Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative Grant Program

The Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative (DHIPI) is a competitive grant program developed and administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Division, through the Deer Range Improvement Program. The initiative's purpose is to strengthen collaboration between the DNR, conservation organizations, sportsperson groups, and other qualified partners to enhance deer habitats in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of Michigan. In addition to tangible on-the-ground habitat enhancements, the program aims to educate the public about the ecological significance of these efforts through structured outreach strategies. In 2026, the DHIPI program is supported by an expanded budget of $200,000, sourced from the DRIP fund established under Public Act 106 of 1971, which allocates $1.50 from each statewide deer license sold for deer habitat and management. The DHIPI program focuses on three core goals that all project proposals must address: implementing habitat improvements for summer and/or winter deer range; promoting collaboration between DNR and various partners; and showcasing these efforts through public education and outreach. Summer range projects typically emphasize nutritional vegetation, early successional habitat, mast-producing trees and shrubs, and green-up zones to enhance deer health and survival. Winter range proposals are encouraged to focus on maintaining or enhancing coniferous thermal cover and providing adjacent browse to help deer endure harsh seasonal conditions. Funding is available in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 per project. Applicants are required to provide a cost share of at least 25% of the total project cost, which may consist of in-kind labor, materials, or financial contributions. Projects may span a one-year or, with justification, a two-year implementation period. Projects can be bundled under one application if the total requested amount remains within the program’s maximum limit. Awards are granted through a competitive scoring process, with priority given to projects near Deer Wintering Complexes and those that allow public foot-access for hunting or wildlife viewing. Eligible applicants include conservation organizations, sportsperson groups, land conservancies, qualified forest program enrollees, industrial forest landowners with significant acreage in the U.P., and formal private land affiliations with 400+ acres managed for wildlife-based recreation. Ineligible applicants include individuals (unless meeting strict land ownership and certification requirements), governmental entities, and organizations not formally recognized by the DNR. However, these entities may participate as cooperating partners. Project lands must be privately owned, enrolled in qualifying forestry programs, or be under tribal or federal jurisdiction with appropriate permissions. State-owned lands are not eligible for funding under this initiative. Applications must be postmarked or received by March 6, 2026. Award announcements will be made by March 27, 2026. All projects must be completed—or have specified deliverables completed—by September 30, 2026, aligning with the close of the state fiscal year. Applicants must submit applications via U.S. mail or fax to the Norway Field Office; email submissions are not accepted. Project proposals must include location details, a budget breakdown, partnership roles, public communication strategies, and relevant documentation, including proof of landowner permission where applicable. Evaluation of proposals is conducted by a DNR-led selection committee. Scoring criteria include habitat impact, feasibility, public access, partner contributions, and quality of the communication strategy. Selected grantees must sign an agreement outlining deliverables, responsibilities, and required documentation. Reimbursement of funds is contingent on successful project completion and submission of all necessary financial and narrative reports. Final outreach deliverables include a 500-word project narrative and photographic documentation. Ongoing compliance monitoring by DNR staff may occur after project completion to ensure contractual obligations are upheld.

Collaborate early with DNR wildlife biologists; proposals with public access score higher; clearly explain multi-year needs.