Find Nonprofit and Small Business Grants

Grants to Maine non-governmental organizations to promote the conservation of open spaces and wildlife. Applicants must both contact the appropriate sponsoring agency and submit an application summary prior to applying. Program categories include the conservation of fish and wildlife habitat, endangered species, conservation law enforcement, and the acquisition and management of special places.

The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund has been helping to fund critical wildlife and conservation projects throughout the state since it was created by the Maine Legislature in 1996, in response to a grassroots effort from environmental and sportsman's groups.

MOHF grant proposals must meet the Guiding Principles for the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund found in the MOHF Strategic Plan.

The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund Board will be guided by the following principles as it considers grant requests during the period of its duration, which is expected to be six years – through December, 2019. It will give preference to projects that most substantially accomplish one or more of these objectives:

- Conserve the best of Maine's outdoor heritage and achieve outstanding natural-resource or recreational benefits;

- Maximize degree and diversity of public/private partnerships or other types of matching funds; projects with a cash match of 1/3 or higher are encouraged Funds are intended to support only project-related expenses, including salaries. Monetary match must consist of funds raised specifically for the project proposed and does not include salary costs of natural resource agency staff that are funded by the State General Fund. In-kind contributions that occur during the duration of the project will be considered matching funds. Proposals that are funded will receive funds according to a schedule determined by the Board.

- Form alliances between natural resource agencies, interest groups and organizations based on shared visions and mutual responsibility; These groups and organizations could include Universities, Municipalities, Conservation Groups, other Not-for Profits, and For Profit Corporations;

- Address natural resource concerns of statewide significance and/or broad geographical distribution.

Grant Categories:

1. Conservation of fisheries and wildlife, and habitat

The Board shall consider whether a project involves:
a) Protection/enhancement of a species, species group, natural community or ecosystem adversely affected due to lack of management or habitat loss;
b) Protection/enhancement of a species, species group, natural community or ecosystem that is adversely affected due to unusual vulnerability to human or natural disturbances, or need for a special or limited habitat type;
c) Provision of benefits vital to the future welfare of a species or species group;
d) Education about fisheries, wildlife, natural community and habitat conservation;
e) Equipment and training to improve efficiencies in fisheries, wildlife and habitat conservation efforts;
f) Protection/enhancement of a species, species group, natural community or ecosystem of statewide or regional significance; or
g) Environmental monitoring.

2. Acquisition and management of public lands, parks, wildlife conservation areas and public access and outdoor recreation sites and facilities

Land acquisition projects may involve a range of land types (eg. forestlands, agricultural lands, wetlands, grasslands) that support wildlife conservation and public recreation.

The Board shall consider whether a project involves:
a) Public outdoor recreation sites and facilities or lands of statewide or regional significance;
b) Acquisition and public management of habitat or species, species group, natural community or ecosystem of statewide or regional significance;
c) Acquisition and public management of habitat of a threatened or endangered species listed under state or federal law;
d) Acquisition and public management of rare or exemplary natural communities or ecosystems as determined by the State's Natural Areas Program database;
e) Protection/enhancement of rare or exemplary geological features;
f) Areas with proximity to lands dedicated to conservation purposes or public recreation.
g) Education about the management and use of public lands, parks, wildlife conservation areas, and public access and outdoor recreation sites and facilities;
h) Equipment and training to improve efficiencies in the management of public lands, parks, wildlife conservation areas, and public access and outdoor recreation sites and facilities;
i) Development and maintenance of outdoor recreational facilities and access sites.
j) Environmental monitoring of public lands, parks and wildlife conservation areas.

3. Conservation of endangered and threatened species

The Board shall consider whether a project involves:
a) A species or species group listed as endangered or threatened under state or federal law;
b) The habitat of one or more species listed as endangered or threatened species under state or federal law;
c) A species or species group not listed as threatened or endangered but, based on the best available scientific information, potentially warranting listing in near future;
d) A species, species group, natural community or ecosystem that has been documented as being in decline or recognized as being at risk of extirpation from the State;
e) A species, species group, natural community or ecosystem thought in the best professional judgment of biologists to be in decline or in danger of extirpation from the State but whose status is undetermined;
f) Education about conservation of rare, threatened and endangered species, species of special concern, and/or exemplary natural communities;
g) Equipment and training to improve efficiencies in the conservation of rare, threatened and endangered species, species of special concern, and exemplary natural communities; or
h) Environmental monitoring of rare, threatened, endangered species or habitat

4. Natural resources law enforcement and protection of public health

The Board shall consider whether a project involves:
a) Public health or safety concerns of statewide or regional significance;
b) Biological indicators that would signal threats to Maine's air quality, water quality, wildlife or wildlife habitat, and/or health of Maine's ecosystems;
c) Environmental education for the public or law enforcement personnel;
d) Cross-training between natural resources state agencies;
e) Equipment and training to improve efficiencies in natural resources law enforcement;
f) Education of the public about natural resource laws and enforcement