Find answers to common questions about the ENRTF Community Grant Program and FY2027 RFP 01. For complete eligibility requirements, application instructions, and evaluation criteria, review the RFP and its appendices. The RFP and any formal amendments control if there is a conflict with information on this page.
Last updated: November 5, 2026
- Does an organization need to be a nonprofit to apply?
No. Nonprofit status is not required for every eligible applicant.
Eligible applicants for FY2027 RFP 01 include nonprofit organizations, Tribal Nations and Tribal governmental entities, and eligible local and regional governmental entities.
Individuals and informal community groups cannot apply directly but may work with an eligible organization that serves as the legal applicant.
State agencies, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, and for-profit businesses are not eligible applicants.
For complete eligibility requirements, see Section 7 of the RFP.
RFP references: Sections 7.1–7.3.
- Can associations apply for Community Grant funding?
Yes. Associations may be eligible to apply for FY2027 RFP 01, depending on their legal and organizational status.
An association that meets the applicant eligibility requirements may apply directly. An association that does not qualify as an eligible legal applicant may work with an eligible organization or governmental entity that applies for the grant. In that arrangement, the association may serve as the substantive project lead or another project partner.
The proposed project must also meet the applicable project eligibility requirements.
For complete eligibility requirements and information about project roles, see Sections 7 and 8 of the RFP.
RFP references: Sections 7–8.
- Do aquatic invasive species projects need to benefit adversely impacted communities to be competitive for FY2027 RFP 01?
Not necessarily. Aquatic invasive species management is a separate eligible activity area, but all projects are evaluated against the same overall program priorities.
The Stage 1 evaluation considers how projects expand access to ENRTF funding and demonstrate applicable statutory priority. This includes consideration of the community expected to benefit, environmental conditions, and the project’s connection to that community.
Applicants proposing aquatic invasive species projects should explain the environmental or natural-resource benefits, identify the community expected to benefit, and describe how the project will address that need. Applicants should also explain how the project supports the funding round’s priority of expanding access to ENRTF funding.
RFP references: Sections 2.2 and 18.2; Appendix E.
- Can FY2027 RFP 01 fund projects that help prevent or contain the spread of aquatic invasive species?
Yes. Projects involving aquatic invasive species prevention, containment, monitoring, response, control, or management may be eligible under FY2027 RFP 01.
Proposed activities must meet the applicable project eligibility requirements and comply with relevant laws, permits, and other requirements.
Applicants should describe the aquatic invasive species concern, explain the proposed activities, and identify the expected environmental or natural-resource benefits.
For additional information about eligible aquatic invasive species activities, review Appendix E of the RFP.
RFP references: Sections 2.2 and 10; Appendix E.
- What does "adversely impacted communities" mean for FY2027 RFP 01?
The Community Grant Program seeks to expand access to ENRTF funding, including for communities adversely affected by pollution and environmental degradation.
For projects applying under the adversely impacted communities eligible activity area, applicants should identify the community expected to benefit, describe the environmental degradation affecting that community, and explain how the proposed project will address those conditions.
Applicants are not required to use a specific mapping tool or dataset to demonstrate adverse impacts at Stage 1. They should provide enough information to explain the environmental conditions and the connection between the proposed project and the community expected to benefit.
For additional information, review Appendix A of the RFP.
RFP references: Sections 1.2 and 2.2; Appendix A.
Who can apply
- Are matching funds required for FY2027 RFP 01?
No. Matching funds are not required for FY2027 RFP 01.
Applicants may identify other funding sources supporting their proposed project, but they are not required to provide matching funds to be eligible.
RFP references: Section 14.1.
- Can an organization receive a Community Grant and another DNR grant for related activities?
Yes, provided the funding sources are compatible and the same project costs are not charged to more than one grant. Community Grant funds also cannot replace traditional funding already available or ordinarily used for the same environmental or natural-resource activity.
If the proposed project depends on another funding source to be feasible, applicants must identify that funding in Question F9-12 of Appendix F: Stage 1 Concept Note Form and Instructions. Applicants should indicate whether the funding is secured, anticipated, or still being pursued.
A complete project financing package is not required at Stage 1.
RFP references: Sections 14.2 and 15.1; Appendix F, Question F9-12.
- When can applicants begin submitting applications for FY2027 RFP 01?
The FY2027 RFP 01 funding opportunity was announced on November 5, 2026. The Stage 1 Concept Note application period opens on December 1, 2026.
Applicants must submit their Concept Notes through the online application system identified in the RFP.
Applicants are encouraged to review the RFP, its appendices, and the Stage 1 application requirements before the application period opens.
RFP references: Sections 36–37.
- What is the deadline for submitting a Stage 1 Concept Note?
The deadline to submit a Stage 1 Concept Note for FY2027 RFP 01 is January 7, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
Applicants must complete and submit their Concept Notes through the online application system before the deadline. Saving an application without submitting it does not count as a completed submission.
Applicants are encouraged to submit early to allow time to address potential technical difficulties.
RFP references: Section 37 and RFP cover.
- What information is required for the Stage 1 Concept Note?
The Stage 1 Concept Note allows applicants to describe their project idea without completing a full grant application.
Applicants will provide information about their organization, substantive project lead, proposed project location, and primary eligible activity area.
They will also describe the environmental or natural-resource benefits, proposed activities, expected results, requested funding amount, and any significant dependencies or obstacles that could affect the project’s feasibility.
Applicants should review Appendix F: Stage 1 Concept Note Form and Instructions for the complete questions and instructions.
Only applicants invited to Stage 2 will be asked to submit a Stage 2 Full Application.
RFP references: Sections 15.1, 17.1, 17.2, and 37.1; Appendix F.
- Where can I find official information about FY2027 RFP 01?
The DNR’s Community Grant Program website is the official source for information about FY2027 RFP 01.
Applicants should review the RFP, its appendices, any formal amendments, and other information published by the DNR.
If information on the website or in supporting materials differs from the RFP or a formal amendment, the RFP and its amendments control.
RFP references: Sections 6 and 35.
- Who should I contact with questions about eligibility or application requirements?
Applicants should use the Ask an ENRTF Community Grant Program Question form available on the DNR’s Community Grant Program website.
The Community Grants team reviews submitted questions and provides guidance about FY2027 RFP 01. Applicants who cannot use the online form, or who are directed by the DNR to submit a question by email, may use the official program mailbox: [email protected].
Questions that may be relevant to multiple applicants may also be addressed through updates to the public FAQ page.
RFP references: Sections 6.3, 35.2, and 41.
- Do I need assistance from another organization to apply for FY2027 RFP 01?
No. Applicants are not required to seek assistance from another organization to apply for FY2027 RFP 01.
Applicants may choose to seek outside assistance when developing their project ideas or preparing their applications, but this decision is entirely up to the applicant.
For this funding round, the DNR has not partnered with or designated any outside organizations to provide application assistance on its behalf.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring their applications meet the requirements of FY2027 RFP 01. Official application instructions and guidance are available through the DNR’s Community Grant Program website.
RFP references: Sections 6 and 35.
- How can I tell whether information from another organization is official DNR guidance?
Official information about FY2027 RFP 01 comes from the DNR through its published RFP, formal amendments, website, and authorized communications.
For this funding round, the DNR has not designated outside organizations to provide official application guidance on its behalf.
Other organizations may independently share information or assist applicants. However, their advice does not represent official DNR guidance.
Organizations wishing to reproduce or adapt materials from the DNR’s website should first contact the DNR to determine whether permission is required under applicable copyright and intellectual property requirements.
Applicants who are uncertain about information they receive should use the Ask an ENRTF Community Grant Program Question form to request clarification.
RFP references: Sections 6 and 35; DNR communications guidance.
- Can organizations share DNR Community Grant Program materials with prospective applicants?
Yes. Organizations may share links to the DNR’s Community Grant Program website, FY2027 RFP 01, and other publicly available applicant resources.
Organizations wishing to reproduce, modify, or adapt DNR graphics, publications, or other program materials should request permission before doing so.
To request permission or guidance about using DNR materials, contact the Community Grants team at [email protected].
Sharing DNR materials does not authorize an organization to represent the DNR or provide official program guidance.
References: DNR communications and intellectual property requirements.
- What should I do if my question is not answered in these FAQs?
Use the Ask an ENRTF Community Grant Program Question form on the DNR’s Community Grant Program website.
The Community Grants team reviews questions received from prospective applicants and updates the FAQ page as additional guidance becomes available.
Questions received by December 18, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Central Time will receive a response by December 22, 2026. Questions submitted afterward may still be considered, but a response before the January 7, 2027 Stage 1 deadline is not guaranteed. Submitting a question does not extend an application deadline.
RFP references: Sections 6, 35, and 41.
- How is the ENRTF Community Grant Program different from LCCMR funding opportunities?
The ENRTF Community Grant Program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). FY2027 RFP 01 provides grants of $20,000 to $150,000 for eligible environmental and natural-resource projects in Minnesota.
FY2027 RFP 01 uses a two-stage competitive application process. Applicants first submit a short Concept Note. Those invited to advance submit a Full Application. Previous ENRTF grant experience is not required.
For information about this funding opportunity, including eligibility, priorities, and application requirements, refer to the RFP and its appendices.
Learn more about the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) and its funding process on the LCCMR website.
RFP references: Sections 1.2, 2.1, 3.1, and 3.2.
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