Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund applications accepted

July 21, 2025 – Gov. Tate Reeves announced that the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund (MOSTF) will open its fourth grant application cycle, supported by $12 million in funding appropriated during the 2025 Legislative Special Session. The MOSTF Board of Trustees will begin accepting grant applications on Aug. 1.

Since its establishment in 2022, MOSTF has awarded more than $37.6 million in funding to support 80 conservation and outdoor recreation projects throughout Mississippi.

“Mississippi continues to prioritize our state’s outdoor resources,” said Reeves. “Our state is blessed with outdoor opportunities unlike any other, and these natural assets are worth protecting and investing in—for both our residents and the many visitors who enjoy our great state.”

MOSTF seeks to fund projects that can bring non-state and federal matching fund commitments to assist with overall project contributions. MOSTF funding is used to assist state agencies, counties and municipalities, and non-governmental organizations with projects statewide that enhance Mississippi’s natural resources and the recreation it provides.

Ed Penny, president of the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Coalition said, “We’re thrilled that The Board is accepting another round of applications for on-the-ground projects across the state. The program is operating exactly how we all hoped it would, and attendance at the recent educational workshop highlights how important and popular this program has become.”

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, “There is a clear direction placed in the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Act. 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 19, 2025. Funding for land acquisition proposals will not be considered during this application round.