN Legislature annually since 2009.
The Minnesota DNR manages this reimbursable program to provide competitive matching
grants from $5,000 to $500,000 to local, regional, state, and national nonprofit organizations,
including government entities.
Use the CPL grant cycle comparison chart (PDF) to determine which grant cycle best fits your
project.
CPL Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
Sign up here for the CPL Listserv and be the first to know when the application system opens!
Other Related Programs:
• Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council
• Clean Water Legacy Fund Grants
• Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Program
• Parks and Trails Legacy Plan