Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Coalition
Region
MinnesotaTimeline
2022 - presentMore than three decades ago, 77% of Minnesotans voted in favor of using Minnesota State Lottery funds to establish the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). Since then, the trust has invested more than $900 million to help restore and protect the environment. We are approaching the end of the constitutional dedication, which is set to expire in 2025.
Environmental Initiative is working alongside BIPOC environmental justice leaders and mainstream environmental groups to:
- Incorporate environmental justice as a core to the work of the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
- Propose new, more equitable governance models for administration and distribution of lottery funds.
- Persuade the Minnesota Legislature to put reauthorization of the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund on the ballot for the 2024 election.
The ENRTF Coalition is a group of more than 20 organizations working to extend the life of this important funding source. Environmental Initiative is a member of the coalition convened by Conservation Minnesota.
Project Contacts
Mike Harley and Sam Grant, Rainbow Research, co-convene a sub-group of the ENRTF Coalition focused on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Contact them to learn more or to find ways to help during the legislative session.
Latest news
Collaborative policy victory: Lottery reauthorization for Minnesota
The Minnesota Legislature recently passed the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund renewal bill. This important legislation will put a question before voters to reauthorize Minnesota State Lottery funds for conservation. It also creates a new $20 million per year community grants program.
Expanding Lottery funds for the environment, for all
Environmental Initiative is part of a coalition of mainstream environmental organizations advocating for the Minnesota State Legislature to get a question on the ballot in 2024 on whether to continue dedicating state lottery funds to the great outdoors. Our organization is focused on convening conversations for proposed changes that would make the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund more equitable.