Venison Donation Grant Program

The Venison Donation Grant Program is administered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife and Heritage Service. This state-level funding initiative supports efforts to reduce food insecurity in Maryland by encouraging the donation of legally harvested venison. The grant serves to offset the costs associated with butchering and processing donated deer, enabling distribution to programs that feed low-income or homeless individuals. Funding is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and may be distributed among multiple applicants up to a maximum award of $25,000 per applicant. Applicants eligible for this grant must fall into one of three categories: county governments, municipal corporations, or nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. In order to qualify for reimbursement, the deer must meet several criteria. They must be legally hunted under Maryland state hunting regulations, have a dressed weight of at least 50 pounds, and be donated to a program operated by the applicant that provides nutritional support to underserved populations. Administrative costs are explicitly excluded from reimbursement, and the maximum reimbursable amount per processed deer is $60. Applicants are responsible for coordinating all aspects of the program’s operations, including contracting with butchers and processors, managing distribution logistics, and overseeing the reporting of key metrics. Required quarterly reports must include hunting confirmation numbers, processor names and quantities, processing payments, total pounds of venison distributed, and recipient organization details. The grant does not provide support for overhead or indirect costs, reinforcing the targeted nature of the funding. The application process is straightforward. Interested and eligible entities must complete the official application form and submit it electronically to Brian Eyler, Associate Director of the Wildlife and Heritage Service, via email at brian.eyler@maryland.gov. The deadline for submission is 11:59 PM Eastern Time on Sunday, June 16, 2025. Applicants are advised to ensure all application fields are completed, including required documentation for nonprofit status if applicable. The grant operates on an annual cycle, with applications typically due in June. Based on this pattern and the specified due date, it is expected that the next cycle will open around June 2026. The program does not require pre-application steps such as a letter of intent or concept paper. For additional questions or clarifications, applicants may contact Brian Eyler directly by phone at 301-842-0332. Overall, the Venison Donation Grant Program is designed to bridge the gap between wildlife management and community nutrition efforts. By funding the processing of deer meat donations, the program facilitates a valuable redistribution of natural resources to those in need, while supporting local butchers and food aid organizations in Maryland.

Ensure all supporting documentation is submitted; apply early due to first-come funding.