Interested in applying for the FY2027 Community Impact Funding Round? Start by checking whether the opportunity fits your organization and project idea. You can prepare your Stage 1 Concept Note before the application system opens.
Know the key dates
FY2027 RFP 01 was published on November 5, 2026. The Stage 1 application system opens December 1, 2026. Stage 1 Concept Notes are due January 7, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
Approximately $4 million is available. Grant requests may range from $20,000 to $150,000. Matching funds are not required.
Read the funding opportunity
Start with the main Request for Proposals on the Funding opportunities page. It explains who can apply, which projects are eligible, how applications are reviewed, and how to submit. The RFP and its appendices control the requirements for this funding round.
Check your organization and project fit
Review Is the Community Grant Program right for us? and the RFP eligibility sections. Consider the environmental or natural-resource need, the people or place that would benefit, and whether your organization could carry out the project. Eligibility is determined under the published RFP.
Choose one primary eligible activity area
Choose the activity area that best describes the main purpose of the work you want to fund. Read the corresponding RFP appendix before you apply:
Prepare your Stage 1 Concept Note
Read Appendix F: Stage 1 Concept Note Form and Instructions. It is the official offline version of the questions and can help you prepare responses before entering them in the application system come December 1, 2026. You may use Appendix F to draft responses and discuss your project with community members and partners before December 1. Completing Appendix F offline does not submit an application. Do not email Appendix F as an application. Submit your Concept Note through the authorized application system beginning December 1, 2026, unless the DNR formally authorizes another method.
Stage 1 asks for focused information about your organization, project idea, community or place, expected benefits, requested funding and basic feasibility. Review Appendix F and your selected activity-area appendix for the information required at Stage 1. Do not assume that materials requested at Stage 2 must be submitted at Stage 1.
Submit through the authorized application system
When the application system opens on December 1, follow the submission instructions in the RFP. Submit your Stage 1 Concept Note through the application system identified in the published RFP (Foundant). The Get help question form and the Community Grant Program email address are not application submission methods. Follow any updated submission instructions formally issued by the DNR.
What happens after Stage 1?
The DNR screens Concept Notes for completeness and eligibility, then scores eligible applications using the published Stage 1 criteria. Applicants selected to advance are invited to submit a Stage 2 Full Application. Both stages are competitive. An invitation to Stage 2 does not guarantee an award.
What can wait?
You do not need to complete the Stage 2 Full Application now. Appendix F explains which materials are not generally required at Stage 1, including a detailed budget, completed work plan and most preaward documents, unless otherwise required by the RFP or applicable activity appendix.
It is still important to consider major feasibility issues early, including site access, permits, partners, project timing and cash flow. Substantive project work must be completed within 12 months or less. Plan for grant cash-flow needs. Consult the published RFP for payment terms and any permitted advance-payment arrangements.
Questions or accessibility needs?
Visit Get help for the question form, language assistance and accessibility information. The Community Grant Program can explain published requirements and help you find applicant resources but cannot write or revise your proposal for you.