The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant Program supports projects that protect, conserve, preserve or enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources.
The program is designed to help expand the number and diversity of organizations benefiting from ENTRF funding, especially communities adversely affected by pollution and environmental degradation.
The Community Grant Program provides funding through five eligible activity areas and uses a two-stage competitive application process.
Who the Community Grant Program is intended to reach
Community Grants is intended to make ENTRF funding more accessible to organizations and communities that may not have traditionally participated in state environmental grant programs.
Organizations with limited experience applying for or managing State grants can explore the Community Grant program.
You do not need previous experience with state grants to begin exploring whether the Community Grant Program may be right for your organization or project idea.
How the Community Grant Program is designed
The Community Grant Program is designed to make it easier for organizations and communities to understand and participate in a state grant competition.
The program uses a two-stage application process. Applicants first submit a shorter Concept Note - a brief document that outlines the main idea, objectives, and planned approach of a proposed project. Only applicants invited to continue submit a more detailed Stage 2 Full Application.
The Community Grant Program will also provide information and applicant support to help people understand the program and application process.
What the Community Grant Program can support
The Community Grant Program supports projects in five eligible activity areas.
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Adversely impacted communities
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Aquatic invasive species management
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Education and awareness
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Existing trail maintenance and improvement
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Preserve or enhance natural resources
Explore the five eligible activity areas
How the application process works
The Community Grant Program uses a two-stage competitive application process. Applicants begin with a shorter Stage 1 Concept Note. Only applicants invited to continue submit a Stage 2 Full Application
Both stages are competitive. An invitation to Stage 2 does not guarantee funding.
Community Grant Program advisory council
The Community Grant Program advisory council provides community perspectives and advice to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about the Community Grant Program.
The advisory council does not score applications or select grant recipients.
Learn about the advisory council
Program background
Background on the ENRTF Community Grant Program
- Since 1988, a voter-approved amendment to the Minnesota State Constitution has dedicated state lottery proceeds to the ENRTF (Minn. Const. art. XI, sec. 14).
- The purpose of the ENRTF is to provide a long-term, consistent, and stable source of funding for activities that protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota's "air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources" for the benefit of current citizens and future generations.
- The Minnesota Legislature established the ENRTF Community Grant Program in statute during the 2023 legislative session (Minn. Statutes, chapter 116X).
- In 2025, the Legislature appropriated just over $28 million from the ENRTF to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the Community Grant Program. The funding is available through June 30, 2029.
- In 2026, the Legislature appropriated $28.18 million is fiscal year 2027 from the ENRTF to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for Community Grants. The appropriation is available until June 30, 2030. (Minn. Laws 2026, ch. 104, sec. 12)
Explore community grants
Is the Community Grant Program right for us?
Explore whether the Community Grant Program fits your organization and project idea
Learn how the two-stage application process works