2025 Habitat Grant Application Open

Eligible Projects

This grant program will fund habitat restoration projects. See the chart below for activity types and eligible expenses. Awarded funds must be used for project activities explicitly stated in the application.

Activity

• Tree protection (bud-capping, cages, tubes)
• Exclosures (fencing to prevent deer browse)
• Planting (restoration at scale; usually seedlings or shrubs)
• Planting (enhance use areas, replace ash trees; larger trees)
• Seed collection
• Invasive species management
• Other restoration activity (subject to approval by P&TC)

Eligible Expenses

• Tools & equipment
• Materials & supplies
• Outreach materials (flyers, etc)
• Event-related food and beverages

Partners

Land Management Agency: The Friends Group should work closely with their land management agency representative throughout the process to identify and develop a project. The application requires a letter of support from the land management agency.

Community Groups: Friends Groups are encouraged to cultivate relationships with community groups, businesses, or schools to aid in the project.

P&TC: P&TC will remain available and engaged as needed through the grant planning, implementation, and reporting process.

Funding Distribution Method

Friends Groups can apply for $500-$2,500 to complete their project and must supply a budget with a line-item breakdown for the project. Note: If more than 10% of the grant funds remain unspent at the end of the project with an insufficient explanation, this may negatively impact the group’s standing in future grants.

The distribution method varies by the type of organization:

• Fiscal clients of P&TC: Use the same method as all fiscal client expenses—reimbursed based on invoices/receipts.
• 501c3 Nonprofits: Check issued upon winning grant.
• Unincorporated associations: i.e., groups that are neither fiscal clients nor registered 501c3 nonprofits: please contact us to discuss options.

Reporting

Grant recipients must submit an interim and final report. A template will be issued to the selected grant recipients. Report content will include:

• Measurable data: number and types of trees planted, volunteer hours, etc.
• Narrative: descriptions of the activities, quotes, lessons learned, etc.
• Photo/video documentation: volunteers at work, restoration accomplished, etc.
• Financial information: a financial comparison of the budget vs. actual expenses.

Evaluation Process

Projects will be evaluated on several criteria, including but not limited to how well the application documents the following:

• Project contributes to the habitat restoration goals of the park or trail.
• Project engages volunteers in hands-on restoration work.
• Project plan is thorough, clearly indicating scope, location, and materials needed.
• Budget includes items and costs that directly support the project.
• Project timeline lays out clear and reasonable steps to complete the project.

Careful consideration will be given to projects that:

• Demonstrate a high level of volunteer engagement.
• Engage with volunteers or youth from underrepresented backgrounds in regard to race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, ability, immigration status, or other areas of diversity.

P&TC aims to partner with Friends Groups across Minnesota and will consider the geographic distribution of projects in its evaluation.

Submission

Friends Groups are strongly encouraged to connect with the External Relations Director to discuss their project idea, financial plan, and other questions.

Lisa Filter, External Relations Director
lfilter@parksandtrails.org
651-370-7901

Please submit the Application, Budget, and Agency Letter to Parks & Trails Council by 5pm on February 24, 2024. These documents can be submitted via email to friends@parksandtrails.org.