The Department of Natural Resources is currently accepting applications for the Venison Donation Grant Program. Grant funding is available to organizations to defray the costs of butchering and processing deer that are donated to programs who assist Marylanders in need. The maximum grant amount available is $25,000. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be split among applicants.

​To be eligible for the grant, the grantee must be:

1. A county government, or;
2. A municipal corporation, or;
3. An organization that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Grant awards may only be used for butchering and processing deer that:

1. Are hunted in compliance with State hunting laws and regulations;
2. Are donated to a program administered by the applicant that provides nutritional support or food for low income individuals or the homeless; and
   
3. Have a dressed weight of at least 50 pounds.

Grant awards may only be used for costs of butchering and processing deer. Administrative costs associated with the program are not eligible for reimbursement. The maximum amount a program can pay for butchering and processing is $60 per deer when grant monies are used as the funding source. Grantees will be responsible for identifying and contracting with processors and coordinating distribution of venison. Quarterly reports are required and, at a minimum, must include the following:

1. DNR hunting confirmation number for each deer;
2. Names of participating processors/butchers and the total number of deer processed at each location;
3. Amount paid for each deer processed;
4. Number of deer and pounds of venison made available to eligible organizations; and
5. List of recipient organizations and amount of venison received by each.

If you are interested in applying for a venison donation grant, and you meet the requirements above, please complete an application and submit it to Brian Eyler, Associate Director​, MD DNR, Wildlife and Heritage Service, at: brian.eyler@maryland.gov

For questions or more information please call Brian Eyler at 301-842-0332.

​Applications must be received electronically by 11:59 pm on Sunday, June 16, 2024 for consideration.

Venison Donation Grant Program Application

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