How to Get the Good Steward Grants Rebate

What you get

Hennepin County funds up to 75% of the total eligible cost of a land or water restoration project, with typical awards of $10,000 to $20,000 and a maximum of $25,000. Individual landowners are explicitly eligible alongside nonprofits, local governments, and businesses; recent awards include residential lots restoring native understory and oak savanna. The landowner contributes the remaining 25% in cash or in-kind (Hennepin County Good Steward Grants page; last verified July 2026).

• Residential: Up to 75% of eligible project cost (typical award $10,000 to $20,000, maximum $25,000)

Are you eligible?

• Be a Hennepin County customer
• Property located in: Hennepin County
• Landowner in Hennepin County; individuals are eligible applicants
• 25% landowner contribution, cash or in-kind
• Competitive annual application cycle
• Grant contract signed before work begins

What applying usually looks like

A general guide. Always confirm the exact steps on the official program page, since each provider runs its process a little differently.

1. 1

   Apply and get written approval first

   Submit your application to Hennepin County and wait for written approval before you remove any turf or start work. Starting early is the most common reason a rebate is denied.

2. 2

   Do the conversion

   Replace your lawn with the qualifying landscaping, following the eligibility requirements above.

3. 3

   Submit your claim

   After the work is done, submit your claim on the official program page. Confirm the exact forms, receipts, and any photos they require there, since those vary by program.