WDFW accepting applications for 2025-2027 Wildlife Diversity Grants

OLYMPIA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced it is now accepting applications for up to $400,000 in funding for conservation projects that support some of the state’s most threatened wildlife. Applications opened on Nov. 1 and will be accepted until Jan. 19, 2025.

“WDFW’s Wildlife Diversity Grant Program is an impactful program to benefit and equip our conservation partners advance recovery actions for a suite of at-risk fish and wildlife species in Washington,” said Jenna Judge, WDFW assistant wildlife diversity division manager. “We’re excited to announce the second round of funding for this program, to continue to expand our collaborative partnerships to implement recovery actions for Washington wildlife and gather necessary data to inform land use and habitat management decisions.”

WDFW has allocated approximately $2 million in grant funding for the 2025-2027 biennium and plans to support 10 to 15 projects. Each project may receive between $40,000 and $400,000. Eligible applicants include public agencies, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and tribal entities.

Projects must be conducted between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027. Details about the grant opportunity, eligibility requirements, and application steps are available on the WDFW website.

To assist applicants, WDFW will hold a virtual information session on Nov. 13 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The session will include an overview of the grant program and a Q&A segment. Registration is required to receive the session link.

Grant proposals will be reviewed and evaluated in Spring 2025. Applicants will be informed of decisions by May 2025.

The Wildlife Diversity Grant Program is funded by a significant investment from the Washington State Legislature to enhance biodiversity conservation in the state. WDFW expects funding to continue in future biennia to support the program.

“By increasing the scope and scale of conservation actions, we can work toward recovering imperiled wildlife and may prevent new species listings,” said Hannah Anderson, WDFW wildlife diversity division manager. “Through this grant program, we’re excited to fund even more actions that will help stem the tide of biodiversity loss and contribute to healthier fish and wildlife populations.”