The Stage 1 Concept Note is your opportunity to explain your project idea without preparing a full grant proposal. Use clear, everyday language. Focus on what you want to do, why it matters and whether your project is feasible.
Start with the official funding documents
Read the FY2027 RFP 01: Community Impact Funding Round, Appendix F (Stage 1 Concept Note Form and Instructions), and the FY2027 RFP 01 appendix for your primary eligible activity area. These documents contain the official requirements. This webpage is a preparation guide, not a substitute for the RFP. Find the RFP and appendices on the Funding opportunities page.
The application system opens December 1, 2026. Stage 1 Concept Notes are due January 7, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Use Appendix F to draft answers and discuss your project with partners before the application opens. Appendix F cannot be submitted by email or on paper. Submit your Concept Note through the application system identified in the RFP.
Check who can apply
Review the applicant eligibility requirements in the RFP and the preliminary eligibility questions in Appendix F. Identify the organization that would legally apply for and receive the grant. That organization may be different from the community group or project partner leading activities. Check the RFP before deciding who should apply.
Have a question about eligibility? Check the Frequently asked questions page for answers and clarifications. The FAQ will be updated weekly through December 22, 2026, for this funding round. If your question is not answered, use Get help to contact the Community Grant Program before submitting. The RFP remains the controlling document.
Choose one primary eligible activity area
Choose the activity area that best describes the main purpose of the work you want funded. Read the corresponding FY2027 RFP 01 appendix: Appendix A (Adversely impacted communities) , Appendix B (Education and awareness) , Appendix C (Preserving or enhancing natural resources) , Appendix D (Existing trail maintenance and improvement) , or Appendix E (Aquatic invasive species management) .
Your project may involve more than one area, but you must select one primary area for Stage 1. The DNR reviews activity-area eligibility based on that selection. Review the RFP and the relevant appendix carefully before you submit.
Use Appendix F to prepare your answers
Appendix F is the official offline Stage 1 Concept Note form and instructions. Work through it from beginning to end. It covers eligibility, applicant and project information, location and community context, environmental or natural-resource needs, planned activities, expected benefits, feasibility, funding request, activity-area questions, and required acknowledgments.
Follow the question instructions and response limits in Appendix F. When the application system opens, enter your answers in its required fields. The online layout may differ from the offline form. Completing Appendix F by itself does not submit an application.
Explain your project clearly
Describe the need or opportunity, where the work would happen, what you plan to do, who or what would benefit, and what you expect to accomplish. Include practical details you know about partners, access to the site, permits, timing and other issues that could affect the work. Be specific, but do not invent details that are not yet known.
Know what to prepare now and what may wait
Stage 1 focuses on your project idea and basic feasibility. Some detailed documents may be requested later if you are invited to Stage 2. Do not assume that every budget, permit, agreement or financial document can wait: the RFP, Appendix F and your activity-area appendix determine what is required at Stage 1. Identify major unresolved issues honestly.
Understand how applications are reviewed
Eligible Stage 1 Concept Notes are reviewed against the published scoring criteria: expanding access and statutory priority (25 points); environmental or natural-resource need and expected benefit (30 points); project idea and expected results (25 points); and project feasibility (20 points). See the RFP review section for full criteria and advancement rules. A score does not guarantee an invitation to Stage 2.
Review and submit
Before submitting, check the legal applicant, primary activity area, funding request ($20,000 to $150,000), project timing, required answers and certifications. Follow the RFP instructions for submitting through the authorized application system by January 7, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Save your submission confirmation and a copy of your answers.
Do not include Social Security numbers, bank details, tax returns, protected cultural information or precise locations of sensitive resources unless the DNR specifically requests them through an approved secure process.
Questions, language assistance or accessibility needs?
Start with the Frequently asked questions page, which will be updated weekly through December 22, 2026. If you do not find an answer, visit Get help to send a question. For language assistance or an accessibility accommodation, contact the Community Grant Program using the official ENRTF email address listed on Get help.
The Community Grant Program can explain published requirements and the application process. Staff cannot write or improve an application for you or give an informal determination that a proposed project is eligible. Eligibility and funding decisions follow the published RFP and review process.