Applications will soon be open for the fifth round of Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund grants, which provide funding for conservation outdoor recreation projects.
Lawmakers appropriated $15 million for the state-created fund during this year’s regular legislative session.
Gov. Tate Reeves announced Thursday that the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board of Trustees will begin accepting applications Aug. 3. The deadline to apply is Sept. 18.
Since the fund was created in 2022, more than $50 million has been awarded to support 100 conservation and outdoor recreation projects across Mississippi. Those investments have helped leverage more than $100 million in total project funding, according to the governor’s office.
“Mississippi is one of the most beautiful places in America, and I am proud of the work we’ve done to preserve our outdoors for future generations,” Reeves said. “The MOSTF Board has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting projects that advance the goals of the Outdoor Stewardship Act, particularly those that attract non-state matching funds, stimulate economic growth, and create new jobs across Mississippi.”
The MOSTF provides competitive grant funding to state agencies, counties, municipalities, and eligible nonprofit organizations for projects that conserve Mississippi’s natural resources and expand recreational opportunities.
A major focus of the program is leveraging non-state and federal matching funds to maximize the impact of state dollars invested in conservation and recreation efforts.
Ed Penny, president of the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Coalition, said the program has become an important resource for organizations working to enhance outdoor opportunities throughout the state.
“MOSTF has become a vital source of funding for organizations working to achieve conservation goals and enhance outdoor recreation for Mississippi communities,” Penny said. “The MOSTF Board and staff have built an exceptional program that is delivering on the vision first established by the Coalition nearly a decade ago.”
MOSTF Executive Director Ricky Flynt encouraged eligible organizations to apply for funding that supports wildlife and fisheries conservation efforts while expanding nature-based recreation opportunities.
The program also hosts workshops to help applicants better understand the grant process and develop competitive proposals. Flynt encouraged applicants to review the program’s scoring criteria and sample application before submitting materials.
Applicants must register for a user account before submitting applications online. The application system allows organizations to save materials and upload required documents, including project plans, budgets, photographs, and other supporting information.
Land acquisition projects will not be considered during the current grant cycle.