2026 Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Community Grant Program Advisory Council Application
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking applicants for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENTRF) Community Grant Program Advisory Council. Members will be selected to serve on this new advisory council through an open application process. As a first step in this process, the DNR encourages Minnesotans interested in serving on the advisory council to complete and submit this application.
ENRTF Community Grant Program
The ENRTF Community Grant Program was established in 2023 to provide grants “for the benefit of current residents and future generations” (Minnesota Statutes, chapter 116X). The authorizing statute also directed the DNR to form an advisory council with specific duties tied to the ENRTF Community Grant Program.
Advisory council purpose
The ENRTF Community Grant Program Advisory Council’s purpose is to provide strategic guidance and recommendations that enhance the management and distribution of ENRTF Community Grants. By reviewing grant policies and guidelines, program structures, recipient and program/project eligibility, the council will promote transparency, accessibility, equity and effectiveness in the allocation of resources.
Applicant data
Please note that as an applicant for appointment to a DNR advisory council, data we collect from you is classified as private under Minnesota Statutes, section 13.601, subdivision 3, except for the following, which is public data: name, city of residence, education and training, employment history, volunteer work, awards and honors, prior government service, and veteran status.
Application data will be used to evaluate your qualifications and to contact you. You are not required by law to provide this information; however, if you do not provide it, the DNR will not be able to determine how well suited you are for this advisory council, nor will we be able to contact you. Your private data will be available to:
- DNR personnel whose work duties or assignments require access.
- Those who are assisting with the application review and evaluation process.
- Those who have obtained your written consent.
- As required or allowed by state or federal law or pursuant to a court order.
If you are appointed to the advisory council, a DNR staff member will contact you to verify additional data that will become public. This includes: 1) your residential address; 2) a designated email address or a phone number, or both at your request.
Other public data about people appointed to the council include: 1) the first and last dates of service on the advisory council; 2) the existence and status of any complaints or charges against an appointee; and 3) upon completion of an investigation of a complaint or charge against an appointee, the final investigative report, unless access to the data would jeopardize an active investigation.
Non-discrimination notice
The DNR prohibits discrimination and is committed to ensuring that our public services, programs, or activities are free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, disability, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, activity in a local human rights commission, or limited English proficiency.
For more information on this notice, please visit Minnesota DNR Non-Discrimination and Accommodation Notice and Procedures | Minnesota DNR or contact Yumi Finney, civil rights coordinator, at civilrights.dnr@state.mn.us or 651-259-5016.
Accessibility
If you are an individual with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation(s) to apply for or participate in this advisory council, please contact Wendy Thompson at wendy.thompson@state.mn.us or 218-308-2076 for assistance. Calls from Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) users are welcome. Any accessibility information you provide will only be used to facilitate a reasonable accommodation(s).
It is the policy of the DNR to take reasonable steps to provide individuals with Limited English Proficiency timely and meaningful access to DNR information, programs and activities. To request translation of this application, please contact Wendy Thompson at wendy.thompson@state.mn.us or 218-308-2076.
You are not required to disclose your accessibility needs, and there are no consequences for choosing not to provide this information. Accessibility needs information will only be available to DNR staff with a business need to know and will be shared only as required or allowed by state or federal law or pursuant to a court order.
Important Resources for Applicants
Please carefully review this webpage Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant Program Advisory Council | Minnesota DNR before filling out your application.
Follow this link for more information about the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant Program | Minnesota DNR.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on April 10, 2026.