On August 1, the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund (MOSTF) opened its third application cycle utilizing $12 million in funding appropriated during the 2024 Legislative Session. The MOSTF Board of Trustees began accepting grant applications on August 1st. On Wednesday, August 14, the MOSTF Board of Trustees approved to extend the deadline for application submissions from September 3 to September 16, 2024. Ricky Flynt, MOSTF Executive Director says, “The MOSTF application is quite involved, and we want to receive as many quality project proposals as possible. We have extended the deadline to provide ample time for interested entities to prepare and submit their proposals.”
MOSTF has previously awarded over $9.7 million in funding from the 2022 Legislative appropriations and over $14.4 million in funding from the 2023 Legislative appropriations.
To date, the MOSTF Board has successfully awarded 53 quality projects that will enhance our vital natural resources, complete critical conservation efforts, and bolster outdoor recreation for all Mississippians.
Additionally, the MOSTF Program seeks projects that can bring non-state and federal matching fund commitments to assist with overall project contributions. Justin Brooks, a member of the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Coalition said, “One of the best attributes of the Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund is it provides benefits for everyone – you don’t have to hunt or fish to appreciate the investments made throughout the state. These projects are providing improvements and enhancements that benefit a broad variety of outdoor enthusiasts. The continued funding commitment from the Legislature allows applicants to unite matching resources from partners to help lower the cost of projects.”
MOSTF Executive Director, Ricky Flynt, encourages interested entities to carefully review the qualifications for application proposals and the application scoring criteria prior to submitting any application. Flynt said, “All applications will be considered, but there is a clear direction placed in the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Act (2022). We want our applicants to understand the goals and priorities of the MOSTF before they commit the time and effort required to apply.”
Only state agencies, municipalities, and non-government organizations are eligible to apply. Interested applicants should visit the MOSTF Website at https://www.dfa.ms.gov/most to review the Notice to Applicants and the Application Scoring Criteria. Applications must be submitted online. Applicants are required to register to create a user account. The account will allow the applicant to save their application work, upload documents, budget sheets, project plans, photos, and other supportive information prior to submission. The deadline for application submissions is September 16, 2024. Following application reviews, the MOSTF Board will score each application and projects will be ranked prior to being considered for funding. The MOSTF Board intends to announce awarded projects by the end of October 2024. Funding for land acquisition proposals will not be considered during this application round.