ST. PAUL - The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has issued its 2017 Request for Proposal (RFP) for funding from Minnesota’s Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund beginning July 1, 2017. The Trust Fund represents the money that, since its inception in 1991, has been generated by the Minnesota State Lottery to provide a constitutionally dedicated funding source for protection of the state’s unique natural resources. Approximately $50 million is expected to be available in 2017 for projects in environment and natural resource areas that will provide multiple ecological and other public benefits. Proposals are due March 21.
Proposals are being requested in the following seven areas: Foundational Natural Resource data and information; water resources; environmental education; aquatic and terrestrial invasive species; air quality, climate change and renewable energy; methods to protect or restore land, water and habitat; and land acquisition, habitat and recreation. The 2017 RFP contains instructions for submitting a proposal to the LCCMR. Anyone with a project idea consistent with the RFP may submit a proposal for consideration. LCCMR staff are available to assist in proposal development and review proposal drafts. Lobbying or professional grant-writing experience is not necessary for success.
The LCCMR will consider all proposals received in response to the 2017 RFP and make final selection of projects to include in its recommendations to the legislature for the 2017 session. Funded projects can begin July 1, 2017.
The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund is a permanent dedicated fund in the Minnesota state treasury that was established by 77 percent voter approval of a constitutional amendment in 1988. The amendment directs 40 percent of the net proceeds of the Minnesota State Lottery, or approximately seven cents of every dollar spent on playing the lottery, into the Trust Fund. The Trust Fund is intended to provide a long-term, stable source of funding for innovative and far-sighted activities that protect and enhance Minnesota’s environment and natural resources for the benefit of current citizens and future generations. Since 1991, the Trust Fund has provided approximately $500 million in support of over 1,000 projects benefiting every county in the state.
For more information on the LCCMR funding process or the 2016 RFP, visit lccmr.leg.mn.
