Search Through Grants for Land Conservation in Maine in the U.S.

What is the Big G Charitable Foundation?

We strive to protect the helpless and defend the defenseless by supporting the sustainable needs of our planet and those suffering the hardships of illness and societal challenges.

About

Mike Galesi, founder of the Big G Foundation, discovered his passion for giving as a young boy from his father, John (Big G), when they would work together to support less fortunate families in their area. Their shared fulfilling experiences of helping others lead Mike to a lifelong passion to give and assist. Mike’s true passions are ocean and land conservation and providing for those in times of crisis.

Since its founding in 2009, Big G Charitable Foundation has helped support foundations in fighting the good fight and protecting the defenseless. While Big G strives to support all worthy causes our main focuses are conservation, sustainability and emergency relief.

How we decide who receives funds

To decide where funds should go, we consider the organization’s relevance to our Community Promise goals, how the service it offers impacts our community, other support the group receives in the private and public sector, and the community’s general need.

As many typical fundraising avenues disappeared during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been especially proactive in reaching out to partners as vital societal needs have only increased across communities.

We receive so many requests, and every category offers invaluable services and activities. Here’s a quick sample of the kinds of organizations that receive assistance.

Five categories of organizations

Our dedicated Social Responsibility team considers requests from five categories of organizations. We award grants and sponsorships on a rolling, year-round basis in support of the following causes:

Health and Wellness

Community organizations and programs that promote mind, body, and financial wellness align very strongly with our corporate and community values. We sponsor races, sports teams, and other wellness programs and initiatives.

Examples of groups who have received support from us include:

• Hospitals and Community Health Centers
• Nutrition Programs
• United Ways
• Community Action Agencies

Community & Economic Advancement

Community spaces that create access to resources for community members of all walks of life get our attention. We want to empower everyone in the community who has ideas that can help make it better.

Examples of groups who have received support from us include:

• Libraries
• Chambers of Commerce
• Affordable Housing
• Public Transportation

Arts & Culture

A vibrant art scene in our communities drives tourism and commerce and serves a higher purpose – fostering understanding, creating empathy, and moving a community forward. We want to support the arts whenever we can.

Examples of groups who have received support from us include:

• Visual and performing arts programs
• Museums
• Historical Societies
• Theaters

Education & Innovation

Investments in education and youth programs create the future of the community. As parents ourselves, we support youth programs that address food insecurity, technology, wellness, and trauma prevention to help children succeed beyond their dreams.

Examples of groups who have received support from us include:

• Education Foundations
• Literacy Programs
• Leadership Development
• Social Entrepreneurship

Environment & Animal Welfare

We all deserve a healthy environment to live in and enjoy, our furry friends included. We work with land trusts, animal shelters, animal agencies and more to make that happen.

Examples of groups who have received support from us include:

• Land Trusts
• Marine Resource Conservation
• Animal Welfare and Rescue

Welcome to the Maine DACF

Welcome to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF), the State of Maine's support center for our many land-based, natural resource interests. The Department balances for and develops the state's various land-based, natural-resources including Maine agriculture, forests, outdoor recreation and public-access.

The DACF helps guide Maine's 21st-century natural resource economy by supporting the creation of new jobs and businesses, improving and supporting existing land-based industries and streamlining regulations. We strive to provide excellent customer service and we facilitate a team approach to land-use planning, conservation efforts and economic activity. Our professionals work each day to strengthen the base of scientific research and information for effective decision-making.

Our agency has a wide range of duties from protecting the food we eat, stopping forest fires, mapping the ocean floor; keeping our parks and public lands pristine and accessible, planning wise land utilization, and helping beginning farmers.

We take a collective pride in providing excellent customer service through our hundreds of activities and programs.

Land for Maine's Future: Public Water Access to Maine Waters Fund

The Public Access to Maine Waters Fund is designed to 'get people to the water.' The board will accomplish this by acquiring fee simple of public access rights on small parcels of land to create or enhance access points to lakes, ponds, rivers, and coastal waters. Land for access could support a facility for trailered boats, or small, hand-launched craft (canoes, kayaks) and provide bank fishing, swimming, clamming, worming, or other water contact opportunities. Access is primarily intended for general public use.

An application to LMF requires sponsorship from a suitable state agency. An application must include full knowledge and agreement from the landowner that their project is up for consideration for LMF funding.

Funds often assist land trusts, municipal conservation commissions, local governments, private nonprofit charitable organizations, state agencies, and private foundations.

About Us

Mattina R. Proctor (1926-2005) was a compassionate philanthropist from Camden, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts. Ms. Proctor championed and funded many worthwhile projects to benefit those in need, protect the environment, and bring fine music, arts, and media to the people. In her memory, The Mattina R. Proctor Foundation continues to support charitable organizations and initiatives in Maine, Massachusetts and beyond that focus on education, healthcare, music, and environmental stewardship.

Need Based Giving

MRPF strives to make a difference with the grants we make. We prefer to focus our giving on particular projects rather than on general program support. Successful applicants are generally those who demonstrate a specific need related to our focus areas in Maine, Massachusetts and beyond.

Focus Areas 

Education

We support organizations that provide educational opportunities in music, performance, and in traditional trades and crafts. The foundation has supported projects at the university and secondary school levels, and programs that engage younger students. We are especially interested in projects that support music and trades education in traditionally underserved populations in Maine and Massachusetts.

The Arts 

We supports organizations and initiatives that bring fine music, arts, and media to the people primarily in Maine and Massachusetts with a special focus on opera. We generally focus our funding on performance and education organizations. In this focus area we tend to concentrate on funding opportunities where major foundation support is critical to the ongoing success of the applicant.

Healthcare

We support healthcare initiatives predominantly in Maine and the Boston area, for public health and medical research. Funding is provided for initiatives in diabetes research and care, dental care, and projects that seek to provide preventative healthcare to underserved populations in Maine.

Environmental Stewardship

We support organizations and campaigns that seek to acquire and protect land in the Midcoast region of Maine, both through direct acquisitions and via conservation easements. We tends to give to conservation organizations that demonstrate a desire to support rural economies through multiple-use management objectives, providing for continued agricultural and recreational uses, along with sustainable timber management programs. In all of our grants, the economic impact on jobs and the regional economy are important factors in the decision-making process.

About Us

Mattina R. Proctor (1926-2005) was a compassionate philanthropist from Camden, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts. Ms. Proctor championed and funded many worthwhile projects to benefit those in need, protect the environment, and bring fine music, arts, and media to the people. In her memory, The Mattina R. Proctor Foundation continues to support charitable organizations and initiatives in Maine and Massachusetts that focus on education, healthcare, music, and environmental stewardship.

Our Focus

MRPF supports organizations and initiatives primarily in Maine and Massachusetts that focus on education, healthcare, music, and environmental stewardship. Grants from MRPF typically range in size from $2,500 to $50,000. Grants are usually made for a specific project in a single year.

Multi-year grants may occasionally be made.

Need Based Giving

MRPF strives to make a difference with the grants we make.  Successful applicants are generally those who demonstrate a specific need related to our focus areas in Maine and Massachusetts.

Focus Areas: 

Education

We support organizations that provide educational opportunities in music, performance, and in traditional trades and crafts. The foundation has supported projects at the university and secondary school levels, and programs that engage younger students. We are especially interested in projects that support music and trades education in traditionally underserved populations in Maine and Massachusetts.

The Arts

We supports organizations and initiatives that bring fine music, arts, and media to the people primarily in Maine and Massachusetts with a special focus on opera. We generally focus our funding on performance and education organizations. In this focus area we tend to concentrate on funding opportunities where major foundation support is critical to the ongoing success of the applicant.

Healthcare

We support healthcare initiatives predominantly in Maine and the Boston area, for public health and medical research. Funding is provided for initiatives in diabetes research and care, dental care, and projects that seek to provide preventative healthcare to underserved populations in Maine.

Environmental Stewardship

We support organizations and campaigns that seek to acquire and protect land in the Midcoast region of Maine, both through direct acquisitions and via conservation easements. We tends to give to conservation organizations that demonstrate a desire to support rural economies through multiple-use management objectives, providing for continued agricultural and recreational uses, along with sustainable timber management programs. In all of our grants, the economic impact on jobs and the regional economy are important factors in the decision-making process.

OSI partners with conservation organizations in the Northeast to assemble networks of protected lands most likely to preserve plant and animal diversity in a changing climate. The Fund supports projects in four focus areas in New England, the mid-Atlantic, and the Central Appalachians offering the greatest opportunity to conserve missing links for resiliency in the overall landscape.

Grant Opportunities

The Fund provides capital grants and loans to qualified non-profits for the acquisition of land or conservation easements on climate-resilient lands, capitalized with a grant from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Through an in-depth review process, we selected four focus areas in order to target funds most effectively. A fact brochure with maps for each focus area can be downloaded:

Potomac Headwaters – West Virginia & Virginia

Highlands and Kittatinny Ridge – New Jersey & Pennsylvania

Middle Connecticut River – Vermont & Massachusetts

Southern New Hampshire & Maine Forests 

Who We Are

World Land Trust (WLT) is an international conservation charity that protects the world’s most biologically significant and threatened habitats.

Working through a network of partner organisations around the world, WLT funds the creation of reserves and provides permanent protection for habitats and wildlife. Partnerships are developed with established and highly respected local organisations who engage support and commitment among the local community.

Mission

Helping people across the world protect and restore their land to safeguard biodiversity and the climate.

The Type of Projects Supported By WLT

WLT funding aims to create long-term and sustainable support for on-the-ground conservation activities, including land acquisition, protected area creation, reserve protection and ecosystem restoration. WLT prioritises supporting projects in countries with high levels of biodiversity and which have the fewest resources available for biodiversity protection – consequently we mainly support organisations based in the Global South.

The main project activities supported by WLT are the creation of protected areas and the protection and restoration of threatened habitats. Project activities may include land acquisition through a range of mechanisms including land purchases, leases, conservation easements, community reserves the legal declaration of protected areas (gazetting).

WLT’s core focus is on bringing new areas of land into conservation protection, but we also support activities that support this core objective including habitat protection (e.g. rangers and patrols), habitat restoration, community activities that are essential for the success of new areas, research and monitoring, and income generation activities that support the financial sustainability of newly created areas or organisations. These latter activities are unlikely to be funded on their own and would only be considered if they are part of a wider conservation project with the creation or expansion of reserves as the main objective.

All WLT funded projects need to have clear benefits, and no net negative impact to biodiversity, communities and the climate.

The Foundation embraces the protection of biodiversity as its overarching priority.

Frank Weeden, the Foundation’s founder and original benefactor, established the Weeden Foundation to address the impact of growing human populations and overuse of natural resources on the biological fabric of the planet. Since his death in 1984, the Foundation has helped preserve more than 6 million acres of biologically important habitat worldwide and provided financing for the first debt-for-nature swap in Bolivia in 1992, a strategy that is now widely used by international conservation organizations. Program efforts have supported projects in environmentally sensitive regions of the western United States, Alaska, Russia, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Columbia, Ecuador, Belize, Namibia, Mexico, and various Caribbean nations.

Focus Areas

On a more general scale the Foundation supports the following focus areas.

Bird Conservation

Our goal in the Bird Conservation program area is to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. In particular we seek to fund grantees that work to prevent bird species extinctions and to prevent declining populations of bird species from becoming endangered. We specifically focus on protecting and restoring public and private bird habitat and we assist in acquiring land for threatened bird species. Finally we support protection of bird migration corridors in North and South America.

Systemic Support program at the U.S. national policy level for wildlife corridors, the Endangered Species Act, and additional wilderness designation.

Our goal in Systemic Support is to improve the effectiveness of environmental efforts through specialized services. Specific objectives include:

• support the Endangered Species Act through litigation, lobbying, grassroots campaigns and public education generally,
• promote organizations providing support for groups engaged in wilderness protection, land conservation, endangered species protection, wildlife corridor issues, and management of public lands, an
• improve federal and state support for environmentally sustainable practices, wilderness designations, and wildlife corridors. 

Global Biodiversity

Our goal in Global Biodiversity is to support campaigns and/or groups in biodiversity hotspots. Specific objectives are to

• protect global temperate rainforests,
• support creation of wildlife corridors,
• land acquisition and protection for endangered species and,
• support projects that involve indigenous peoples in the process and stewardship of conservation projects.

Environmental Education

The Foundation’s Environment Education program area focuses on supporting grantees that will provide future leaders with the tools to effect environmental policies. These policies complement the other grantees of the Foundation including biodiversity and habitat protection. Sustainable environmental policies must include both immediate actions as well as education to anticipate and to prevent future environmental impact.

Marine Wildlife Conservation

The Marine Wildlife Conservation Program Area focuses on helping to protect endangered marine species in the Americas through research, advocacy, policy change, and habitat conservation.

To address the adverse impact of economic and human population growth on biodiversity, the Foundation’s grantmaking includes both Consumption and Population programs.

The Foundation’s Sustainable Consumption program currently focuses on promoting greater use of environmental paper. Grantmaking in this area aims to broaden the market for environmental papers and packaging through markets campaigns, shareholder activism, consumer-targeted education, and dialogue with the corporate sector. This year we have expanded our packaging program to include efforts to reduce plastics in the waste stream, through strategies such as eliminating single use plastic disposables by promoting reusable packaging for grocery stores, take-out, and delivery.

The Foundation’s International Population program area is focused on reducing population growth rates in countries recognized for their rich biodiverse landscapes and that have a total fertility rate exceeding replacement levels. To achieve this goal, the Foundation funds groups that facilitate initiatives related to family planning, women’s education and women’s empowerment in countries with such rich and recognized biodiversity. The Foundation also supports advocacy efforts addressing global population growth in the context of environmental sustainability.

The Foundation supports projects in coastal areas of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island and selected international locations.

For the last two decades, the Foundation has focused a significant portion of its financial resources on Southeastern Massachusetts, where its office is located. Here the Board seeks to understand how communities grow sustainably and equitably, how to increase educational opportunities, how rural and urban economies are intertwined, and how to best protect working landscapes and the people who rely upon these areas for their livelihoods. In funding in a few specific areas, the Board believes it will have the most impact.   

Environment

In Southeastern Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island, the Island Foundation promotes the conservation of marine and coastal resources. For many years, the Foundation has given priority to North Atlantic right whale research, protection of coastal waterbird habitat, and preservation of coastal lands.

More recently, the Board has been interested in new initiatives that:

• link climate change, renewable energy, and regional planning and support those most impacted by climate change;
• support working landscapes (sustainable agriculture and community-based fisheries) and the people who rely on them for their livelihoods;
• help local conservation organizations strengthen their own capacity;
• connect community health, quality of life, and environmental conservation; and
• promote environmental justice and seek to include the voices of those most affected by environmental harms.

Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund

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.

What is the Maine Trails Program?

The Maine Trails Program (MTP) is a statewide initiative to support the design and development of trails for outdoor recreation and active transportation. Created by the Maine Legislature in 2024, the program is administered by the Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. With $30 million in state funding available through 2034, the program supports motorized, nonmotorized, and multi-use trails across Maine. Up to $7.5 million per year may be awarded to trail projects to leverage at least $3 million in public and private matching contributions. To ensure transparency and community input, the Maine Trails Advisory Committee—made up of representatives from both motorized and nonmotorized trail interests—provides guidance to the program and helps evaluate and recommend eligible projects for funding.

Goals for Maine Trails Program

• Trails that provide linkages with existing or planned networks.
• Trails that serve a broad range of users.
• Proposals that address landowners' concerns.
• Trails that will be sustainable in relation to anticipated usage.
• Proposals that provide accessible trails, in terms of proximity and design.
• Proposals that enhance tourism and economic development.
• Proposals that facilitate trail use for all ages and abilities.
• Projects that are well planned.
• Trails that are destination oriented.
• Trails that further SCORP or other established planning goals.
• Multiple use trail projects that address conflicts between user groups.
• Proposals that have documented matching resources.
• Projects that rehabilitate existing, well-used trails.
• Trails that provide high levels of user safety.
• Proposals that plan for operation and maintenance needs.
• Projects that will last.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Coastal Program is a community-based program that helps coastal areas with technical and financial support to address complex conservation challenges of priority coastal ecosystems. This support is mainly provided through cooperative agreements with conservation partners and landowners, including state and Tribal agencies. The goal is to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats on both public and private lands.

Coastal Program staff work with partners, stakeholders, and other Service programs in important areas for conservation. They set goals and priorities for habitat conservation in these focus areas. The program has specific lists of priority species and focus areas for each U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service region. Applicants seeking technical or financial assistance from the Coastal Program are required to contact a local Program office BEFORE developing or submitting an application. You can find this information in the current strategic plan at this link or by contacting your local Coastal Program office at this link. Projects are developed collaboratively by partners and Service field staff. All Coastal Program projects must align with the missions of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Coastal Program. They are also based on sound biological principles and the best available science.

Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant

The AV Roy Foundation has historically supported a broad range of organizations working in the areas of arts and culture, churches, education, environmental education, food access, health, land trusts, museums, and social services. The Trustees prioritize grants serving greater Boston and underserved rural and urban communities in Massachusetts, with some additional grantmaking in other areas of Northern New England.

In an effort to ensure that applications to the Foundation closely match current giving priorities, the Trustees will give priority to Massachusetts and Northern New England applicants focused on the following:

• Environment: requests focused on land conservation, in particular projects close to completion and projects resulting in easements held by accredited land trusts; environmental education; and climate change
• Health and Welfare: basic human needs (with priority given to food security and housing); hospice and home health care
• Arts and Culture: in particular, arts access and education for disadvantaged, elderly, or youth populations, and historic preservation
• Education: schools serving youth from low income backgrounds, including independent schools
• Churches providing basic needs support and other social services programming, as well as capital needs for facilities or historic preservation

Funding

Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000. In 2023, the average grant was $3,800. The Trustees anticipate a slightly higher average grant size this year, and fewer grants in total.

What We Support

The Rosamond Thaxter Foundation’s mission is to support charitable organizations in and around Kittery Maine, Portsmouth New Hampshire, and the Isles of Shoals. While the Foundation’s trustees have broad grant-making authority, they focus on supporting local non-profit organizations involved in the following areas:

• History; 
• Healthcare and Social Services;
• Land Conservation;
• Education;
• Museums and Libraries;
• The Arts.

Background

The Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust was established in 1988 by Joan Morton Kelly and her mother, Mildred Duncan Morton, to facilitate their philanthropic activities.

Foundation Program Areas

The overarching interest of the Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust is to connect people and place through the arts, culture and the natural environment in Maine. Program Areas reflect how communities, organizations and individuals can cultivate creative expression and a sense of responsibility towards one another and to the lands and waters around us. Proposals may be for operating support or specific projects and may be of local or statewide benefit. Across all programs, community connection is paramount.

Program Areas of interest to the Trust are Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation and Environmental Initiatives.

Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation

The Trust is interested in community arts and cultural programs, cultural facility improvements, historic preservation projects and celebration of the diverse cultural heritage of Maine.

Arts and culture programs and organizations help foster vibrant communities, creative expression, inspiration and build community connections. Community cultural centers and preservation of historic sites and resources can enhance downtown and community revitalization efforts and be a cornerstone of community arts and cultural life. The Trust is also interested in programs that expand cross-cultural understanding of the unique and layered histories of Maine and contemporary expressions of culture and heritage.

The Trust’s Arts and Culture Program Area welcomes operating support or project proposals that meet any of the following goals:

• Access to the arts, creative expression and community cultural programs
  • Priorities include:
    • Access to arts experiences of all kinds, arts education for all ages, and performances and programs that serve Maine communities and residents.
    • Visual and performing arts programs in Maine museums, public libraries, historical societies and other cultural organizations.
    • Both urban and rural programs that reflect local needs and bring community members together, including lectures, exhibits and special events.
    • Projects and programs that serve diverse populations and cultural experiences including Black, Indigenous and people of color in Maine.
• Facility improvements for community cultural centers and historic preservation projects that contribute to community vitality
  • Cultural facility improvement priorities include:
    • Structural, health, safety, public access or energy efficiency improvements.
    • Technology upgrades and other renovation needs.
    • Small venues in rural or underserved areas where few other resources are available, and which contribute to community revitalization.
• Historic preservation projects that contribute to community vitality
  • Priorities include:
    • The restoration and conservation of significant historic structures such as those listed on the National Register, or have documented importance through Tribal Historic Preservation Departments or are a known community landmark.
      • The Trust will support structural improvements and building systems (such as electrical service) rather than maintenance, painting or short-term repairs.
    • Preservation projects may also include restoration of significant material cultural resources.
    • Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide a letter indicating that the Maine Historic Preservation Commission or appropriate Tribal Historic Preservation Office is aware of the project, and that work is being conducted to appropriate preservation standards.
• Celebrate the diverse cultural heritage and multiple histories of Maine
  • Priorities include:
    • Programs that build community connection, celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of Maine communities and elevate the unique experiences of Black, Indigenous and other under-represented groups.
    • Efforts that build bridges within communities to elevate cultural histories of place, expand awareness, cultural connection and share learning.

Environmental Initiatives

The Trust is interested in environmental initiatives that protect ecological values, water quality and ecosystem health through land conservation, stewardship, education and research programs. The Trust is interested in supporting organizations that promote positive relationships with nature including scientific, ecological and cultural perspectives. The Trust is also interested in expanded efforts to conserve culturally significant lands for Wabanaki communities.

The Trust’s Environmental Initiatives Program Area welcomes proposals for operating support or projects that meet any of the following goals or related priorities:

• Provide equitable access to outdoor experiences and nature-based education
  •  Priorities include:
    • Programs that offer outdoor experiences and nature-based education for youth and community members to inspire care and responsibility for the environment.
    • Programs that provide safe, inclusive spaces for youth and others to develop appreciation for nature, science and the social and cultural dimensions of land and place.
    • Programs that benefit BIPOC and underserved communities.
• Enhance environmental stewardship.
  • Priorities include:
    • Support of the growing stewardship responsibilities of conservation groups in light of development pressures, climate change and greater public use of conserved lands and waters.
    • Support of staffing, programs and partnerships for stewardship, education and community engagement.
• Advance new approaches for land conservation
  • Priorities include:
    • Partnerships, tools and relationships for conservation that emphasize equity and inclusion.
    • Land conservation that protects biodiversity or provides access to lands and waters for recreation, education and restoration.
      • Organizations requesting funding for land acquisitions should include a funding plan for the project.
    • Building capacity for the protection, stewardship and management of culturally significant lands for Wabanaki lifeways and culture.
• Promote restoration and improvement of water quality in coastal and inlandwatersheds
  • Priorities include:
    • Applied science and research for the restoration and management of ecosystems, especially the coastal and inland waters of Maine.
    • Relevant research and education for water quality and habitat improvement.
    • Addressing climate change impacts on coastal and aquatic resources.
    • Initiatives that use science, policy and community engagement to improve and restore natural resources and ecosystems.

Funding

Up to $20,000 in grant funding may be requested.

EQIP

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is NRCS’ flagship conservation program that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands.

EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns, such as:

• Improved water and air quality;
• Conserved ground and surface water;
• Increased soil health;
• Reduced soil erosion and sedimentation;
• Improved or created wildlife habitat; and
• Mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.

How It Works

NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines conservation practices and activities to help solve on-farm resource issues. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations. EQIP helps producers make conservation work for them. Financial assistance for practices may be available through EQIP.  Some producers may also qualify for advance payment.

Benefits

Some of these benefits include:

• Reduced contamination from agricultural sources, such as animal feeding operations.
• Efficient use of nutrients, reducing input costs and reduction in nonpoint source pollution.
• Improved soil health, which mitigates against increasing weather volatility, improves drought resiliency and can positively affect climate change.
• Implementation of climate-smart practices that improve carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while building resilient landscapes.

Maine Initiatives

• Conservation Planning Activities (CPAs), Design and Implementation Activities (DIAs), and Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activities (CEMAs)
  • Technical service providers (TSP) or other third-party service providers (Providers) for NRCS can carry out planning, design, implementation, and monitoring tasks for NRCS conservation program purposes (previously known as Conservation Activity Plans (CAPs)). NRCS has reorganized and renamed CAPs into three new categories—Conservation Planning Activities (CPAs), Design and Implementation Activities (DIAs), and Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activities (CEMAs). NRCS broke these activities out to clarify which phase of the NRCS conservation planning process the TSP/Provider will be supporting.
• Climate Smart Agriculture
  • Agricultural producers play a critical role in fostering a healthy environment through climate-smart management practices that conserve natural resources, build healthier soils, sequester carbon, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). When row crop producers adopt conservation practices such as no-till or plant diverse cover crops, for instance, they’re building healthier soils while also sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.
• Irrigation Assistance
  • Under the 2008 Farm Bill, priority will be given to water conservation or irrigation efficiency applications that will reduce water sue or where the producer agrees not to use any associated water savings to bring new land under irrigation production.
  • Maine NRCS will set aside at least $1,000,000 each year in financial assistance funding for eligible applicants across the state.  These dollars will be used to fund projects that address irrigation efficiency and assist producers to comply with Maine Department of Environmental Protection Chapter 587 In-Stream Flows and Lake and Pond Water Levels regulations.
• On-Farm Energy Initiative
  • The EQIP On-Farm Energy Initiative enables the producer to identify ways to conserve energy on the farm through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP), also known as an on-farm energy audit; and by providing financial and technical assistance to help the producer implement various measures and practices recommended in an on-farm energy audit.
• Organic Agriculture Initiative
  • Maine has received funds for an organic initiative to encourage more organic agriculture production.
  • Successful applicants will receive funding to implement conservation practices that have been identified as needed to improve natural resource conditions.
• National Water Quality Initiative
  • The National Water Quality Initiative will work in priority watersheds to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners improve water quality and aquatic habitats in impaired streams. 
  • NRCS will help eligible producers implement conservation and management practices through a systems approach to control and trap nutrient and manure runoff. 
  • Qualified producers will receive assistance for installing conservation practices such as cover crops, filter strips and terraces.
  • In Maine, two watersheds were selected to participate in this initiative:  The Cross Lake Watershed in northern Aroostook County and the Sheepscot River Watershed in Lincoln County.
    • The Cross Lake Watershed includes Daigle Brook, Dickey Brook and Cross Lake subwatersheds.
    • The Sheepscot Watershed includes Sheepscot River and Dyer River subwatersheds.
• Pollinators
  • Whether you are a farmer who relies on native bees for pollination, or a forestry producer interested in conservation, consider applying for funding through an NRCS cost-share program today.
• EQIP State Aquatic Restoration Pool
  • The state aquatic restoration pool provides the opportunity for stream connectivity and or instream habitat projects.
  • This pool is available statewide and focuses on perennial streams lacking appropriate base conditions.
  • The state pool is focused on implementing solutions to two core resource concern practices, with select other supporting practices that may be executed in conjunction with the core practices.

About Us

Since its founding in 1997, Horizon Foundation has funded non-profit organizations that meet the mission goals in places where our trustees live and work. Grant funding concentrates on building organizational and community-wide effectiveness, developing opportunities, raising aspirations, and generally making a positive and lasting difference.

Our Mission

Horizon Foundation supports non-profit organizations that aspire to create and maintain sustainable, vibrant and resilient communities by:

• Enabling children and adults to lead their communities in creative, healthy and thoughtful ways;
• Educating citizens to be good stewards of the environment;
• Conserving land and water resources;
• Encouraging service to others;
• Promoting visual arts and music, and;
• Teaching appreciation of and preserving historic assets.

Maine Grant

In Maine, in addition to our climate and conservation work, we will continue to support organizations that serve children, provide arts, enrichment, educational, and leadership development opportunities, and those that aim to assure food security and assistance for those most vulnerable.

Our conservation funding in Maine will continue to support organizations and programs that implement the strategies of Maine Won’t Wait – A Four Year Plan for Climate Action.

Grant Size

Horizon generally will make grants in the $5,000 to $20,000 range, with an average grant size of about $12,500. While many grants will be for onetime projects, multi-year support will be considered. The Foundation will consider proposals for both challenge or matching grants, and encourages collaborative efforts with other grant makers.

Land for Maine's Future: Conservation & Recreation Funds

Funds often assist land trusts, municipal conservation commissions, local governments, private nonprofit charitable organizations, state agencies, and private foundations. An application to LMF requires sponsorship from a suitable state agency. An application must include full knowledge and agreement from the landowner that their project is up for consideration for LMF funding.

LMF funds assist with the acquisition of land or interest in land to:

• Provide outdoor recreation opportunities
• Provide access to Maine waters
• Support vital ecological or conservation functions and values
• Conserve rare, threatened, or endangered natural communities, plants, or wildlife habitat
• Conserve areas of scenic interest and prime physical features
• Protect sustainable working forests
• Protect deer wintering areas

ME Boating Facilities Fund

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Public Lands is seeking grant proposals that will result in improved recreational boating access to the waters of the State of Maine.

Purpose of the Boating Facilities Fund

• To assist towns, cities, districts and other public and private agencies in the acquisition, development, enhancement, or rehabilitation of boat launching facilities on waters of Maine that are available to the general public.
• Sites on both tidal and non-tidal waters are eligible.
• Funding is available to assist in the development of hand-carry as well as trailered boat launching facilities. However, since the Fund derives its revenue from a portion of the State gasoline taxes generated by recreational motor boat use.
• Grants may be monetary or in the form of materials, e.g., floats and concrete planking for ramps.

JSF is a young, growing organization. In 1992, we funded two projects totaling $2000; in 1996, we funded ten projects for a total of $13,265; in 1998, we funded nine projects for a total of $18,300; and in 2000 we have funded 5 projects for a total of $24,550.  Projects have ranged from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

While we generally like to fund a variety of projects, we will consider giving the majority of our funds to a single entity in any grant cycle.

It is the objective of John Sage Foundation to promote and enhance a harmonious relationship between people and the natural environment.

Type of projects JSF has funded:

• Land acquisition and site evaluations
• Water testing programs
• Environmental education - programs, planning and scholarships
• Support for an environmental center and library
• Boardwalks for nature preserves
• Community garden program
• Natural history museum equipment

The Viles family managed logging and timber businesses in Maine dating back to the 1700s. William and Elsie made generous philanthropic commitments to the people of Maine and the city they called home, Augusta. When her beloved husband William Payson Viles passed away in 1986, Elsie continued their legacy of philanthropy and 3 years later formed the Elsie & William Viles Foundation in 1990.

In keeping with the generosity and legacy created during their lifetimes, the Elsie & William Viles Foundation is committed to supporting charitable organizations with preference given to organizations in Maine; primarily in the Capital Region.

The purposes of the Foundation are: For such charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes as are permitted to organizations exempt from federal income tax and described in section 501(c)(3) of the code, including without limitation, projects and organizations that:

• Preserve open spaces and conservation of forest lands.
• Care for and protect animals.
• Support children and education.
• Promote and preserve Maine History and culture.

Elsie & William Viles Foundation Donation

The Elsie & William Viles Foundation provides two categories of funding, one of which is termed Donations and the other Grants. Donations and Grants have separate application processes. Funding requests for Donations are for organizations requesting less than $5,000.

The Viles family managed logging and timber businesses in Maine dating back to the 1700s. William and Elsie made generous philanthropic commitments to the people of Maine and the city they called home, Augusta. When her beloved husband William Payson Viles passed away in 1986, Elsie continued their legacy of philanthropy and 3 years later formed the Elsie & William Viles Foundation in 1990.

In keeping with the generosity and legacy created during their lifetimes, the Elsie & William Viles Foundation is committed to supporting charitable organizations with preference given to organizations in Maine; primarily in the Capital Region.

The purposes of the Foundation are: For such charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes as are permitted to organizations exempt from federal income tax and described in section 501(c)(3) of the code, including without limitation, projects and organizations that:

• Preserve open spaces and conservation of forest lands.
• Care for and protect animals.
• Support children and education.
• Promote and preserve Maine History and culture.

Elsie & William Viles Foundation Grants

The Elsie & William Viles Foundation provides two categories of funding, one of which is termed Grants and the other Donations. Grants and Donations have separate application processes. Funding requests for Grants are for organizations requesting greater than $5,000 and less than $25,000.

Background

We support non-profit organizations committed to making an impact in addressing environmental problems, engaging in conservation and resource protections, and tackling social concerns. Through these small and mid-scale grants, we aim to support like-minded organizations with missions that align with the work of the Wright-Ingraham Institute. The Wright-Ingraham Institute has been awarding grants since 2012. In that time, we have awarded more than $400,000 to over 65 organizations.

Focus Areas

Our grants are designed to help address problems in three main areas.

Climate Change

Today, efforts to cope with the climate crisis are estimated to be costing the global economy approximately $3 trillion annually. We support organizations that are actively solving problems of how to bring clean air and water to global communities, how to prevent or stem natural disasters and meteorological events, and how to best promote sustainable practices and support renewable sources of energy.

Land Issues

Our grants strengthen organizations that are looking at different ways to apply concepts of sustainability, including ways to reverse the loss of fragile ecosystems that connect people and animals with land, or that work at the nexus of food, fuel and shelter. Additionally, we seek to better understand how human systems and natural systems intersect one another.

Wildlife Conservation

We support organizations that are working courageously on ways to conserve and preserve important wildlife habitats, as globalization continues to seek to develop every corner of the globe.

Elizabeth Wright Ingraham Grant

The Elizabeth Wright Ingraham Grant is dedicated to the founder of the Wright-Ingraham Institute. This grant is awarded to an organization exploring how human systems interact with natural systems, for example, how to create living spaces that utilize land responsibly.

Amount: $10,000

Background

We support non-profit organizations committed to making an impact in addressing environmental problems, engaging in conservation and resource protections, and tackling social concerns. Through these small and mid-scale grants, we aim to support like-minded organizations with missions that align with the work of the Wright-Ingraham Institute. The Wright-Ingraham Institute has been awarding grants since 2012. In that time, we have awarded more than $400,000 to over 65 organizations.

Focus Areas

Our grants are designed to help address problems in three main areas.

Climate Change

Today, efforts to cope with the climate crisis are estimated to be costing the global economy approximately $3 trillion annually. We support organizations that are actively solving problems of how to bring clean air and water to global communities, how to prevent or stem natural disasters and meteorological events, and how to best promote sustainable practices and support renewable sources of energy.

Land Issues

Our grants strengthen organizations that are looking at different ways to apply concepts of sustainability, including ways to reverse the loss of fragile ecosystems that connect people and animals with land, or that work at the nexus of food, fuel and shelter. Additionally, we seek to better understand how human systems and natural systems intersect one another.

Wildlife Conservation

We support organizations that are working courageously on ways to conserve and preserve important wildlife habitats, as globalization continues to seek to develop every corner of the globe.

Richard T. Parker Grant

The Richard T. Parker Grant is dedicated to an alumnus of the Wright-Ingraham Institute’s Running Creek Field Station program, and is supported by a generous, family-bestowed gift derived from the Richard T. Parker Trust. This grant is awarded to an organization conducting research in the fields of science, wildlife, and/or environmental education.

Amount: $10,000

Background

We support non-profit organizations committed to making an impact in addressing environmental problems, engaging in conservation and resource protections, and tackling social concerns. Through these small and mid-scale grants, we aim to support like-minded organizations with missions that align with the work of the Wright-Ingraham Institute. The Wright-Ingraham Institute has been awarding grants since 2012. In that time, we have awarded more than $400,000 to over 65 organizations.

Focus Areas

Our grants are designed to help address problems in three main areas.

Climate Change

Today, efforts to cope with the climate crisis are estimated to be costing the global economy approximately $3 trillion annually. We support organizations that are actively solving problems of how to bring clean air and water to global communities, how to prevent or stem natural disasters and meteorological events, and how to best promote sustainable practices and support renewable sources of energy.

Land Issues

Our grants strengthen organizations that are looking at different ways to apply concepts of sustainability, including ways to reverse the loss of fragile ecosystems that connect people and animals with land, or that work at the nexus of food, fuel and shelter. Additionally, we seek to better understand how human systems and natural systems intersect one another.

Wildlife Conservation

We support organizations that are working courageously on ways to conserve and preserve important wildlife habitats, as globalization continues to seek to develop every corner of the globe.

Sustaining Grants

These grants are awarded to a range of organizations working in wide variety of areas related to the overall mission of the Wright-Ingraham Institute. Special preference for these awards is given to Colorado-based institutions.

Amount: $5,000