ENRTF seeking applicants to serve on community grant program advisory council

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:39:12 GMT

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

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:39:54 GMT

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.

Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Grants & Funding Resources

ENRTF seeking applicants to serve on community grant program advisory council

REMINDER: DNR outdoor recreation grant deadline is March 31