Program purpose:
To increase shooting range capacity for youth shooters and the general public by providing matching grant funding to recreational shooting clubs in MN that provide public shooting hours.
Eligible projects:
Projects that develop, expand or improve existing trap and skeet ranges, rifle/pistol ranges and five-stand shooting ranges. New range development will be prioritized in rural areas of MN for new grantees.
Who may apply:
Local recreational clubs in Minnesota allow public access to shooting. A facility rehabilitated or built new through this program must be open to the general public at reasonable times for a reasonable fee on a walk-in basis for not less than 20 years following project completion.
Scoring:
Grant applications will be scored based on project location and need, the financial contributions of funding partners and the applicant, and the feasibility of the project.
Level of assistance:
The Large Shooting Range Grant Program provides grants greater than $25,000 in funding for eligible projects. It differs from the Small Grant Program in the size of the grants and the amount of Per Occurrence Insurance coverage carried by the range. A minimum of $2,000,000 in insurance coverage is required. These grants must be matched 1:1.
All grantees must comply with the State of Minnesota grant laws and policies. These funds are from a 2023 legislative appropriation. In the state's 2024 and 2025 fiscal years, $100,000 is available for these grants.
How to apply:
Use the application form supplied in this form, and include all documentation you intend to provide in your application. Your materials must be in a standard format, on 8-1/2 x 11-sized paper. Use the application form as provided, with anything else provided as attachments.
Completed grant applications, including any supporting documentation, will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis. All work funded must be done by the end of the current biennium, June 30, 2025.
For questions, contact Chuck Niska, DNR Shooting Range Coordinator, at (612) 765-4165 or via e-mail at [email protected].
Mail applications to:
Attn: Chuck Niska
Minnesota DNR
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4047