Best Grants for Land Conservation in Maine

Agricultural and forest producers in Maine seeking to enhance land and habitat conservation can receive financial and technical assistance to improve working lands, water, soil, and wildlife resources. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine’s Conservation Stewardship Program offers multi-year contracts, annual payments, and tailored conservation plans, including options for sustainable agriculture and habitat restoration practices.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine offers vital financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. This program supports conservation practices to enhance soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitats while combating drought and climate change. EQIP promotes sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring producers can integrate conservation into their operations effectively, ultimately fostering a healthier environment and agricultural resilience.

Private and tribal landowners and conservation entities in Maine can receive support to place agricultural and wetland conservation easements that protect working lands and restore degraded wetlands. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine offers ACEP funding for agricultural land easements, wetland reserve easements, and wetland enhancement partnerships that benefit long-term land and habitat conservation.

Nonprofits and community organizations working on land and habitat conservation in Maine and Northern New England can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 to support projects such as conservation easements and environmental education. With a mission to back environment, health, arts, education, and basic needs, Adelard And Valeda Roy Foundation prioritizes underserved communities and populations.

Nonprofit and community-led initiatives in Maine can seek Betterment Fund grants of US $10,000 - US $35,000 for land and habitat conservation, including preservation of special places and natural habitats. Organizations working in the Western Mountains region and other rural areas on long-term, systemic conservation efforts may be especially competitive.

Maine-based conservation and environmental organizations can seek up to US $20,000 for land and habitat conservation, stewardship, and related environmental initiatives. Focused on connecting people and place, the Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust supports operating or project requests, including equitable outdoor access, stewardship capacity, innovative conservation approaches, and protection of culturally significant lands and waters statewide.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine working on land and habitat conservation, forestry, or related community projects can apply for up to US $5,000 to support smaller initiatives. Grants from Elsie & William Viles Foundation also assist animal welfare, education, and Maine history and culture, with preference for the Capital Region.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maine can seek funding for land and habitat conservation, open space preservation, and related work that fits the Elsie & William Viles Foundation’s purposes. Focused on conservation and community benefit, the foundation invites applications for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000, with preference for the Capital Region.

Land conservation and community organizations in Maine can seek funding for land acquisition or land-based projects that expand access for underserved geographies or populations. Focused on land return to Wabanaki Nations and land for food uses, Maine Community Foundation offers up to US $50,000, including limited administrative overhead support.

Land trusts, conservation nonprofits, and public entities in Maine and other Appalachian Landscapes Project states can seek capital funding for land and habitat conservation projects that protect biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and retain forest carbon. Grants from Open Space Institute support projects within the defined Appalachian Landscapes Project service area that also deliver strong benefits for local communities.

Maine land and habitat conservation nonprofits and municipal agencies can seek funding for projects that expand public access to and stewardship of natural areas. Fields Pond Foundation provides US $500 - US $25,000 for trailmaking, land acquisition, conservation stewardship, and related education components, with priority for community-based efforts involving local volunteers.

Land trusts, nonprofit organizations, Tribal governments, and municipalities in Maine can seek funding for broad-scale, climate-informed land conservation planning through the Open Space Institute. Grants up to US $20,000 support climate-resilient conservation, stewardship, and community resilience plans across the Appalachian region, including activities like mapping, priority-setting, and community engagement.

Maine land and habitat conservation nonprofits focused on forestry and botanical conservation can access funding through The Oak Hill Fund for projects restoring diminished native tree species. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations across the continental U.S. may seek support for scientific research, seed orchard development, and forest land preservation tied to specific species restoration efforts.

Maine land conservation and environmental organizations can access funding for projects like land acquisition, habitat protection, and environmental education. John Sage Foundation offers US $500 - US $50,000 for Maine-based efforts that promote a harmonious relationship between people and the natural environment, including conservation easements and support for preserves, centers, and community programs.

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund: Recovery Land Acquisition Grant Program, initiated in FY 2001, aims to foster collaboration between State and Federal entities in conserving listed species. This program provides funding for acquiring critical land parcels to support U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-approved recovery plans. By securing habitats at risk from development, the initiative directly addresses the primary threat to endangered species, ensuring effective and immediate conservation actions.

Community Action Fund

A grant for Indigenous frontline organizations, groups, and individuals for direct action initiatives.

The Community Action Fund (CAF) grants support non-violent direct actions and organizing efforts that are often urgent and time sensitive. CAF prioritizes frontline, grassroots and community-based efforts that defend Indigenous peoples rights, communities and Nations.

Community Action Fund Intent

This grant supports Indigenous frontline, grassroots, community-based groups and organizations, Tribes, communities and villages, and individuals leading non-violent direct action or movement-building work in their effort to DEFEND Indigenous People’s rights, and protect their land, air, water, and natural resources.

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund supports habitat conservation through land acquisition grants. Established in 1997, this program aims to minimize conflicts between listed species conservation and land use. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides matching grants to state agencies for projects that ensure the long-term protection of habitats. By acquiring land or conservation easements, this initiative facilitates species recovery and helps prevent future listings under the Endangered Species Act, enhancing overall ecosystem health.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

Maine 501(c)(3) charitable organizations working on land and habitat conservation, community development, or related self-sustaining programs can access funding through the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation. Support is available as program-related investments or grants for efforts that strengthen the economic base of low-income, disadvantaged communities in the U.S. and select developing regions.

Nonprofits, university researchers, and conservation-focused individuals working on land and habitat conservation projects in Maine can apply for SITKA Ecosystem Grants, typically ranging from US $3,000 - US $20,000. Focused on ecosystem health, hunting access and education, and collaborative stewardship, W.L. Gore & Associates supports high-impact, data-informed projects in the U.S. and Canada.

Eligible partners working on land and habitat conservation near military installations in Maine can apply for the U.S. Department of Defense REPI Challenge, with awards up to US $20,000,000 for compatible land use and resilience projects. Conservation organizations whose work reduces land use conflicts or environmental restrictions around DOD sites may benefit.

Delaney Family Foundation 

The Delaney Family Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support Wildlife and Land Conservation, Education, Healthcare and Community Betterment.

The Delaney Family Foundation was established in 2013. We make both program and operating grants and do not have geographical restrictions.  

Grant Information

Grants are awarded annually. The following criteria will be used in confirming that grant requests match the goals of The Delaney Family Foundation.

• Clarity of Purpose – the request should be clearly defined with a specific description of how goals/tasks will be achieved and how funds will be spent.
• Potential for Success – the organization must demonstrate that they have funding sources, manpower, and community support as well as the time to achieve their goals. Projects must be realistic.
• Leadership – stability in the organization is a requirement, as well as a well-deserved reputation for results.
• Site Visits – While not always possible, site visits by board members prior to gifting, during gifting or following may be considered.

 We may consider multi-year grants.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Coastal Program offers vital technical and financial support for projects aimed at protecting and restoring fish and wildlife habitats in priority coastal ecosystems. Collaborating with conservation partners, the program ensures that all projects are scientifically sound and align with the missions of the Department of the Interior. Applicants must contact a local office for guidance before applying, ensuring projects meet strategic conservation goals.

Land and habitat conservation nonprofits in Maine can apply for Biophilia Foundation grants supporting private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and restorative economies. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help Maine land conservation efforts with US $5,000 - US $25,000 awards, primarily for work in the U.S. arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay but inclusive of national projects.

Cattaraugus County Trappers Memorial Scholarship

Created by the Cattaraugus County Trappers Association, this scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school student who plans to pursue a degree in Natural Resources Conservation, Fish & Wildlife Management, Forest Management or similar area of study at a 2- or 4-year college. Financial need will be considered. Applicants must include list of outdoors sports in which they participate, a statement on importance of the role of sportsmen in conservation and management of fish and wildlife and natural resources, and information on career path in their goal statement.

Graduate students focused on land and habitat conservation in Maine and other U.S. locations can apply for the Conservation Connect Fellowship, which offers paid practicum experience and professional development. With a mission to support collaborative conservation leaders, National Forest Foundation provides hands-on projects, mentorship, and training tied to National Forests and Grasslands programs; awards up to US $6,870.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on wildlife and land or habitat conservation can apply for Park Foundation’s animal welfare grants to support policy, advocacy, and protection of threatened and endangered species. Maine conservation groups focused on pollinators, wolves, whales, birds, indigenous wildlife management, or sanctuaries may be especially competitive.