Minnesota's Coastal Program Grants: Small Grants

Minnesota's Coastal Program Grants: Small Grants is sponsored by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. These small grants support short-term initiatives that promote planning, outreach, technology advancement, and youth education aimed at enhancing the management of Lake Superior's coastal areas.

Minnesota's Coastal Program Grants | Minnesota DNR Report Potential Fraud | DNR is committed to ensuring public funds are used for their lawful and intended purposes.

Ecological and Water Resources Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Program Coastal Enhancement Program Dune Stewardship Initiative Staff contact information Minnesota's Coastal Program Grants 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.

The DNR is no longer accepting project proposals for 2026 annual grants. Applications were due Dec. 11, 2025.

Annual Notice of Grant Opportunity Annual Application Template Questions and Answers (updated 12. 5. 25) Contact the Coastal Program if you have questions or want to discuss project ideas for future funding cycles.

Join us for one of the informational sessions to learn more (session is repeated): Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, 11 a. m.

Join the meeting now Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, 9 a. m.

Join the meeting now Contact the Coastal Program if you have questions or want to discuss project ideas. Local units of government can apply for a low-cost construction or an acquisition project under this funding notice. For more information, 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. The Coastal Program is accepting applications for STAR grants ($4,501 and $10,000).

Small Grant: STAR Notice of Grant Opportunity Small Grant: STAR Application Form Small Grant: STAR Application Template Small Grant: STAR Questions and Answers - July 2026 The Coastal Program is accepting applications for capacity grants (≤$4,500).

Small Grant: Capacity Notice of Grant Opportunity Small Grant: Capacity Request Form Coastal Program Financial Reporting Manual Annual Financial Reporting Forms STAR Financial Reporting Forms Annual Progress Report Form STAR Progress Report Process Grant Project Final Report Template STAR Project Final Report Template DOC Capacity Reporting Requirements Grant Contract Agreement Terms and Conditions Requirements for DNR Grantees (previously called Grant Program Manual) 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 Invasive Species DNR Grantee Requirements Title 2: Grants and Agreements; Part 200 – Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards Minnesota’s Department of Administration, Office of Grants Management Department of Commerce Award Terms, Conditions, and Associated Regulations 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 Regional planning agencies State agencies (excluding the DNR) Colleges and universities Public school districts in the coastal area 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 Large-scale hard structure erosion control projects/li> 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.

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.

Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Pass-Through Grant Projects Who can I contact if I have questions? Direct your questions to Cynthia Poyhonen, Grants Specialist, (218) 834-1447