Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund Grant

The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, established in 1996, supports essential wildlife and conservation initiatives across Maine. Funded by a dedicated lottery ticket, it allocates resources to diverse categories such as habitat conservation, public land management, and species protection. The fund prioritizes projects that foster public-private partnerships and address significant natural resource concerns. Grants are awarded semi-annually, with over 28 million dollars distributed to more than 1200 projects to date, enhancing Maine's natural heritage.

NOTE: The LOI deadline is representative of requesting sponsorship with a Natural Resource Agency Representative. The pre-proposal deadline is representative of submitting the Full Grant Proposal Application. The full-proposal deadline is representative of submitting the Final Grant Proposal Application.
The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund (MOHF) helps fund critical wildlife and conservation projects throughout Maine. The Maine Legislature established MOHF in 1996 with LD 717 "An Act to Establish the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund" in response to a grassroots effort led by Maine Audubon and the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine while joined by many other environmental interested parties.
MOHF’s sole purpose is "maintaining, improving and expanding state and local natural resource conservation programs and associated compatible public uses." in accordance with the MOHF Strategic Plan (PDF).
Revenue is generated exclusively by a dedicated instant lottery ticket distributed by the Maine State Lottery. Tickets are available at most convenience stores, gas stations, and other outlets where Maine State Lottery tickets are sold.
The MOHF Strategic Plan (PDF) requires that funds raised by the lottery be expended in four general categories:

• Category 1: Conservation of fisheries and wildlife, and habitat (35%);
• Category 2: Acquisition and management of public lands, parks, wildlife conservation areas, and public access and outdoor recreation sites and facilities (35%);
• Category 3: Conservation of endangered and threatened species (15%); and
• Category 4: Natural resources law enforcement and protection of public health (15%).

Grants are awarded semi-annually to natural resource agencies in response to grant proposals. To date, MOHF has awarded over 28 million to over 1200 projects.

Eligibility

Any organization that can be established as an insured vendor with the State of Maine as well as any Maine State Agency may apply through an authorized Natural Resource Agency Representative.Applicants should be prepared to discuss their project description, how the project meets MOHF Guiding Principles, Funding Category Selection, Budget, and Partnerships. Applications MUST be submitted through one of the following authorized Natural Resource Agency Representatives listed below while adhering to the MOHF Grant Submittal Schedule.Authorized Natural Resource Agency Representatives:Baxter State Park AuthorityME Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation & ForestryME Dept. of Environmental ProtectionME Dept. of Inland Fisheries & WildlifeME Dept. of Marine ResourcesSaco River Corridor CommissionSaint Croix International Waterway CommissionSoil & Water Conservation Dist.Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve