Wildlife Habitat Grant Program

The Wildlife Habitat Grant Program (WHGP) is an initiative administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through collaboration between its Wildlife Division and Grants Management Section. Established in 2013, the WHGP is funded by a portion of hunting and fishing license revenues and supports conservation partners in enhancing and developing wildlife habitats across the state of Michigan. The grant program aligns with the DNR’s public trust responsibilities and supports key strategic objectives outlined in the Wildlife Division’s Strategic Plan 2021–2026, known as The GPS. The WHGP focuses on improving habitat for wildlife species identified in Michigan's State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). Its priorities include the development and maintenance of large-scale grassland and savanna ecosystems exceeding 100 acres and improving connectivity between fragmented habitat patches. The program encourages habitat work benefiting multiple species and contributing to ecosystem functionality, especially for wildlife designated as priorities under the SWAP. All projects must occur within Michigan, and preference is given to those that offer durable ecological benefits and align with cost-effectiveness standards. Funding awards range from $50,000 to $500,000 per project, with applicants required to provide a minimum 10% match of the total project cost. This match can be fulfilled through cash, in-kind labor, equipment, materials, or qualifying third-party contributions. State funds from other Michigan grants cannot be used as match. All matching funds must be committed at the time of application, with letters of commitment submitted as required documentation. Funds may be used for salaries, materials, equipment (up to $5,000 per unit), contractual services, engineering and design (within 30% of the project cost), and other related expenses. Ineligible costs include land acquisition, construction of non-habitat structures, and any expenses incurred outside the defined project period. Applications must be submitted via the MiGrants portal, with no paper copies accepted. Only the Authorized Official of an applicant organization can initiate and submit an application. Applications are due by July 29, 2025, at 11:45 PM. Once submitted, applications are reviewed first for administrative completeness, followed by a detailed evaluation by DNR staff. Selection criteria include alignment with program goals, ecological impact, cost reasonableness, long-term benefit, and clarity of implementation plans. Recommended projects are approved by the DNR Director, and notifications are sent to all applicants. Following selection, grantees enter into a formal agreement with the DNR, which outlines the scope of work, reporting requirements, allowable costs, and reimbursement procedures. Project periods officially begin upon execution of the grant agreement and must be completed by October 2027, with final reports due by November 2027. Progress updates are required biannually on June 1 and November 14. All awarded projects are subject to DNR oversight, including procurement compliance, final inspections, and potential reimbursement holdbacks until the project is fully closed out. Contact information for WHGP administration includes Clay Buchanan (buchananc1@michigan.gov, 517-614-0918), WHGP Coordinator, and Chip Kosloski (kosloskic3@michigan.gov, 517-281-1705), WHGP Program Manager. Complete program guidelines, including eligibility, submission requirements, procurement rules, and reimbursement documentation expectations, are detailed in the 2025 WHGP Handbook.

Begin early to ensure budget, landowner authorization, and staff documentation are complete. Match letters must be uploaded at the time of application.