Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Grants - Development Grants

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Development Grants program provides funding assistance for the development and improvement of public outdoor recreation facilities and the protection of natural resources. By state law, no less than 25 percent of annual trust fund appropriations must be utilized for the development of public recreation facilities. Eligible applicants include state and local units of government, legally constituted recreation authorities, and qualifying school districts. Applicants must have an active DNR-approved five-year community recreation plan uploaded to the MiGrants system by February 1 of the application year to be eligible to apply. Eligible projects focus on public outdoor recreation, including trails, public water access, wildlife habitat, and recreation infrastructure. Applications are evaluated based on established criteria such as natural resource access and conservation, proximity to population clusters, applicant committed matching funds, financial need, and Trust Fund Board priority areas. Applications must be completed and submitted through the MiGrants online system by April 1. Grant recommendations are made by the Trust Fund Board in December, followed by legislative appropriation and signature by the Governor, with final awards generally finalized within 12 to 18 months after the application deadline.