Conservation Moose Plate Grant

The New Hampshire State Conservation Committee (SCC), a state government agency comprised of a twelve-member board representing public agencies, county conservation districts, and municipal conservation commissions, administers the Conservation Moose Plate Grant Program. This annual competitive program is funded through the sale of Conservation and Heritage License Plates, commonly known as "Moose Plates," with proceeds dedicated to the promotion, protection, and investment in the state’s natural, cultural, and historic resources. The SCC promotes natural resource conservation, coordinates county conservation district activities, and funds projects that protect, restore, and enhance New Hampshire's natural environment. For fiscal year 2026, the SCC is accepting applications for Conservation Project grants in five categories: Water Quality and Quantity, Wildlife Habitat, Soil Conservation and Flooding, Best Management Practices, and Conservation Planning. Projects must produce tangible, on-the-ground environmental outcomes and may include both planning and implementation, although implementation should be the primary cost focus. Eligible applicants include county conservation districts, county cooperative extension natural resource programs, municipalities with conservation programs, qualified nonprofit conservation organizations, public and private K–12 schools, and scout groups. Projects may be conducted on public or private lands with appropriate landowner or governing body consent. The maximum request per application is $35,000, with no matching funds required, although projects with additional funding are considered more competitive. Grant funds are reimbursement-based, available for invoicing after July 1, 2026, and projects must be completed within two years, with all final reports and invoices submitted by April 30, 2028. Eligible expenses include necessary supplies, materials, equipment, contract services, staff and administrative costs, and other justified expenses. Certain activities, such as new trail construction, curriculum development, and projects addressing stormwater issues due to lack of maintenance, are ineligible. Applications must be submitted electronically using SCC-provided forms via the Box file transfer system by September 12, 2025. Required materials include the application form, task and project budget tables, and appendices such as landowner consent forms, maps, permits, photos, and letters of support. Applicants must follow specific file naming conventions and will receive receipt confirmations from Box and the SCC Grant Administrator. Evaluation favors projects that are part of comprehensive plans, address long-term stewardship, benefit multiple resources, and demonstrate site-specific design. For guidance, applicants can contact Ian Hanley, SCC Executive Director, at nh-conservation-committee@agr.nh.gov or (603) 848-4648. Notifications of funding decisions will be sent by December 11, 2025. Successful applicants must execute a Grant Agreement with the State of New Hampshire, provide insurance and organizational authorization documents, and display a Moose Plate sign at the project site. The SCC monitors compliance and reports results to the Governor and Legislature.