LCCMR seeking project proposals for $103 million from Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

SAINT PAUL, MN (01/07/2025) (readMedia)-- The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has issued its 2026 Request for Proposal (RFP) for funding from Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). Approximately $103 million from the lottery-generated fund is available for projects that aim to protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.

The LCCMR is requesting proposals to address updated funding priorities that were established in 2024 following adoption of a new strategic plan. Anyone with a project idea consistent with these priorities may submit a proposal. Priorities fall within the following categories:

• Resiliency
• Water
• Education and Outdoor Recreation
• Fish and Wildlife
• Energy
• Land
• Small Projects

The 2026 RFP contains an explanation of the LCCMR's proposal and funding process and instructions for submitting a proposal online. Applicants must submit proposals through the LCCMR's online proposal and grant management system. Early submissions are encouraged.

The release of this RFP begins the competitive process through which the LCCMR selects projects to recommend to the Minnesota Legislature for funding from the ENRTF. Proposals responding to the 2026 RFP are due by Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 4:30pm. From April through July 2025, the LCCMR will consider proposals received and make a final selection of projects to include in its recommendations to the Legislature for the 2026 session. Funds for approved projects are available July 1, 2026.

New applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a proposal. Lobbying or professional grant-writing experience is not necessary for success. LCCMR staff are available on a first-come-first-serve basis as time permits to review proposals for clarity, completeness, and potential eligibility issues. New applicants will be prioritized for these reviews. For instructions on arranging a review and for more information on the 2026 RFP, visit the 2026 Proposal and Funding Process page on the LCCMR website.

The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund is a permanent dedicated fund in the Minnesota state treasury that was established by 77% voter approval of a constitutional amendment in 1988. The amendment directs forty percent of the net proceeds of the Minnesota State Lottery into the Trust Fund through the year 2050. Since 1991, approximately $1.1 billion from the ENRTF has been spent on over 1,700 projects that protect and enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources in every county of the state.

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources is made up of 5 state senators, 5 state representatives, and 7 citizen members. The function of the LCCMR is to make funding recommendations to the Minnesota State Legislature for special environment and natural resource projects, primarily from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The LCCMR developed from a program initiated in 1963. Since then, approximately $1.5 billion has been appropriated to over 2,600 projects recommended to protect and enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources.

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