Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $10 million operating budget (with $4.1 million Climate Resilience Fund)
Success Rate: Not publicly available
Decision Time: 2-3 months (Climate Fund); varies by program
Grant Range: $5,000 - $250,000
Geographic Focus: Maine statewide

Contact Details

Main Office

Website: www.mcht.org
Phone: 207-729-7366
Email: info@mcht.org
Address: 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 201, Topsham, ME 04086

Mount Desert Island Office

Phone: 207-244-5100

Downeast Field Office

Phone: 207-259-5043

Overview

Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT), founded in 1970, is Maine's largest coastal conservation organization with a $100 million endowment that funds approximately one-third of its $10 million annual operating budget. The organization has helped conserve over 180,000 acres and 337 islands across Maine, maintaining 161 public preserves free and open to visitors. Under the leadership of President and CEO Kate Stookey (since February 2022), MCHT advances the conservation of lands and waters to ensure ecological wellbeing and foster thriving communities, with a particular focus on climate resilience and coastal access.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Climate Resilience Conservation Fund: $50,000 - $250,000

$4.1 million available over three funding rounds through 2027
First round applications due October 22, 2025
Focus on land conservation projects enhancing climate resilience

L.L.Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program: Up to $10,000

Annual fund totaling $65,000
Administered by MCHT in partnership with L.L.Bean
Supports public access and outdoor programming on conserved lands
21-year partnership has funded 129 projects totaling $558,750

Momentum Conservation Land Trust Grant Fund: Variable amounts

General operating support for Maine land trusts
Competitive annual grant program

Revolving Loan Fund: $5,000 - $400,000

Short-term conservation acquisition loans (typically one year or less)
Interest rate at one point below prime
Priority given to Maine Land Trust Network members

Priority Areas

Climate resilience and adaptation
Coastal access and protection
Salt marsh conservation
Wildlife corridors and habitat connectivity
Community wellbeing through conservation
Supporting Maine's land trust network

What They Don't Fund

Projects outside Maine
Non-conservation activities
Individual property owners (direct grants)
General operating support for non-land trusts

Governance and Leadership

President and CEO: Kate Stookey (since February 2022) - A Blue Hill native with extensive nonprofit leadership experience from Revels, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and Pathfinder International.

Board Officers:

Chair: Thomas Armstrong, Jr.
Vice Chair: MacKenzie Davis/Micah
Treasurer: Judy Wallingford
Clerk: Karin Marchetti

The organization was founded by notable conservationists including Margaret M. "Peggy" Rockefeller, Thomas D. Cabot, and Robert O. Binnewies.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Climate Resilience Conservation Fund:

Online application portal opens September 3, 2025
Complete application required with project details and budget

L.L.Bean Grant Program:

Annual application cycle (check MCHT website for current deadlines)
Application through Maine Land Trust Network

Revolving Loan Fund:

Contact MCHT directly at 207-729-7366 for application form
Preliminary phone consultation recommended
Board of Directors approval required

Decision Timeline

Climate Resilience Fund:

Applications due: October 22, 2025
Funding decisions: December 2025
Second round: Spring 2026

Other Programs: Varies by program, typically 2-3 months

Success Rates

Specific success rates not publicly available. For L.L.Bean grants, 9-10 organizations typically funded from annual $65,000 pool.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent funding rounds. No specified waiting period documented.

Application Success Factors

Based on MCHT's strategic priorities and funded projects:

Climate Resilience Focus: Projects that explicitly address climate change adaptation, particularly coastal resilience and salt marsh migration
Community Impact: Demonstrate clear benefits to Maine communities through increased public access or community programming
Partnership Approach: Strong collaborations with other conservation organizations, particularly Maine Land Trust Network members
Strategic Alignment: Projects that advance connectivity between coastal rivers, estuaries, riparian lands, and wildlife corridors
Long-term Stewardship: Clear plans for ongoing management and maintenance of conserved lands
Match Funding: Ability to leverage MCHT funds with other sources strengthens applications

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• MCHT operates multiple grant programs with different focuses - carefully match your project to the appropriate fund • Climate resilience is a top priority across all programs - explicitly address this in proposals • Strong preference for Maine Land Trust Network members, particularly for the Revolving Loan Fund • Projects must close by April 2027 for Climate Resilience Fund - ensure realistic timelines • Direct phone consultation recommended before submitting loan applications • Emphasize community benefits and public access components when applicable • MCHT values projects that build on traditional conservation with climate adaptation strategies

References

Maine Coast Heritage Trust official website (www.mcht.org) - Accessed January 2025
"Maine Coast Heritage Trust Offers First Round of $4.1 Million Climate Resilience Conservation Fund" - MCHT Press Release, 2025
"L.L.Bean Maine Land Trust Grant Program Guidelines 2024-2025" - Maine Land Trust Network
"Welcome, Kate Stookey – Our New President and CEO" - MCHT announcement, February 2022
"Conservation Funding" - Maine Land Trust Network resources page
"Our Values" - Maine Coast Heritage Trust website
"Annual Report 2023" - Maine Coast Heritage Trust
GuideStar Profile for Maine Coast Heritage Trust (EIN 23-7099105)