Maine Coast Heritage Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $20.7 million (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 2-3 months (Climate Fund); varies by programme
• Grant Range: Up to $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 organisation with a $100 million endowment that funds approximately one-third of its annual operating budget. The organisation 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 Programmes

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

• $4.1 million available over three funding rounds through 2027
• Application rounds typically open in fall
• Focus on land conservation projects enhancing climate resilience

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

• Annual fund totalling $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 totalling $558,750

Momentum Conservation Land Trust Grant Fund: Variable amounts

• General operating support for Maine land trusts
• Competitive annual grant programme

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 organisation 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 typically opens in autumn
• Complete application required with project details and budget

L.L.Bean Grant Programme:

• 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:

• Funding decisions typically made within 2-3 months of application deadline

Other Programmes: Varies by programme, typically 2-3 months

Success Rates

Specific success rates not publicly available. For L.L.Bean grants, 9-10 organisations 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 organisations, 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 programmes with different focuses - carefully match your project to the appropriate fund • Climate resilience is a top priority across all programmes - explicitly address this in proposals • Strong preference for Maine Land Trust Network members, particularly for the Revolving Loan Fund • Ensure realistic timelines for project completion within Climate Resilience Fund parameters • Direct phone consultation recommended before submitting loan applications • Emphasise 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 Programme 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)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Maine Coast Heritage Trust (EIN 23-7099105), Form 990 Tax Year 2023