The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant Program provides information and resources to help you explore project ideas, understand funding opportunities, prepare applications, and find answers to questions.
You do not need previous experience with state grants to begin exploring the Community Grant Program.
Use the resources below to find the guidance and support you need.
FY2027 funding opportunity: Prepare for Stage 1
November 5–30, 2026: Explore your project idea and prepare
The FY2027 Community Impact Funding Round (FY2027 RFP 01) is now available. The Stage 1 application system opens December 1, 2026.
Use the preparation period to:
- Read the RFP and its appendices.
- Talk with community members and other stakeholders about environmental and natural resource needs.
- Explore possible partnerships.
- Identify the eligible activity area that best fits your project.
- Begin developing your project idea.
- Use Appendix F to prepare your Stage 1 Concept Note responses.
You do not need to submit anything during November.
View the FY2027 funding opportunity
Start here
Not sure where to begin? These resources can help you understand the Community Grant Program and decide what to explore next.
Start Here: Applying for Funding
A five-step guide to getting started and preparing an application.
Explore whether the Community Grant Program may fit your organization and project idea.
Find the current RFP, funding information, application requirements, and deadlines.
Prepare your Stage 1 Concept Note
Stage 1 begins with a shorter Concept Note. You do not need to prepare a complete Full Application at this stage.
Step-by-step guidance for developing your project idea and preparing Stage 1 responses.
Review the key information to prepare and check before submitting your Concept Note.
Review the official Stage 1 questions, instructions, and response requirements.
You can use Appendix F to prepare your responses before the application system opens. Completing Appendix F offline does not submit an application.
Choose your activity area
The Community Grant Program supports projects in five eligible activity areas. Applicants must identify one primary eligible activity area for their Stage 1 Concept Note.
Explore the five activity areas and the types of projects they may support.
Use a step-by-step guide to identify the area that best represents your project's main purpose.
The RFP and applicable activity-area appendix establish the official eligibility requirements.
Understand the application and review process
Learn how the two-stage competitive application process works and what happens after you submit your Concept Note.
Review the application process, important dates, and the steps from application through grant closeout.
Learn how Concept Notes are screened, scored, and considered for advancement to Stage 2.
Applicant Pathway One-Page Guide
View or download an overview of the application and grant process.
Both application stages are competitive. An invitation to Stage 2 does not guarantee funding.
Information sessions
The Community Grant Program offers virtual information sessions to explain published funding requirements and answer general applicant questions.
Information sessions are scheduled for November 17, November 19, December 8, and December 15, 2026, from noon to 1:00 p.m. Central.
Attendance is optional and is not required to apply.
Questions and applicant support
Have questions about the funding opportunity or application process?
Find answers to common questions about FY2027 RFP 01.
Find information about official questions, language assistance, accessibility accommodations, and other applicant support.
Ask an ENRTF Community Grant Program Question
Submit a question about the funding opportunity through the official question form.
For FY2027 RFP 01, questions submitted by December 18, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Central will receive a response by December 22, 2026. Questions submitted later are not guaranteed a response before the Stage 1 application deadline.
The Community Grant Program can explain published requirements and application procedures. Staff cannot write applications for applicants or provide binding eligibility or funding determinations before review.
Glossary
Some grant and environmental terms may be unfamiliar, particularly if you are new to applying for state funding.
ENRTF Community Grant Program Glossary
Find plain-language explanations of terms used in program information, applications, and grant administration.
The glossary will be updated as new terms and questions arise.
Language assistance and accessibility
The DNR wants applicants to be able to understand the funding opportunity and access the application process.
You may request language assistance, information about translated materials, accessible document formats, or accessibility accommodations.
ENRTF Community Grant Program Get Help
Do not include sensitive personal information in an initial assistance request.