Wildlife Habitat Grant Program

The Wildlife Habitat Grant Program is administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources through a collaborative effort between the Wildlife Division and the Grants Management Section. The program was established to provide financial assistance to conservation partners working to develop, restore, or enhance wildlife habitat across the state of Michigan. Funding for the program is derived from revenue generated through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, reflecting a reinvestment of user-generated funds into conservation efforts. The program aligns with the department’s broader mission to conserve and manage natural resources for current and future generations, and specifically supports the Wildlife Division’s strategic plan. The primary objective of the program is to improve both the quality and quantity of wildlife habitat in Michigan, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and ecological resilience. Projects funded under this program are expected to support the goals outlined in the Wildlife Division’s Guiding Principles and Strategies, particularly those related to managing habitat for sustainable wildlife populations in a changing environment. Priority is given to projects that contribute to large grassland or savanna complexes exceeding 100 acres, enhance wetland-associated grasslands, or improve habitat connectivity. Additional focus is placed on supporting game species and habitats identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as local, state, federal, and tribal units of government, as well as both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to complete habitat-focused projects within Michigan and comply with program requirements. A minimum match of 10 percent of the total project cost is required, which may be provided through cash, in-kind labor, materials, equipment, or other eligible contributions. All matching funds must be committed at the time of application, and documentation is required for any third-party contributions. Applications must be submitted electronically through the MiGrants system and require detailed project information, including a project narrative, budget, work plan, and supporting documentation such as maps and authorization letters if applicable. The application process involves submission by an authorized official, followed by an administrative completeness review and a qualitative evaluation conducted by DNR staff. Evaluation criteria include alignment with program goals, ecological benefits, cost effectiveness, clarity of objectives and deliverables, and the anticipated duration of project benefits. The program operates on a defined annual timeline. For the current cycle, the request for proposals is released in early May, with applications due in late June. Awards are announced by the DNR Director in August. Project periods begin upon execution of the grant agreement and typically span two years, with completion expected by October of the second year and final reporting due shortly thereafter. Grantees are required to submit periodic progress reports and a final report detailing outcomes, expenditures, and long-term maintenance plans. Funding requests must fall between $50,000 and $500,000 per project. Eligible costs include labor, materials, equipment, contractual services, and certain indirect costs, subject to program limitations. Ineligible costs include land acquisition, studies, projects outside Michigan, and activities not directly tied to habitat improvement. Successful applicants enter into a formal agreement with the DNR, outlining responsibilities, reporting requirements, and reimbursement procedures. Program contacts include designated staff within both the Wildlife Division and the Grants Management Section, who provide guidance throughout the application and project implementation process.

Ensure strong alignment with GPS Goal 2 quantify habitat impact clearly provide detailed budget and deliverables demonstrate long term ecological benefits