LCCMR seeking project proposals for $70 million from Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund

SAINT PAUL, MN (03/24/2022) (readMedia)-- The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has issued its 2023 Request for Proposal (RFP) for funding from Minnesota's Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). Approximately $70 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 in the following categories:

A. Foundational Natural Resource Data and Information

B. Water Resources

C. Environmental Education

D. Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species

E. Air Quality, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy

F. Methods to Protect or Restore Land, Water, and Habitat

G. Land Acquisition, Habitat, and Recreation

H. Small Projects (under $200,000)

Additionally, funding is available from the Great Lakes Protection Account for projects in any category above that protect water quality in the Great Lakes, including projects that advance the goals of the regional Great Lakes toxic substances control agreement and the binational Great Lakes water quality agreement.

Applicants must submit proposals through the LCCMR's online proposal and grant management system. Early submissions are encouraged. The 2023 RFP contains an explanation of the LCCMR's proposal and funding process and instructions for submitting a proposal online. Anyone with a project idea consistent with the RFP may submit a proposal for review by the LCCMR. Lobbying or professional grant-writing experience is not necessary for success.

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 2023 RFP are due Thursday, May 26, 2022. From July through August 2022, the LCCMR will consider proposals received and make a final selection of projects to include in its recommendations to the Legislature for the 2023 session. Funds are available July 1, 2023.

For more information on the 2023 RFP, visit the 2023 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 ENRTF until the year 2025. Since 1991, approximately $700 million 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 over $1 billion has been appropriated to over 2,300 projects recommended to protect and enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources.