DNR announces $6 mil up for grabs in 2027 surface water grant cycle

The Wisconsin DNR has announced a call for applications for its fiscal year 2027 Surface Water Grant Program, offering more than $6 million in cost-sharing grants to protect and restore the state’s lakes and rivers.

The program supports a range of local initiatives, including water protection and restoration planning, education and outreach, shoreland habitat restoration, management plan implementation, and the prevention and control of aquatic invasive species.

Under the cost-sharing structure, grant recipients must contribute between 25% to 33% of the total project cost, depending on the grant category.

Automatic eligibility is extended to counties, municipalities, other local government units, lake and sanitary districts, natural resource agencies, tribal governing bodies, and accredited colleges, universities and technical schools.

Other groups — including lake associations, nonprofit conservation organizations, school districts and producer-led groups — must apply and be confirmed as a qualified organization before submitting a grant application.

While individuals cannot apply directly, they may partner with an eligible sponsor.

Most applicants must submit a pre-application form by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 15. Pre-applications will be reviewed by the DNR, and approved projects can then submit final applications by the fall deadline. Those applying for management plan implementation grants must also request a determination of eligibility from a local DNR biologist by the same Sept. 15 deadline.

Exceptions to the pre-application requirement apply to returning applicants who have previously received Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) or Lake Monitoring and Protection Network (LMPN) grants. Returning LMPN applicants must instead notify their local aquatic invasive species biologist of their intent to participate.

In tandem with the broader surface water grants, the DNR is also accepting applications for its 2027 CBCW which funds efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. First-time applicants for this specific grant must submit their pre-application by Sept. 15.

Because Nov. 15 falls on a Sunday, the final deadline for all applications has been extended to Monday, Nov. 16, at 11:59 p.m.. Early submissions are welcomed by the department.

CBCW applications can be emailed to dnrcbcwgrants@wisconsin.gov or sent by mail to the DNR postmarked by Nov. 16. Mailed applications should be addressed to: CBCW Grant Manager WY/3, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921.

Returning applicants are cautioned that they must use the current application form revised in July 2025, as older versions will not be accepted. New and returning applicants are also encouraged to watch an informational program video available on the DNR’s website.

Application forms and official guidance can be found on the Wisconsin DNR’s Surface Water Grants Program webpage.