Current Priorities
Community Grants
Community Grants for the Great Outdoors
In November of 2024, across every congressional district, state legislative district, and county in Minnesota, voters overwhelmingly passed a state amendment to renew lottery funds to support the Great Outdoors.
Broad Support for Funding Environmental Projects
With 77% of the vote, Minnesotans approved constitutionally re-dedicating a portion of state lottery proceeds for environmental projects for the next 25 years. Included in the renewal was a small change that increased the amount that can be spent each year to support the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources through a new Community Grants Program.
Fair Consideration for Small Communities & Organizations
The Community Grants Program was designed to make it easier for smaller communities and groups like rural communities and organizations throughout greater Minnesota to access funds to work on environmental issues at the local level.
Traditionally, recipients of this funding have been large institutions like the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the University of Minnesota, and some counties. Smaller communities and organizations have found it difficult to navigate the application process and compete with these larger entities. The Community Grants Program seeks to correct that—and to give special consideration to communities that have been adversely affected by pollution and environmental degradation.
Implementation Plan in Development
During the 2025 legislative session, Minnesota lawmakers appropriated just over $28 million for the Community Grants program.
In December, the commissioner of the DNR submitted a Community Grants implementation report to the environment and natural resources committees and divisions in the Minnesota House and Senate. The Community Grants Advisory Council application process and grant funding rounds will follow.