Every year the DNR offers grants to help communities, agencies, and organizations balance protection of Lake Superior coastal resources with providing places for people to live, work, and play.
1. Annual
We are now accepting applications for the 2025 Annual grants. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on November 17, 2024.
Local units of government can apply for a low-cost construction or acquisition project under this funding notice. For more information, please review Attachment A and contact the grant specialist to ensure eligibility. The project must meet the identified objectives and uses as noted. You will be responsible for completing the required documentation for federal review.
2. Small Grants
The Coastal Program is accepting applications for small grants (<$10,000). You may request capacity funds ($1,000-$4,500) at any time; STAR applications ($4,501-$10,000) are due by December 1, 2024, March 1, 2025, and May 1, 2025. See the notice for more information.
- 2024-25 Small Grants: Notice of Grant Opportunity
- 2024-25 STAR Grant Application Instructions
- Small Grant: Capacity Request Form
- Small Grant: STAR Application Template
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Resources for Grantees
Reporting
Guidance and Plans
- Grant Contract Agreement Terms and Conditions
- Changes to Grant Projects
- Travel Reimbursement and Documentation
- Grant Project Acknowledgment Guidance
- Data Management Plan Guidance for Grant Projects
- Data Management Plan (DMP) for Grantees
- Minnesota’s Five Year Evaluation Metrics 2024-2029
- NOAA Section 306A Guidance
- DNR Talent Release Form
- Invasive Species DNR Grantee Requirements
References
Minnesota’s Department of Administration, Office of Grants Management
Department of Commerce Award Terms, Conditions, and Associated Regulations
Questions
What is the DNR process for awarding grants?
The DNR awards the Annual and STAR grant funds through a competitive process. We will award eligible requests for conference support, as funding exists.
What type of project could I do with a grant?
Your project must be located in Minnesota’s coastal area and help achieve one of the following goals of the national Coastal Zone Management Act):
Coastal Habitat: Protect the coastal areas’ natural resources and habitats.
Coastal Hazards: Protect lives and property in the coastal area by minimizing risk from natural hazards such as storms, flooding and erosion.
Water Quality: Safeguard and restore water quality in Lake Superior and area streams.
Public Access: Create or enhance public access to Minnesota’s coast and Lake Superior.
Coastal Community Development: Help communities manage development along the Lake Superior coast in a sustainable way.
Coordination and Public Involvement: Collect, analyze, and share information that leads to better coastal land and water management by government and citizens.
Where do projects have to take place?
The project’s principal activities must occur within the following:
- The Minnesota waters of Lake Superior
- Public (non-federal) land in Minnesota’s coastal area
In the event that any activities of the project take place outside of the coastal area, the applicant will need to demonstrate that the project will have direct substantial benefits within the coastal area.
For more information on Minnesota’s coastal area, use the interactive maps or call 218-834-1446.
Which entities are eligible to receive a grant?
Cities, townships and counties within the coastal area
Area-wide agencies
Regional planning agencies
State agencies (excluding the DNR)
Non-profit organizations
Colleges and universities
Public school districts in the coastal area
Conservation districts
Port authorities
Tribal governments
Joint powers boards
Sanitary sewer boards
What activities are NOT eligible for grant funds?
If your agency or organization is interested in applying, we encourage you to contact us. Early communication with the grants specialist can help ensure your project is eligible and that it keeps with the goals of the program.
Generally, the following activities are not eligible.
- Creation of wetlands or other habitat required as a condition of a permit or any other regulatory action
- Projects at wetland mitigation banks
- Maintenance and/or purchase of recreational equipment
- Harbor dredging
- Warehouse demolition
- Breakwater construction
- Large-scale hard structure erosion control projects/li>
- Beach re-nourishment
- Building marinas
- Infrastructure projects related to road, water and sewer line construction
- Improvements to buildings for rental, lodging or private property
Where do the funds come from?
These are federal pass-through funds. The DNR receives the funds for Coastal Program grants from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Office for Coastal Management.
How will I get the funds?
This is a reimbursement grant program. The project sponsor must make the initial outlays for the project and then request reimbursement. Reimbursement requests must include supporting documentation of eligible expenses.
Is match required?
Yes, all Coastal Program grants require some kind of local or state funding or work in-kind contributions. The amount varies; consult the grant notice for specific requirements.
What has the Coastal Program funded in the past?
Since 2001, the DNR has awarded more than $15 million to over 700 projects. These projects occurred all along the coast and addressed all goals of Coastal Management. Contact the program for more information.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Direct your questions to Cynthia Poyhonen, Grants Specialist, (218) 834-1447