The application deadline for the third round of Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund (MOSTF) money has been extended.
The MOSTF Board of Trustees approved to extend the deadline from Sept. 3 to Sept. 16, giving applicants almost two weeks of additional time. Applications for the $12 million in legislature-approved grant funds opened on Aug. 1 for state agencies, municipalities, and non-government organizations looking to use their project to preserve, conserve, or improve Mississippi’s outdoors.
“The MOSTF application is quite involved, and we want to receive as many quality project proposals as possible,” MOSTF executive director Ricky Flynt said. “We have extended the deadline to provide ample time for interested entities to prepare and submit their proposals.”
Since the MOSTF was created in 2022, over $24 million has been awarded across 53 projects. Additionally, the MOSTF opened the door for outdoor projects to receive further federal and non-state matching funds.
Justin Brooks, a member of the MOSTF Coalition, vouched that matching funds are vital in advancing Mississippi’s outdoors scene. Example projects include conservation research, public water access, and construction of walking and hiking trails.
“One of the best attributes of the [MOSTF] is it provides benefits for everyone. You don’t have to hunt or fish to appreciate the investments made through the state,” Brooks said. “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.”
Following application reviews after the Sept. 16 deadline, the MOSTF Board will score each application and projects will be ranked before being considered for funding. Awarded projects will be announced by the end of October 2024.
