Application period open for fall 2025 grants to plant pollinator habitat

Anyone who lives in Minnesota and has an outdoor space for planting is eligible to apply for a fall 2025 Lawns to Legumes grant.

The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing reimbursement-based funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources.

People who live in Minnesota and have a yard, deck or other outdoor space for planting can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitat. The program is available to both Minnesota homeowners and renters.

Lawns to Legumes is administered by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources in partnership with Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water. Apply for Fall 2025 grants on Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water’s website.

“Even small plantings in yards or boulevards make a difference for Minnesota’s pollinators,” stated BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke in a news release. “Lawns to Legumes gives Minnesotans a unique opportunity to take a hands-on approach to conservation.”

Applications will be accepted through May 15. If you previously applied for the program and did not receive an award, you will need to reapply to be considered for fall 2025 funding.

More than 8,000 residential habitat projects across all 87 Minnesota counties have been completed since the program launched in 2019. Lawns to Legumes also shares online resources such as gardening templates, habitat guides and advice about selecting native plants for all Minnesotans interested in creating pollinator habitat in their yards. The state’s general fund supports Lawns to Legumes.

For more information about Lawns to Legumes, visit BWSR’s website.