Rain gardens and stormwater projects · Minnesota
Hennepin County Good Steward Grants
Run by Hennepin County Environment and Energy
- What you get
- Typically $10,000-$20,000, max $25,000; covers up to 75% of eligible cost
- Maximum
- $25,000 per household
- Who qualifies
- All Hennepin County landowners including individual homeowners; renters should contact the county to work with the landowner
- Where
- All Hennepin County landowners, including individual homeowners.
- Status
- Paused. Next round opens in 2027.
- Type of payment
- Grant
What you do
Build a rain garden, native vegetation restoration, vegetated filter strip, stream bank stabilization or similar water-quality practice on your land
Requirements
- 25% match of total project cost, cash or in-kind
- Eligible costs: consulting/engineering, materials, supplies, labor, inspection fees
- Larger $25,000-$50,000 projects go under Opportunity Grants
The plan or design it asks for
Project application per the county's 2025 application and guidelines; specific plan contents not published on the program page
Native plant lists for the area: Maple Grove, Plymouth, Bloomington, Minneapolis, Brooklyn Park
Make the plan in Sow
Draw the layout and build the plant list
Sow places plants on a photo of your yard and keeps a list of everything you add. Check Hennepin County's rules for exactly what to submit.
How to apply
- 1Review the 2025 application, guidelines and sample grant contract on the county page
- 2Contact Ellen Sones, [email protected], 612-596-1173 to discuss the project
- 3Submit application when the next round opens
Timing and deadlines
not published
not published
Sources
- https://www.hennepincounty.gov/services/grants-funding-opportunities/environmental-grants-funding/land-and-water-protection-and-restoration-grants/good-steward-grants (official page)
- https://www.hennepincounty.gov/services/grants-funding-opportunities/environmental-grants-funding/land-and-water-protection-and-restoration-grants/opportunity-grants
Last checked October 17, 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.
Sow is not affiliated with any of these agencies or utilities. Amounts and rules change, often at the start of a fiscal year, so confirm the details on the official page before you start a project. How we research these programs
More programs near the same area
- Status not posted
Hennepin County Conservation Cost Share
Hennepin County Environment and Energy
Up to 75% of eligible project cost; no dollar cap listed
- Out of funds
NMCWD Cost Share Grants
Nine Mile Creek Watershed District
Reimbursement with 25% applicant match; resident maximums $3,750 for habitat restoration or native plantings and $6,250 for other eligible projects
Up to $6,250 per household
- OpenPlan required
RPBCWD Stewardship Standard Cost Share
Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District (RPBCWD)
75% cost share up to $5,000 for a residential project
Up to $5,000 per household
- Status not postedPlan required
LMRWD Cost Share Incentive and Water Quality Restoration Program
Lower Minnesota River Watershed District
Reimbursement of up to 50% of project cost (materials, labor, engineering, consulting); $500 minimum grant; maximum $2,500 for residential
Up to $2,500 per household
- PausedPlan required
FRNNG Raingarden Program
Field Regina Northrop Neighborhood Group (FRNNG) with Metro Blooms
Cost-share gardens cost resident about $500-$600 (page values garden at about $2,000); community-funded gardens cost a $50 consultation fee only
- Open
RPBCWD Stewardship Mini-Cost Share for Native Plants
Riley Purgatory Bluff Creek Watershed District (RPBCWD)
95% cost share up to $500 for a yard project; up to $1,500 within 50 feet of the shoreline of a major lake
Up to $1,500 per household