Role of Manitoba Habitat Conservancy in the funding ecosystem
Manitoba Habitat Conservancy (MHC), legally Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation, is a charitable, Manitoba-based non-profit dedicated to conserving, restoring, and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat. Active since 1986, it works with landowners, watershed organizations and community groups to protect grasslands, wetlands and other natural landscapes. Beyond delivering on-the-ground conservation programs, MHC plays a central role as a grant administrator for major provincial conservation funds.
Core grant programs and funding streams
MHC administers several trust funds that provide financial support to external organizations for environmental projects across Manitoba:
- Conservation Trust – Established in 2018, this trust funds projects by Manitoba non-profit organizations that conserve natural resources and enhance natural infrastructure. Eligible initiatives include work on watersheds, habitat, wildlife, soil health and public connections to nature, with a focus on ecological goods and services such as biodiversity, water quality, flood and drought mitigation, carbon sequestration and recreation.
- GROW Trust – Created in 2019 to support the GRowing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW) program, this trust finances watershed-based conservation activities led primarily by Watershed Districts. It also links to a Wetlands GROW Trust dedicated to protecting vulnerable temporary wetlands.
- Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund (FWEF) – This fund channels revenues from licensed anglers, hunters and trappers into grants for organizations undertaking fish and wildlife enhancement projects, research, habitat protection, and education promoting ethical and sustainable harvest.
Support for landowners and conservation incentives
Alongside organizational grantmaking, MHC runs incentive-based programs for private landowners. Through Conservation Agreements, wetland and grassland restoration contracts and Grassland Stewardship Agreements, it offers financial incentives and covers many restoration costs, helping producers maintain productive agricultural land while permanently conserving key habitats.
Application process and timelines
MHC manages a structured competitive process for its trust and FWEF grants. Applicants consult detailed guidelines and handbooks, complete online eligibility quizzes, and submit Letters of Interest through an online grant portal. Selected proponents are invited to file full proposals. Each fund operates on published annual intake windows, with clear deadlines for LOIs, full applications and notification of grant decisions.
Supported audiences and impact
Funding is available to Manitoba non-profit organizations, Watershed Districts, local and research organizations and other partners working on habitat conservation, watershed health and wildlife management. MHC reports hundreds of projects initiated and tens of millions of dollars invested, demonstrating significant impact on acres conserved, at-risk species protected and community connections to nature. Its combination of trust administration, technical expertise and partnerships positions MHC as a key conservation funder in Manitoba.
