Metro blooms, a nonprofit organization based in minnesota, proposes a project to reduce financial barriers to pollinator habitat creation for residents across the state

In partnership with the minnesota board of water and soil resources, metro blooms administers the lawns to legumes individual support grant program through its blue thumb program. This statewide program reimburses individuals for installing native plantings that support pollinators. However, an evaluation of the program revealed that its reimbursement-only modelrequired by the states funding structurecan discourage participation, particularly among individuals with limited financial resources.to address this barrier, metro blooms seeks funding for a voucher-based assistance model for lawns to legumes participants who cannot afford upfront project costs. Under this proposed initiative, 60 or more participants across the spring 2026 and spring 2027 lawns to legumes cohorts will receive voucherseach valued at up to $400FOR native plants from participating nurseries. These vouchers will enable participants to begin their pollinator planting projects without having to pay out of pocket. Building on the success of an initial pilot, we are seeking funding to expand and sustain the voucher program, ensuring continued access for those who need financial assistance to participate.metro blooms staff will lead project implementation. This includes outreach to eligible participants, distribution of vouchers, and coordination with recipients and vendors to ensure successful project completion. Staff will also develop educational materials and guidance tailored to voucher recipients to support their habitat installation efforts. All voucher-funded pollinator habitat installations will be completed by november 30, 2027. This initiative is expected to broaden access to lawns to legumes, engage a broader socioeconomic range of communities in pollinator conservation, and contribute to more resilient, pollinator-friendly ecosystems across minnesota.