Grant Opportunities

APPLY FOR

FUNDING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Habitat Protection Fund

Fall 2023 Request for Proposals

Casco Bay Estuary Partnership requests proposals for grant-funding of projects that support the permanent protection of targeted habitats in the Casco Bay watershed. Proposals are welcome from land trusts and government entities including municipalities and state agencies.

Here is the Request for Proposals.

Applicants are asked to share tax parcel lot/map information with Matt Craig at CBEP by 12/22/23. Completed applications are due Wednesday, 1/31/24.

Photo courtesy of Scarborough Land Trust, which received a spring 2023 HPF award to protect a 17-acre parcel in the Stroudwater River Watershed.

2024 Community Grants Program

New Application deadline:  Monday, February 19, 2024, 5:00pm

CBEP is accepting applications for the 2024 Casco Bay Community Grants Program. 

CBEP encourages new partnerships and innovative projects that engage communities with Casco Bay and its watershed. Successful proposals will incorporate at least one of the elements from the Casco Bay Plan. Proposals are welcome from educators, land trusts and other non-profit organizations, especially in partnership with civic groups, municipal committees, churches, clubs, school groups and neighborhood associations. 

Here is the Request for Proposals. 

Here is a fillable application form if you prefer that format.

If you have trouble downloading documents and would like the package emailed or mailed to you, please contact us.

Examples of past projects:

  • Education and outreach regarding pet behavior on Casco Bay islands
  • A festival and boat tours showcasing aquaculture conservation and the marine economy
  • “Storywalks” and associated curriculum on public trails
  • Outdoor family learning stations on land trust properties
  • Community education around sea level rise impacts on private roads
  • Climate change “picture post” citizen monitoring sites
  • School shellfish harvesting and conservation projects
  • “Nabbing Nitrogen” volunteer monitoring program
  • Public “short course” on coastal habitats
  • Horseshoe crab educational event
  • A multimedia story collection about Portland’s working waterfront
  • A community-based expeditionary learning unit on Casco Bay
  • Short videos about climate impacts on the shellfishing industry
Student releasing trout fry in the Presumpscot River. Photo: Cumberland County Soil & Water Conservation District
A Brunswick High School marine sciences class collects green crabs at Wharton Point on Maquoit Bay, a 2022 Community Grant-funded project. Photo: Jerry Monkman, ecophotography.com
Woodland Owner Appreciation Day at Jugtown Forest. Photo: Lakes Environmental Association