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LMF drops pre-award endowment-policy requirement, approves $196,520 in stewardship awards
Summary
The board removed a pre-award requirement that applicants submit endowment policies and approved $196,520 in matched stewardship awards to 12 applicants, with staff retaining documentation and contracting requirements before dispersal.
The Land for Maine's Future board voted to remove a requirement that stewardship applicants submit a copy of their endowment policy before receiving LMF stewardship funds, after staff described the requirement as duplicative and burdensome for smaller land trusts and municipalities.
Jason (staff) explained that the application and grant documents already require applicants to certify they understand endowment statute requirements and that staff verify bank statements and documentation before dispersal. Several board members suggested light-touch alternatives such as a short certification letter; staff said the current plan will verify bank statements and require standard grant agreements that bind recipients to reporting and management responsibilities.
After voting to remove the pre-award endowment-policy submittal, the board considered stewardship awards: 12 projects applied and requested a combined $196,520 in matched stewardship funding, which the board approved unanimously subject to standard conditions and documentation prior to dispersal. Staff noted 16 other projects either did not respond or declined to apply. Staff also said some state agencies may need legislative clarification before they can accept endowment-style funds; those cases will come back at a later date.
Board members emphasized staff will confirm documentation and the presence of required matching funds before issuing checks.
