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Grants & Funding Resources

  • ENRTF seeking applicants to serve on community grant program advisory council

    March 25, 2026 10:39 AM | Anonymous

    The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking applicants for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant Program Advisory Council | Minnesota DNR. The DNR encourages Minnesotans interested in serving on the advisory council to submit an online application. 

    This advisory council will provide strategic guidance to the recently authorized ENRTF Community Grant Program. By reviewing grant policies and guidelines, program structures, and recipient and program/project eligibility, the council will promote transparency, accessibility, equity, and effectiveness in the allocation of ENRTF Community Grant Program resources. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on April 10, 2026. Click here to apply.

    The DNR has also submitted their required report to the legislature about how they plan to implement the new Community Grants Program. Here are some key takeaways from that report:

    • Grant Models – The DNR will be offering two different types of grants. 1) An Expedited Community Grant that will be offered several times a year for projects that are already in development, can be completed within one year, and are aimed at helping projects get across the finish line. 2) Standard Community Grants will be offered annually and come with a higher award limit and longer timeline for work to be done. These standard grants will be useable for larger, more complex projects.
    • Fiscal Management – Grantees will have the option to receive grant awards either on a reimbursement plan or an advanced payment plan, allowing smaller groups greater flexibility in managing funds. It also allows groups to name fiscal agents that will help smaller organizations, especially those who have never received a state grant before, by allowing them to learn from an experienced and knowledgeable partner.
    • Advisory Council – The DNR must also appoint a Community Grant Advisory Council to help assist with reviewing applications, make recommendations to improve the program, and assist with program management, among other duties. This council will consist of 14-19 members of the public and will include members of diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, and geographic backgrounds to ensure the program sufficiently represents as many Minnesota communities as possible. 

    To learn more about the ENRTF Community Grant Program Advisory Council, visit their webpage here.


  • REMINDER: DNR outdoor recreation grant deadline is March 31

    March 19, 2026 10:39 AM | Anonymous

    The deadline to submit applications for Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 2026 DNR Outdoor Recreation and Natural & Scenic Areas Grant Programs and for Federal Recreational Trail, Local Trail Connections, and Regional Trails programs will close on March 31, 2026. See below for grant-specific information.

    2026 Outdoor Recreation and Natural & Scenic Areas Grant RFP  

    These grants help local governments throughout the state create partnerships with the DNR to fund projects within local parks. Eligibility requirements, deadlines, contact information and other details can be found on the DNR website at Recreation grants | Minnesota DNR or on the following program links: 

    The completed application is due by 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2026. If you would like feedback on your application, please submit it by February 27, 2026. 

    2026 Trail Grants RFP  

    These trail grants help local governments create partnerships with the DNR to fund trail projects throughout the state. Eligibility requirements, deadlines, contact information and other details can be found on the DNR website at Recreation grants | Minnesota DNR or on the following program links: 

    The completed LTC and Regional Trail grant applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2026. If you would like feedback on your LTC or Regional grant application, please submit it by March 11, 2026. 

    For questions about these grants, please contact Jennifer Bubke at Jennifer.Bubke@state.mn.us.


GMPT provides the links below as a resource for existing grant and funding resources. 

Please email us at greatermnparkstrails@gmail.com if you have resources to share with GMPT members.

Expedited Conservation Project Grant Cycle (ECP) — The Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grant Program funds conservation projects that restore, enhance, or protect forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife in Minnesota. Non-competitive grants from $5,000-$50,000 with a 10% non-state match requirement and a total project cost cap of $575,000 available to local, regional, state, and national nonprofit organizations, including government entities.

Federal Recreational Trail Program — Grants between $2,500 and $200,000 will be awarded for motorized and non-motorized trail projects; maintenance/restoration of recreational trails; development/rehabilitation of recreational trail linkages or trail head facilities; environmental awareness and safety education programs, and redesign/relocation of trails to benefit/minimize the impact to the natural environment. All projects must be sponsored by a unit of government, but preference is given to projects done in cooperation with a local trail organization or that involve youth corps worker groups. A 25% cash or in-kind match is required.

Outdoor Recreation Grant Program — Grants of up to 50% of project costs (with a maximum award of $350,000) are available to local governments to increase and enhance outdoor recreation facilities in local and community parks. Park acquisition and/or development/redevelopment projects are eligible including internal park trails, picnic shelters, playgrounds, athletic facilities, boat accesses, fishing piers, swimming beaches and campgrounds. The SCORP guidelines will establish priorities for this grant program.

Natural and Scenic Area Program — Grants up to $500,000 are available to local governments for acquisition of natural and scenic land for development. The 2020-2024 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) provides guidance on priorities. A maximum of 50% of total project costs will be reimbursed.

Local Trail Connections Grant Program — Grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 are available for local units of government for the acquisition or development of short trail connections between where people live and desirable locations. A 25% match is required. Priority is given to projects that provide significant connectivity.

Regional Trail Grant Program — Grants ranging from $5,000 to $300,000 are available for the development of trails in Greater Minnesota of regional or statewide significance. A 25% cash match is required.

Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund — The LCCMR’s 2025 Request for Proposal (RFP) for funding from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund was issued on January 3, 2024. Approximately $90 million is available from the lottery-generated fund through this RFP for projects beginning July 1, 2025.

No longer accepting applications for this year/round of funding:

No Child Left Inside Grants — The program aims to support and increase efforts to expand programming that connects youth to the outdoors. Originally funded by the 2019 Minnesota Legislature with continued funding from the 2021 and 2023 legislative sessions, these grants are provided for: “outdoor environmental, ecological, and other natural-resource-based education and recreation programs serving youth.

Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails

525 Park Street, Suite 470

St. Paul, MN 55103


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