Applications are now being accepted until 4 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.
2026 grant cycle
Nov. 10, 2025
No Child Left Inside 2026 grant program announced to the public. Grant application materials available on the DNR's website.
Dec. 17, 2025
Applications due by 4 p.m. Central Time. DNR review begins.
By March 31, 2026
Grant applicants notified by email of award status.
April-June 2026
Awardees complete necessary forms, sign and return grant contract grant agreements. Project work, including match activities, cannot begin until awardee receives an executed agreement from the DNR.
June 30, 2026
All grant agreement contracts must be signed and fully executed.
June 30, 2027
All reimbursable grant project work must be completed.
July 25, 2027
Deadline to submit all expense reimbursements and final project report. Projects ending earlier must submit final reports within 30 days of project completion.
How to apply
- Read the complete request for proposals.
- Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend a virtual information session from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025. Registration details are included in the request for proposals.
- You may also wish to reference these additional resources before beginning your application:
- Program questions and answers
- Sample grant contract agreement: Demonstrates the expectations of completing a grant project with the MN DNR
- Insurance requirements: Lists the insurance grantees are required to have
- Sample workplan: Provides an example for those considering a Larger grant application
- Sample report and payment request: Provides an example of reporting expectations.
- Determine if your project is better suited for a MINI grant ($500-$5,000) or a LARGER grant ($5,001-$25,000). You may only apply for one grant type.
- Download the grant application. It is a fillable form and should be opened in Adobe Acrobat for best performance. Save your completed application form as a PDF file.
- Send your completed application form to [email protected] as an email attachment. Incomplete applications and those received after 4 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, will not be considered. Do not submit any additional information beyond what is requested in the application. File sharing is not permissible, and any shared links will not be accessed.
Questions
Find answers on our questions and answers page or email [email protected]. You also can use the sign-up box at right to receive program updates via email.
The DNR extends its thanks to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for the use of "No Child Left Inside."