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ELLSWORTH – There are two funding opportunities available from Maine Community Foundation for organizations and projects dedicated to helping Maine people access and connect to the outdoors.
The Maine Land Protection grant program provides general support grants to organizations and projects that build strong connections between people in Maine and land and water through land acquisition, conservation and easements.
Grants from the Conservation for All program invest in organizations and projects that provide access to the outdoors for all Maine people,
The deadline to submit proposals for both grant programs is Sept. 15. For more information, eligibility requirements and to submit a proposal, visit www.mainecf.org.
In 2021, Maine Land Protection supported the conservation of more than 50,000 acres of land across the state through 15 projects totaling $619,000. The grant program awarded $145,000, while donors with advised funds at MaineCF contributed an additional $474,000. The program focuses specifically on larger land acquisition and conservation easement projects and prioritizes proposals that create or expand access to land and water for underserved people and communities.
Organizations that received funding included Kennebec Estuary Land Trust, to acquire 8.2 acres abutting the Sewall Woods Preserve in Bath and extend the Whiskeag Trail system; and Somerset Woods Trustees, to expand Weston Woods and Waters in Madison and provide access to year-round outdoor recreation, sustainable forestry and environmental education.
Last year, the Conservation for All grant program awarded 14 grants totaling $121,500. An additional 10 grants totaling $58,886 were made by donors with advised funds at MaineCF. Conservation for All focuses on programs and projects that help create equitable access to the outdoors, clean air and clean water.
Grantees included Rise and Shine Youth Retreat, based in Bowdoin, to offer art, science and outdoor recreation for Afro Indigenous people.
PHOTO: Rise and Shine Youth Retreat, based in Bowdoin, was awarded one of 10 Conservation for All grants last year through the Maine Community Foundation. This year’s grant deadline is Sept. 15. (Submitted photo)
