The FY2027 Community Impact Funding Round (FY2027 RFP 01) uses two application stages. Stage 1 starts with a shorter Concept Note so applicants can explain their project ideas without preparing a complete implementation plan or detailed budget. The DNR reviews eligible Concept Notes competitively and invites selected applicants to submit a more detailed Stage 2 Full Application.
This page explains the published process in plain language. FY2027 RFP 01 and any formal amendments control if this summary differs from them.
Who reviews my Concept Note?
Designated DNR Community Grant Program staff review and score Stage 1 Concept Notes using the published evaluation criteria and standardized scoring procedures. The advisory council, outside community representatives, and technical assistance providers do not conduct Stage 1 competitive scoring.
What happens after I submit?
Submit your Concept Note
The online application system (Foundant) opens December 1, 2026. Applicants must submit their Concept Notes through the authorized application system unless the DNR formally approves another submission method
Eligibility screening
The DNR checks each Concept Note against the published applicant and project eligibility requirements, including the requirements for its applicable eligible activity area. Eligibility screening is separate from competitive scoring. An eligible project is not necessarily selected to advance.
Competitive scoring
Designated Community Grant Program staff score eligible Concept Notes against the same four published Stage 1 criteria, totaling 100 points:
Stage 1 criterion Maximum points Expanding access and statutory priority 25 Environmental or natural resource need and expected benefit 30 Project idea and expected results 25 Project feasibility 20 Total 100 All eligible Concept Notes are scored using the same four criteria, regardless of which of the five eligible activity areas applies to the project. The point values show how much each criterion contributes to the total score.
Criterion 1 considers how a project expands access to ENRTF funding and addresses applicable statutory priorities. Simply selecting Activity A (adversely impacted communities) does not automatically result in a higher score. Reviewers evaluate each project’s response to the published criteria, not just the activity area selected.
For the complete evaluation criteria, see Section 18 of FY2027 RFP 01.
Minimum score and ranking
An eligible Concept Note must score at least 50 out of 100 points to be considered for advancement. Reaching 50 points does not guarantee an invitation. The DNR ranks eligible Concept Notes by their total Stage 1 scores and considers qualifying projects for advancement in competitive rank order.
Stage 2 invitation decisions
The number of Stage 2 invitations depends on available funding, applicable statutory requirements, and the Community Grant Program’s capacity to provide consistent Stage 2 assistance, project development, and review. The DNR documents the number of applicants it can invite before making final advancement decisions.
A substantive project lead may submit up to two distinct Stage 1 Concept Notes, but no more than one Concept Note from the same substantive project lead may advance to Stage 2.
If Concept Notes are tied at the advancement boundary, the DNR applies the published tie-breaking procedure: first, the higher score for Criterion 2; next, if still tied, the higher score for Criterion 1; and, if still tied, an additional reviewer evaluates the tied Concept Notes under the published criteria.
Written decision
The DNR will notify each applicant in writing of the Stage 1 decision. The notification will indicate whether the Concept Note:
- Did not meet the eligibility requirements;
- Met the eligibility requirements but was not selected to advance to Stage 2; or
- Was selected to advance to Stage 2 and is invited to submit a Full Application.
An eligible Concept Note may not advance because it did not meet the minimum scoring threshold or because other eligible Concept Notes ranked higher in the competitive review.
The DNR may provide additional feedback or general learning resources when program capacity allows. An invitation to Stage 2 is not a grant award and does not guarantee funding.
Can I add information after the deadline?
Applicants cannot add missing competitive information or improve submitted Concept Notes after the deadline. The DNR may seek limited factual clarification, verify submitted information, or correct documented administrative errors only as allowed by FY2027 RFP 01. These actions cannot be used to improve an applicant’s competitive standing. Applicant support does not provide a scoring advantage.
What happens if I am invited to Stage 2?
Invited applicants prepare a more detailed Full Application. Stage 2 is a separate competitive review, and Stage 1 scores do not carry forward. Designated DNR staff conduct Stage 2 review, with appropriate technical and subject-matter expertise incorporated as needed. Specialized technical, fiscal, eligibility, or compliance review does not necessarily mean the specialist assigns a competitive score.
Stage 2 uses four published criteria: project design and technical approach (35 points); work plan, feasibility and implementation readiness (30 points); results and performance (20 points); and budget and value (15 points). A Full Application must score at least 70 out of 100 points to remain eligible for a funding recommendation. Meeting 70 points does not guarantee funding. Funding recommendations and pre-award review follow the published requirements.
An applicant invited to Stage 2 may increase or decrease the preliminary funding request within the $20,000 to $150,000 range, subject to project continuity and Section 4.2 of FY2027 RFP 01. The Stage 1 request does not automatically set the maximum Stage 2 request.
Where can I learn more?
Read FY2027 RFP 01 for the complete review and advancement requirements, Appendix F for the Stage 1 Concept Note, and the eligible activity area appendix that applies to your project. The How to Apply page includes Stage 1 preparation resources, information sessions, and the official question process. These resources explain published requirements but do not change them.