Jackson Jambalaya

 Starts accepting grant applications August 3

Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement. 

Governor Tate Reeves today announced the launch of the fifth grant application cycle for the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund (MOSTF), backed by $15 million appropriated during the 2026 Legislative Session. The MOSTF Board of Trustees will begin accepting grant applications on August 3, 2026, continuing the state's investment in conservation, outdoor recreation, and economic development.

Since its creation in 2022, MOSTF has awarded more than $50.2 million to support 100 conservation and outdoor recreation projects across Mississippi. Those investments have leveraged total project funding exceeding $100.2 million, demonstrating the program's ability to attract significant matching funds while enhancing the state's natural resources.

“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,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “The 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.”

MOSTF provides competitive grant funding to state agencies, counties, municipalities, and eligible nonprofit organizations for projects that conserve Mississippi's natural resources and expand outdoor recreational opportunities. A key priority of the program is leveraging non-state and federal matching funds to maximize the impact of every state dollar invested.

Ed Penny, president of the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Coalition, highlighted the program's growing impact across 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. It's incredibly rewarding to see that vision become reality, and we look forward to the continued progress that can be achieved through focused conservation efforts."

MOSTF Executive Director Ricky Flynt encouraged eligible organizations to take advantage of this year's funding opportunity to advance projects that strengthen wildlife and fisheries conservation while expanding nature-based outdoor recreation.

"We are now offering annual workshops to help applicants better understand the MOSTF program and develop competitive proposals," Flynt said. "Interested applicants should visit the MOSTF website to review the Notice to Applicants, Application Scoring Criteria, and a sample application before beginning the process."

Applications must be submitted online. Applicants must first register to create a user account, which allows them to save application materials, upload supporting documents, budget information, project plans, photographs, and other required materials prior to submission.

Eligible applicants include state agencies, municipalities, and qualified nonprofit organizations. The application deadline is September 18, 2026. Funding requests for land acquisition projects will not be considered during this grant cycle.

For more information about the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund, including application materials and eligibility requirements, visit www.dfa.ms.gov/most.