JACKSON, Miss. ( WJTV ) – At the beginning of August 2024, the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund (MOSTF) opened its third application cycle utilizing $12 million in funding appropriated during the 2024 Legislative Session.

The MOSTF Board of Trustees began accepting grant applications on August 1. On Wednesday, August 14, the board approved to extend the deadline for application submissions from September 3 to September 16, 2024.

“The MOSTF application is quite involved, and we want to receive as many quality project proposals as possible. We have extended the deadline to provide ample time for interested entities to prepare and submit their proposals,” said Ricky Flynt, MOSTF executive director.

The MOSTF Program seeks projects that can bring non-state and federal matching fund commitments to assist with overall project contributions.

“One of the best attributes of the Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund is it provides benefits for everyone – you don’t have to hunt or fish to appreciate the investments made throughout the state. These projects are providing improvements and enhancements that benefit a broad variety of outdoor enthusiasts. The continued funding commitment from the Legislature allows applicants to unite matching resources from partners to help lower the cost of projects,” said Justin Brooks, a member of the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Coalition.

Flynt encourages interested entities to carefully review the qualifications for application proposals and the application scoring criteria prior to submitting any application.

“All applications will be considered, but there is a clear direction placed in the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Act (2022). We want our applicants to understand the goals and priorities of the MOSTF before they commit the time and effort required to apply,” he said.

Only state agencies, municipalities, and non-government organizations are eligible to apply. Interested applicants should visit the MOSTF website to review the Notice to Applicants and the Application Scoring Criteria.

The MOSTF Board intends to announce awarded projects by the end of October 2024.

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