Conservation Partnership Grant Program

Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)

Agency: State

GrantWatch ID #172330

Grant Description

Grants to Massachusetts nonprofit organizations and conservation districts for land acquisition projects. Funding is intended for activities and projects that promote conservation efforts and expand outdoor recreational opportunities. Eligible projects fall into one of two funding categories: acquisition of the fee interest in land or a conservation restriction; or due diligence for land or a conservation restriction (CR) that was donated.

Types of eligible projects are:

Purchase of land or a CR: An eligible Applicant may request grant funding for reimbursement of acquisition and due diligence costs associated with the purchase of land (fee simple) or a perpetual CR as defined in G.L. c. 184, § 31 that provides appropriate public access. Conversion of a term-limited CR to a permanent CR is eligible for funding. Eligibility for funding is limited to costs associated with the purchase of land or interests in land that the Applicant intends to hold in perpetuity.
Due diligence costs for gifts of land or a CR to an eligible Applicant: An eligible Applicant may request grant funding for reimbursement of approved due diligence costs associated with land or CR gift being donated that provides public access or for the due diligence costs associated with the acquisition of land.

If your project is selected, a conservation restriction must be held by a municipal or state agency or another land trust. Appropriate public access must also be provided.

For eligible expense categories, see https://www.mass.gov/doc/fy23-grant-round-2-bid-package/download#page=4.

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Eligibility:

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Eligibility Criteria" for clarification)

Additional Eligibility Criteria:

You can apply if you are a not-for-profit group whose mission is to protect land in perpetuity and want to buy land for conservation or recreation.

Ineligible:

Municipalities are not eligible for funding.

Land that is already permanently protected through Article 97 (e.g., was purchased with EEA grant funding or municipal funding for open space protection), is already held in fee by a land trust, or is protected under CR, Watershed Preservation Restriction (WPR), or Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) is not eligible for funding.

For ineligible expense categories, see https://www.mass.gov/doc/fy23-grant-round-2-bid-package/download#page=4.

Pre-Application Information:

Applications must be received by Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 3:00 pm. A postmark will not be accepted for verification of the date of submission.

An electronic copy of the appraisal must be emailed to Melissa Cryan by the application deadline.

The expected date of contract execution is about 120 days from the application deadline.

Additional information: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/conservation-partnership-grant-program

Additional Funding Information:

Estimated Size of Grant:

The maximum grant award for the purchase of land or a CR is $175,000. The maximum award for due diligence costs related to a gift of land or CR is $20,000. The maximum reimbursement amount is 50% of the total eligible project cost up to the applicable grant award maximum.

Term of Contract:

All approved project costs must be expended by the applicant on or before June 30, 2023, to be eligible for reimbursement.

Contact Information:

Apply online:https://www.mass.gov/forms/fy-23-round-2-conservation-partnership-grant-program-application

Mail applications to:
Melissa Cryan
RE: BID ENV 23 DCS 13
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
100 Cambridge St., 9th Floor
Boston, MA 02114

Direct questions to Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan@mass.gov or call (857) 274-7173.