Habitat Restoration Grant Applications - Nine Mile Creek Watershed District

2023 grant application deadlines: August 14

Habitat restoration grants

Habitat restoration grants help residents and organizations install projects that restore native plant communities, restore wildlife habitat, and may include other activities, such as invasive plant removal. Examples of eligible projects include prairie and woodland restoration. If you are interested in a grant for a raingarden, shoreline buffer, or other project that helps prevent stormwater pollution to our lakes and Nine Mile Creek, learn more and apply at: ninemilecreek.org/get-involved/grants/stewardship-grants.

How to apply for a habitat restoration grant

Application deadline is August 14, 2023, by 4 PM.

There are four parts to a grant application:

Habitat Restoration Grant Application
Habitat Restoration Project Form
Habitat Restoration Plant List Form
Habitat Restoration Budget Form

Follow the steps below to apply for a grant.

For questions, contact Lizzy at 952-248-0410 or eboor@ninemilecreek.org.

Step 1: Read the guidelines

Read the habitat restoration grant guidelines. The guidelines provide necessary information about the District’s cost share grants.

Restoration Grant Guidelines

The District is using a project scoring form to assist in prioritizing projects for funding. Learn how the District reviews restoration grants: Restoration Grant Review Summary (PDF)

Step 2: Fill out a restoration grant application

Fill out the habitat restoration grant application (available as a PDF or Word document).

This form is required for all applications.

Restoration Grant Application (WORD)

Restoration Grant Application (PDF)

Step 3: Fill out the restoration project form

The project form is required for all applications.

Native Restoration

What is native restoration? A native restoration includes restoring native plants, wildlife habitat, and other activities that lead to a healthier ecosystem. A healthy ecosystem is one well suited to function naturally by doing things such as providing habitat, filtering water, and regulating climate. Native habitat restorations differ from shoreline buffers, which are directly adjacent to water. Landscaping alters land for aesthetics or human functionality. Landscaping is not eligible for grant funding. Fescue and bee lawns are not eligible grant projects.

Restoration Project Form (WORD)

Restoration Project Form (PDF)

Restoration Example Project Form (PDF)

Step 4: Fill out a restoration plant list form

Fill out a plant list. In order to receive reimbursement for plants, you must select plants from the District provided lists. If you choose to use other plants that you will pay for with match, fill out this form.

This form is required for all applications.

Restoration Plant List Form (Excel)

Restoration Plant List Form (Google Sheets)

Step 5: Fill out a restoration budget form

Use the provided budget form to provide detail about the expected costs of your project. Refer to the Restoration Grant Guidelines to learn about eligible and ineligible expenses.

This form is required for all applications.

Restoration Cost Share Budget Worksheet (PDF)

Restoration Cost Share Budget Worksheet (Excel)

As a reminder, grants are awarded for 50% of eligible project costs up to a maximum of:

$3,000 for residential projects
$5,000 for townhome, condominium, or lake associations
$10,000 for commercial, government, or nonprofit projects

Step 6: Review your application

Check your application for completeness using the table below.

restoration grant checklist

Step 7: Draft application review by Nine Mile Creek staff (optional)

Optional: Submit a draft application to esniegowski@ninemilecreek.org at least three weeks prior to the application deadline for review and feedback. Staff will provide brief comments on your application for your consideration before you submit your final application.