Application deadline is April 10
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for membership on the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant Program Advisory Council.
During the 2023 session, the Minnesota Legislature established the ENRTF Community Grant Program in statute (Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116X) and named the DNR as the state agency administrator. This grant program will support new, creative projects designed by local organizations, prioritizing communities that have been adversely affected by pollution and environmental degradation. Projects will protect, conserve, preserve and enhance Minnesota's natural resources. Grant awards will benefit communities and residents in all regions of the state.
Grants awarded by the ENRTF Community Grant Program must expand the number and diversity of recipients who benefit from the ENRTF, so this grant program will open opportunities to organizations and communities that have historically experienced barriers to applying for and accessing this funding.
The advisory council will provide vision and guidance in shaping this program from its beginning. Members will review policies and guidelines, program structures, and recipient and project eligibility criteria, and make recommendations to the DNR commissioner and the Minnesota Legislature.
The DNR commissioner will appoint 14 to 19 members to the advisory council in 2026. Members will serve terms of up to three years. The council will meet at least quarterly and is expected to begin in June 2026.
Advisory council members must be Minnesota residents. The legislation establishing the program also requires that the council include:
- Two enrolled members from any of the seven federally recognized Ojibwe Bands that share geography with the state of Minnesota.
- Two enrolled members from any of the four federally recognized Dakota Communities that share geography with the state of Minnesota.
- Four members who identify as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian or Pacific Islander, or as members of a community of color.
The DNR commissioner will appoint additional residents of Minnesota who reflect the diverse communities across the state.
Collectively, advisory council membership must include individuals with specific experience, knowledge and abilities, including:
- Experience or expertise in the science, policy or practice of protecting, conserving, preserving, and enhancing the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.
- Expertise in understanding the Indigenous knowledge and cultural context in which the activities above are undertaken from the perspective of Tribal Nations and Communities.
- Significant knowledge of environmental and natural resource issues around the state, including those of particular importance to Tribal communities.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative environment.
- Experience in grant management, or a demonstrated history of experience applying for, managing, evaluating or administering public grants or working with government entities.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on April 10. Instructions and application details are on the ENRTF Community Grant Program Advisory Council webpage.
More information about the ENRTF Community Grant Program is available on the DNR website.