The new year is often a time for new beginnings and making positive changes in our lives. And what better way to do that than by creating a beautiful, thriving native plant habitat in your community? A great way to get started is by looking into the many cost-share programs and grants for habitat restoration, native plant installation, and maintenance projects.

Watershed districts, cities, counties, non-profit organizations, and other water and land management organizations offer these programs to help local residents, businesses, organizations like churches, and other units of government improve natural habitats and water quality. The funding and guidelines for each program vary, but they all provide excellent resources and support needed to get your project off the ground.

At Natural Shore, we have extensive experience working with many different cost-share programs and can help homeowners with providing project information necessary for applications. We also work with agencies to promote their programs by showcasing past projects through demonstrations, garden tours, and social media.

If you’re interested in learning more about cost-share programs, we’ve included a list of several organizations that offer grant programs in the West Metro area. One tip is to apply early because cost-share funding goes fast! Didn’t make the deadline for cost-share money in your area? Check back regularly in case more funding becomes available or ask if you can apply early to be one of the first in line for next year’s funds.

West Metro Grant Programs

Name of Organization	Grant Type/Program	Eligible Candidates	Funds Available	Application Deadline	Link
Nine Mile Creek Watershed District	Stewardship Grant – cost-share Grants for Habitat Restoration – cost-share	Residents, associations, nonprofits, schools, businesses, and cities for projects located within the boundaries of the NMCWD	Stewardship Grant- up to 75% project cost Habitat Restoration Grant- up to 50% project cost See link for specific max amounts	Stewardship Grant- March 17th, 2023 Habitat Restoration Grant- May 15th, 2023 & August 14th, 2023	https://www.ninemilecreek.org/get-involved/grants/
Mississippi Water Management Organization	Stewardship Fund Grants – Community, Planning and Action Planning and Action Grants – cost-share	-Registered non-profit organizations: -Officially recognized neighborhood groups -Business and professional associations -Schools   -Local units of government	Community Grant- up to $5,000 Planning Grant- 75% of cost, up to $20,000 Action Grant- 75% of cost, up to $50,000	Community Grant- 2 rounds; April 2023 & December 2023 Planning Grant- March 10th, 2023 Action Grant- November 2023	https://www.mwmo.org/get-involved/stewardship-fund-grants/
Riley-Purgatory-Bluff Creek Watershed District	Watershed Stewardship Grants (other types of grants available, check website grant page)	Applicants must be the property owner or authorized representative. Eligible applicant categories include:-Individual homeowners -Non-profits (including home, townhome and lake associations) -Schools -Businesses -Local government ​​​	Residentia/Non-profits- up to 75% project cost Government/School/Business- up to 50% project cost See link for specific max amounts	Re-opening in March 2023	https://rpbcwd.org/get-involved/grants/watershed-stewardship-grants
City of Eden Prairie	Landscaping for Water Quality; Rebate after project completion	–Residential property-Commercial, institutional or homeowner association property	Residential – 80% cost of pre-tax; up to $2,000 Commercial/HOA/Institution – 80% cost of pre-tax; up to $5,000	No deadline; first-come, first-served basis	https://www.edenprairie.org/community/sustainable-eden-prairie/water/water-conservation-rebate-programs/landscaping-rebates
City of Burnsville	Neighborhood Water Resources Enhancement Grant; rebate after project completion	Qualified applicants are residents, neighborhood groups, and businesses/other properties within Burnsville.		April 30th, 2023	https://burnsvillemn.gov/564/Resident-Grants
Hennepin County	Good Stewards Grant- Reduce erosion and sedimentation; Improve water quality; Protect groundwater quality or reduce groundwater use; or Preserve, restore, or establish critical habitat	-Local, state, or regional government agencies -Non-profit organizations -Landowners: citizens or business owners	Up to $1,000	Program is closed for 2023 but applications for 2024 will be due in November	https://www.hennepin.us/business/conservation/funding-assistance-natural-resources-projects
Carver County	Common projects include rain gardens, shoreline restorations, native plantings, water retention and water reuse systems and more.	Citizens and private businesses located within the Carver County Water ManagementOrganization’s boundaries	Average is $10,000 per project up to $25,000	No deadline; first-come, first-served basis	https://www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/public-services/planning-water-management/water-management/get-involved/cost-share-program

If you need any additional help or direction, our cheerful staff is ready to assist you. Happy New Year! 

If you aren’t sure what watershed district you live in, click here.

Soil and water conservation districts are separated by county, to find more information about yours click here.