Program purpose:

To increase outdoor shooting range capacity for youth shooters and the general public, by providing matching grant funds to recreational shooting clubs open for public use.

Eligible projects:

Projects that develop, expand, improve, or upgrade existing trap or skeet shooting ranges, rifle/pistol ranges, and 5 stand shooting ranges. New range development will be prioritized in rural areas of MN, for new grantees through this grant period.

Who may apply:

Local recreational shooting clubs in Minnesota that allow public access to shooting. A facility rehabilitated, enhanced or improved with a grant must be open to the general public at reasonable times and for a reasonable fee on a walk-in basis for a period of not less than 20 years following project completion.

Scoring:

Grant applications will be scored based on project location and need, financial contributions of funding partners and the applicant, and the feasibility of the project.

Level of assistance:

The Shooting Range Grants program provides grants from $2,500 to $25,000 for listed projects eligible for expedited funding. The grants must be matched 1:1.

All grantees must comply with the State of Minnesota grant laws and policies. These funds are from the 2019 Minnesota Session Law, Chapter First Special Session, Chapter 4, Article 1, Section 3, Subdivision 6(h)  appropriation.

For 2020, $100,000 in matching funding is available. Funding is available on a first-come, first served basis, based on current priorities. A similar sign up period will be conducted later in 2020, when an additional $100,000 becomes available.

How to apply:

Use the application form supplied in this Shooting Range Grant Application Packet  PDF, and include all documentation at the time you submit your written application. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Three complete sets of the application with original signatures and supporting documentation and plans must be submitted. The materials and documentation must be on standard, letter-sized 8.5 x 11 paper.

Completed grant applications, including any supporting documentation, will be funded on a first-come, first served basis as funding remains available. All work funded now must be completed by June 30, 2020.

For questions, contact Chuck Niska, DNR shooting range coordinator, at 612-756-4165 or via e-mail at chuck.niska@state.mn.us .

Mail applications to:

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Chuck Niska, Shooting Range Coordinator
Division of Enforcement
500 Lafayette Rd., Box 47
St. Paul, MN 55155-4047