MLTN Infoline – April 1, 2026
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No Fooling! MCHT Announces Round 2 of Climate Resilience Conservation Funding
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Last fall, MCHT launched a new fund to support land protection projects that enhance climate resilience and reduce climate impacts on Maine’s land, waters and people. The Climate Resilience Conservation Fund is the land conservation component of Resilient Maine, a $69 million statewide effort to protect coastal communities, Maine’s environment and working waterfronts from extreme storms, flooding and rising sea levels. In January, six projects were selected in the Fund’s first round. These projects will receive $1.175M in funding to protect climate‑vulnerable lands. Now, MCHT has issued a second RFP. The Fund is open to land conservation organizations, federally recognized Tribes, municipalities, and state conservation agencies. Projects within Maine watersheds that drain into the Gulf of Maine are eligible to apply.
The deadline for applications in this current round is midnight, May 18, with grant decisions announced in July. Visit our website for fund guidelines, a recording of our informational webinar, project criteria, a list of application questions, and more.
There will be a third round in fall of 2026, and a fourth round if any funds remain.
We are proud to support this work to bolster Maine’s resilience,
Angela, Jeff, Megan, Katia, and Donna
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New Land for Maine’s Future Funding One Step Closer
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Late last night, the Maine Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee voted 8-5 in support of section UUU (page 24) of the Governor’s Supplemental Budget. Section UUU is language that MCHT helped to draft with Governor Mills, Senator Teresa Pierce, The Nature Conservancy, and the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine. The provision would direct 25% of the investment income from the state’s Budget Stabilization Fund to Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) every month beginning this July. For more than a year and a half we have been working with the LMF Coalition in support of this statutory change to provide LMF with more regular, ongoing funding. If the state legislature enacts the budget with this provision later this month, we anticipate section UUU will mean more than $7 million will be directed to LMF over the next fiscal year. The committee is expected to finalize other sections of the Supplemental Budget today. A final budget proposal will likely be taken up by the House and Senate early next week. Stay tuned for future updates as this bill makes its way through the legislative process.
If you have any questions or want more information, contact MCHT’s Policy Director Jeff Romano.
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Proposed Changes to Certification Requirements for Recipients of Federal Financial Assistance
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Land Trust Alliance recently alerted us to some news relevant for those who receive federal funding to support their land conservation work. The General Services Administration has published proposed changes to certification requirements on SAM.gov (System for Award Management), the U.S. Government system that serves as the repository for standard information about applicants for and recipients of federal financial assistance. These proposed changes would apply to all entities receiving federal financial assistance, including grants, loans and cooperative agreements. The proposed amendment would update the Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications to align with updated executive branch guidance. It is strongly recommended that land trusts that receive federal funding from the USDA or any other agency review any new certifications and their associated terms and conditions very carefully and consult with their legal counsel regarding requirements for compliance.
Learn more on LTA’s website.
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Forging a Constructive Partnership: The Chief Executive Performance Review
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Thursday, April 9, 2026 via Zoom
4:00-5:15pm Cost: FREE
Presenter: Toni Scucci
A strong board–chief executive relationship is essential to a healthy, effective organization. One of the most important parts of that partnership is the annual performance review—an opportunity not only to evaluate past accomplishments, but also to set clear expectations and development goals for the year ahead. A thoughtful review process supports accountability, strengthens trust, and helps align leadership around shared priorities.
In this online MLTN session, we’ll dive into practical ways boards and chief executives can enhance their partnership and bring more value to the performance review experience. We’ll talk through common questions such as:
Join us for a conversation designed to help your board approach executive oversight with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
More information at the MLTN website. Click here to register.
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Is Your Organization Ready? Maine PFML Benefits Begin May 1st
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Friday, April 10, 2026 via Zoom
12:00-1:00pm Cost: $0-$15 for MANP Members + Nonmembers
Starting on May 1, 2026, eligible workers in the private and public sectors will have up to 12 weeks of paid time off available to care for their own medical needs, to bond with a child after birth, fostering or adoption, to care for a loved one with a serious health condition, to prepare for a family member’s military deployment or to find safety after abuse or violence. Make sure your organization is ready!
At this virtual session, you’ll hear directly from Maine Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) staff and get your questions answered. Maine PFML staff will provide an overview of key provisions in the law, including eligibility requirements, wage replacement rates, and the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers.
Learn more and register at MANP’s website. For additional information about the paid family and medical leave program, visit the Maine Department of Labor’s webpage.
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From Bystanders to Belonging: Building Inclusive Volunteer Ecosystems that Stick
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Wednesday, April 15, 2026 via Zoom
2:00-3:00pm Cost: $45 for MANP members*, $90 for non-members
This event is possible thanks to a partnership between Maine Association of Nonprofits and Utah Nonprofit Association
This workshop is a practical, retention-focused training for nonprofit leaders who want volunteers to keep showing up—not just once, but again and again. Participants will assess their current inclusion practices, strengthen each stage of the volunteer journey (recruitment, screening/placement, onboarding, and recognition), and leave with a simple action plan they can implement immediately. You’ll learn:
Visit MANP’s website to learn more and get link and code to register on partner website.
*Most MLTN members are MANP members. Contact us to check your organization’s MLTN membership status.
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Tools for High Performing Boards
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Tuesday, May 5 and Thursday, May 7, 2026 via Zoom 2:00-3:30pm
Cost for Whole Org: MANP members* $65, non-members $130
This event possible thanks to a partnership between Maine Association of Nonprofits and Montana Nonprofit Association
Start or strengthen your volunteer recruitment and management plans in this two-part webinar series. Participants will explore volunteer motivations and capacities, refine logistics to support retention, and consider ways to improve existing recruitment practices.
While there’s no perfect solution to attracting and keeping volunteers, this series will help you better understand why people choose to get involved and how to develop opportunities that align with their interests and availability. Through an interactive format, you’ll also reframe recruitment efforts in the context of changing demographics and needs in Montana—helping you connect more effectively with volunteers ready to support your work.
Visit MANP’s website for code and link to register on partner website.
*Most MLTN members are MANP members. Contact us to check your organization’s MLTN membership status.
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Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy with Vu Le
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Thursday, May 14, 2026 via Zoom
4:00-5:30pm
Cost: $75 for Maine Philanthropy Center members, $100 for non-members. 50% off tickets are available for those who would find the full cost prohibitive. You are invited to join a special evening with Vu Le, nationally recognized speaker, writer, and founder of the blog Nonprofit AF, as he comes to Maine to discuss his groundbreaking book, Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy: Unlocking the Full Potential of a Vital and Complex Sector. Known for his humor, candor, and bold insights, Vu challenges traditional power structures in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors and offers a compelling vision for a more equitable and community-centered future.
Hosted by Maine Philanthropy Center and the Maine Asian American Community Center, this timely conversation will explore how nonprofits, funders, and community partners can rethink funding practices, leadership, and systems to better serve communities. Attendees can expect an engaging, thought-provoking discussion filled with practical strategies, real-world stories, and Vu’s signature wit.
Learn more and register at Maine Philanthropy Center’s website.
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Jobs in the Conservation Sector
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Many new job postings since our last edition! Newest additions listed here or visit mltn.org for to see them all. Forestland Steward – Forest Society of Maine
Community Engagement & Development Coordinator – 30 Mile River Watershed Association Stewardship and Volunteer Manager – Downeast Salmon Federation
Manager of Annual Giving – 7 Lakes Alliance
Trail Crew Member and Leaders – OBP Trailworks.LLC
Seasonal Land Steward – Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve
Park Ranger – City of South Portland
2026 USVLT Summer Intern – Upper Saco Valley Land Trust
Business Coordinator – Forest Stewards Guild
Agreements Manager – Forest Stewards Guild
Education and Marsh Intern – Scarborough Land Trust
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Apply to be a Community Grant Reviewer for the 2026 Land Trust Grant Fund Program
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Applications due: Sunday, April 19, 2026 Momentum Conservation is recruiting community members to bring their unique perspectives and personal connections to conservation to help inform their grantmaking for the 2026 Land Trust Grant Fund Program. Momentum is committed to building a more inclusive and equitable conservation movement in Maine. They are actively leaning into the intersection of conservation and social justice and working to decolonize conservation through their work partnering with land trusts and other conservation organizations. By inviting community members to participate in the grant review process, their goal is to have a broader perspective on grant applications and amplify community voices and experiences connected to this work. Please know that no professional conservation or environmental experience is required for this role. This is an advisory role. All feedback from reviewers will be taken into consideration for the final award decisions.
Grant review will take place between Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 and Wednesday, May 27th, 2026. Reviewers should expect the review to take ~10 hours total. Training, a rubric, and full instructions will be provided to selected reviewers in advance of the reading window.
Learn more and apply at Momentum Conservation’s website.
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Momentum Conservation’s Land Trust Grant Fund
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| Applications due: Friday, April 24, 2026
Land Trust Grant Fund Open Q&A Session: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 from 10:00-11:00am. Register here.
The Momentum Conservation Land Trust Grant Fund provides general operating support to Maine land trusts. This is a competitive grant program open to all land trusts in Maine. They will prioritize funding applicants that are: working to center justice, open to trying new things, expressing vulnerability through sharing learnings, and committed to challenging colonial systems in conservation.
Want to learn more? Register to attend the Open Q&A webinar on April 8 (link above) or schedule a call with Peyton Black using this booking link.
Click here to learn more about the Fund, the application process, and to start your application.
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