Take action: Help protect community conservation funding

The rededication of lottery funds to the great outdoors was one of the most significant conservation wins of recent years.

Last November, 77% of Minnesota voters said "Yes" to the ballot amendment, a demonstration of overwhelming, bipartisan support that helps ensure projects that protect air, land, water and wildlife continue to receive funding for decades to come. 

Not even a year later, parts of this victory are under threat.

In addition to directing 40% of lottery funds to the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, the voter-approved renewal also established a community grants program to help more organizations and communities access these funds.

Applying for and receiving this money requires going through a lengthy, complex, time-consuming process. This has resulted in a situation where grant awardees are almost exclusively large, well-established organizations. Case in point: over the past five funding cycles, nearly 70% of available LCCMR funds were distributed to state agencies and universities.

The community grants program is meant to break down the barriers that local communities and smaller nonprofits often face when trying to secure ENRTF funding. Everyone has a role to play in protecting our great outdoors. The community grants program helps ensure resources are fairly available. 

Unfortunately, some legislators are discussing legislation to modify the community grants program in a way that would undermine these goals.

Help us protect this fund. Use our form below to tell your legislators they should pass this year’s recommended ENRTF funding package, and also support funding for the new community grants program.