WDFW now accepting applications for wildlife diversity grant funding

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is now accepting grant applications for up to $200,000 in funding for projects designed to benefit some of Washington’s most imperiled wildlife. Grant applications are due May 5.  

WDFW has approximately $1 million in Wildlife Diversity Grant funding to award this fiscal year and anticipates supporting eight to 12 projects by awarding a minimum of $20,000 and a maximum of $200,000 per project. 

“WDFW’s new Wildlife Diversity Grant Program is an exciting step forward in our ability to support recovery actions for a suite of at-risk species in Washington,” said Jenna Judge, WDFW wildlife diversity assistant division manager. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to fund projects that accelerate our work with conservation partners to implement recovery actions for Washington wildlife and gather necessary data to inform land use and habitat management decisions.” 

Applicants who are employed by public, nonprofit, academic, or tribal entities are eligible to submit proposals. Project work must occur between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Interested applicants can find more information about the grant opportunity, project eligibility requirements, and steps to apply on the WDFW website.  

The Department is hosting a virtual information session on March 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to provide an overview of the grant opportunity and answer questions from prospective applicants. Pre-registration is required to receive a link to the webinar. 

WDFW will review and evaluate submitted grant proposals this spring and notify applicants of a decision regarding their proposal by May 30.  

Funding for the Wildlife Diversity Grant Program comes from a significant investment by the state Legislature to restore and protect biodiversity in Washington, and the Department expects this funding to be available in future biennia to continue this grant program. 

“By increasing the scope and scale of conservation actions, we can recover imperiled wildlife and may prevent the need to list a species as threatened or endangered,” said Hannah Anderson, WDFW wildlife diversity division manager. “Through this grant program, we’re excited to fund actions that will help stem the tide of biodiversity loss and contribute to healthier wildlife populations.”     

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.