The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Wildlife Diversity Grant Program for the 2025-2027 biennium is designed to support conservation and recovery efforts for Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). With $2 million in funding available, this program focuses on projects that directly benefit SGCN populations by implementing recovery actions or gathering critical data on species abundance, distribution, and habitat associations. Particular priority is given to species whose habitats face significant pressure from land use changes, such as shrub-steppe, eastside forests, prairies, and oak woodlands.

Eligible applicants for the grant include public entities, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and tribal governments. Proposed projects must occur between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2027, with budgets ranging from $40,000 to $400,000, including indirect costs. Approved activities include conservation actions, feasibility studies, and baseline data collection. Ineligible activities encompass habitat restoration, land acquisition, education, or outreach initiatives. Certain species, such as fish, aquatic invertebrates, wolves, and most harvested wildlife, are also excluded from eligibility.

The application period opened on November 1, 2024, with a submission deadline of 11:59 p.m. on January 19, 2025. An information session held on November 13, 2024, is available for applicants to review, providing insights into the application process and program goals. Notifications of funding decisions will be sent by May 2025, and funded projects can begin as early as July 1, 2025.

Proposals should align with WDFW priorities and demonstrate clear, measurable benefits to the recovery of SGCN populations. Coordination with WDFW staff and species leads is encouraged to ensure that projects meet conservation goals and address pressing threats to critical habitats.

Detailed eligibility criteria, information on priority activities, and a comprehensive list of eligible species are included in the full grant announcement. Interested applicants can contact Jenna Judge, Wildlife Diversity Assistant Division Manager, at WildlifeDiversityGrants@dfw.wa.gov for additional guidance. This program represents a significant opportunity to advance biodiversity conservation and support the recovery of at-risk species in Washington State.