DNR provides update on ENTRF grant program to Senate committee

On February 19, the Minnesota Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee met and had the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provide an update on the rollout of the Environmental and Natural Resource Trust Fund (ENRTF) Community Grant Program and the newly released 2025 ENRTF Community Grant Program Report.

The program was established in 2023 and was strengthened through 2024’s voter-approved extension of ENRTF lottery funding, which aims to expand access to environmental funding for communities historically underserved by traditional grant processes.

During the committee discussion, DNR staff highlighted that the program is designed to increase the number and diversity of grant recipients, particularly in communities impacted by pollution and environmental degradation. Eligible projects may include environmental education, community health responses to pollution, habitat restoration, and local conservation initiatives.

Committee members raised questions about program administration, including whether the 5% administrative allocation would cover staff supporting applications and permits. DNR staff confirmed that the administrative funds will be used to hire staff who can provide technical assistance and manage a new grant oversight system to ensure accountability. This includes monitoring grantee progress through site visits, an issue that committee members emphasized due to the ongoing fraud conversation at the state level.

The DNR announced that it aims to release the official RFP before the end of the 2026 legislative session, allowing community organizations time to prepare their applications and engage with available technical support resources.