Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund
The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund provides grants for projects that advance wildlife conservation, habitat protection, and outdoor recreation science across Maine.
Funder: Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry
Due Dates: July 15, 2026 (Initial Contact - fall) | August 20, 2026 (Full Proposal - fall) | September 1, 2026 (Final Proposal - fall) | January 15, 2027 (Initial Contact - spring) | February 20, 2027 (Full Proposal - spring) | March 1, 2027 (Final Proposal - spring)
Funding Amounts: ~$700,000 awarded annually; individual grant sizes vary by project and funding category.
Summary: Supports projects that conserve wildlife, open spaces, and outdoor heritage across Maine, funded by lottery ticket proceeds.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted through an authorized Natural Resource Agency Representative; matching funds (≥1/3 cash match) are strongly encouraged.
Description
The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund (MOHF) provides grant funding to conserve wildlife, protect natural habitats, preserve open spaces, and support outdoor recreation throughout Maine. Funded by proceeds from dedicated scratch lottery ticket sales, the MOHF awards grants twice yearly for projects that align with its four funding categories: fisheries/wildlife conservation, land management and recreation, endangered species protection, and natural resources law enforcement/public health. The program is designed to supplement, not replace, existing state funding for natural resource agencies, and places a strong emphasis on projects that foster partnerships and leverage matching contributions.
