Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund
The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund supports research and conservation projects that protect Maine’s wildlife, habitats, and public lands, administered by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.
Funder: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
Due Dates: January 15, 2027 (Spring - Preliminary) | February 20, 2027 (Spring - Full Proposal) | March 1, 2027 (Spring - Final to Secretariat) | July 15, 2027 (Fall - Preliminary) | August 20, 2027 (Fall - Full Proposal) | September 1, 2027 (Fall - Final to Secretariat)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards: $10,000–$50,000; total annual funding ~$700,000–$900,000; 1:3 cash/in-kind match required.
Summary: Supports wildlife, conservation, public lands, and natural resource projects across Maine through a competitive, semi-annual grant process.
Key Information: Applicants must partner with an authorized natural resource agency; strong match and partnership required.
Description
The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund (MOHF), administered by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, funds critical wildlife, conservation, and public lands projects throughout Maine. Established in 1996 and supported by proceeds from a dedicated lottery ticket, the MOHF aims to maintain, improve, and expand state and local natural resource conservation programs and compatible public uses. Funds are distributed across four main categories: fisheries and wildlife conservation, acquisition and management of public lands and recreation sites, conservation of endangered/threatened species, and natural resources law enforcement/public health protection. Since its inception, the MOHF has awarded over $28 million to more than 1,200 projects, advancing stewardship and enjoyment of Maine’s natural heritage.
