WDFW opens applications for Wildlife Diversity Grants

OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced that it is now accepting applications for Wildlife Diversity Grants to fund projects aimed at protecting the state's most vulnerable wildlife species.

With approximately $1 million available for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, WDFW plans to award between 8 to 12 grants ranging from $20,000 to $200,000 each. The grants are open to public, nonprofit, academic, and tribal organizations working on projects to benefit imperiled species in Washington state.

“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.” 

Grant applications are due by May 5, and project work will take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. WDFW will host a virtual information session for prospective applicants on March 28.

The new grant program was made possible by funding from the Washington State Legislature aimed at restoring biodiversity. WDFW anticipates this will be an ongoing funding source for continuing the grant program in future years.

“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 WDFW website provides full details on eligibility, the application process, and the March 28 webinar.