The State Register is the definitive source for all procurement RFPs issued by the DNR.
The DNR’s Grants page is the definitive source for all grant RFPs issued by the DNR.
Open funding opportunities
| Grant Opportunity | Application Deadline | Grant Awards | Funds Available | Eligible Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Recreational Trail Program | February 27, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. | Matching grant Minimum award $2,500 Maximum trail grant award $200,000 Maximum equipment award $75,000 | Approximately $2.7 million | Units of government, preferably in cooperation with a local trail organization |
| Outdoor Recreation Grant Program | March 31, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. | Matching grant Minimum award $50,000 (total project cost of at least $100,000) Maximum award $500,000 (total project cost of at least $1 million) | Federal funding available for FY 2027 has not yet been allocated but should be at least $3.5 million for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program and the Natural and Scenic Areas Grant Program. State funding available for FY 2027 is a portion of $1.1 million from “In Lieu Of” lottery proceeds available for three Park and Trail grant programs. Additional state Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund dollars may be recommended by the Legislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). Other state funding may be available but is subject to Legislative approval. Final amounts available will not be known until after the legislative session ends. | Cities, counties and townships |
| Natural and Scenic Area Program | March 31, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. | Matching grant Minimum award $25,000 (total project cost of at least $50,000) Maximum award $500,000 (total project cost of at least $1 million) | Federal funding available for FY 2027 has not yet been allocated but should be at least $3.5 million for the Outdoor Recreation Grant Program and the Natural and Scenic Areas Grant Program. State funding available for FY 2027 is a portion of $1.1 million from “In Lieu Of” lottery proceeds available for three Park and Trail grant programs. Additional state Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund dollars may be recommended by the Legislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). Other state funding may be available but is subject to Legislative approval. Final amounts available will not be known until after the legislative session ends. | Cities, counties and townships |
| Regional Trail Grant Program | March 31, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. | Minimum award $5,000 Maximum award $300,000 | State funding available for FY 2027 is a portion of $1.1 million from “In Lieu Of” lottery proceeds. This funding is divided between three Park and Trail grant programs. This funding is subject to appropriation from the MN Legislature and signature of the Governor. | Counties, cities and townships |
| Local Trail Connections Grant Program | March 31, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. | Matching grant Minimum award $5,000 Maximum award $250,000 | Funding available for FY 2027 is a portion of $1.1 million from “In Lieu Of” lottery proceeds available for three Park and Trail grant programs. Additional state Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund dollars may be recommended by the Legislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). Other state funding may be available but is subject to legislative approval. Final amounts available will not be known until after the legislative session ends. | Counties, cities and townships |
| Conservation Partners Legacy Program: Expedited Conservation Projects | Open continuously through May 11, 2026, or until all funds are awarded. Completed applications will be pulled for review every two months on the following days at 4:00 pm: Round 1: Sept. 8, 2025 Round 2: Nov. 10, 2025 Round 3: Jan. 12, 2026 Round 4: March 9, 2026 Round 5: May 11, 2026 | Funds projects up to $75,000 with a total project cost cap of $575,000 10% match of non-state origin required | $2 million | Nonprofit organizations and government entities are eligible to apply |
| Minnesota State Parks and Trails Transportation Grants | Application Deadline: May 15, 2026 Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted. | Maximum award is $5,000. No matched required. | $15,000 | Eligible schools, youth groups, and community organizations |
| Lake Superior Coastal Program Small Grants: Capacity | Submit your request at any time using the capacity grant request form | Capacity Grant awards: minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $4,500. | $30,000 |
|