In an average year, the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida distributes $6 – $9 million for conservation projects in Florida.
Conserve Wildlife Plate
Conserve Wildlife grants are for programs and activities of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) that contribute to the health and well-being of Florida black bears and other wildlife diversity. This grant cycle is open to applications in January each year and awards are announced in the spring.
Protect Florida Springs Plate
Protect Florida Springs grants are for targeted community-based springs research not currently available for state funding. Funds are also directed toward community outreach programs aimed at implementing research findings. These grants are typically awarded to universities, NGOs, or public agencies managing springs. This grant cycle is open to applications in March and April each year and awards are announced in the summer.
Wildlife Foundation of Florida Plate
Wildlife Foundation of Florida grants fund programs and projects within the state that preserve open space and wildlife habitat, promote conservation, promote hunting and shooting sports, improve wildlife habitat, and establish open space for the perpetual use of the public. These grants are typically awarded to NGOs or public agencies. This grant cycle receives applications in June and July each year and awards are announced in the fall.
Discover Florida’s Oceans Plate
Discover Florida’s Oceans grants are for ocean, estuarine, or coastal scientific research, conservation, and education projects. These grants are typically awarded to NGOs and universities. There is no specific grant cycle for receiving applications although most proposals are considered in December.
OTHER PROMINENT GRANT PROGRAMS
FLORIDA CORAL REEF CONSERVATION
Supports coral restoration projects throughout the 350-mile Florida Coral Reef Tract. Partial funding for this program comes from cause-related marketing agreements with Florida Keys businesses.
FREEDOM-TO FAIL-CORAL RESTORATION
Accepts innovative proposals for coral restoration.
KOONS-AYALA MARINE FISHERIES RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
Accepts innovative proposals for coral restoration.
MARINE FISHERIES INNOVATION
Projects are for fisheries research and management, with an emphasis on emerging issues or opportunities and innovative ideas that might not receive funding elsewhere.
RESEARCH AND PROTECTION OF SPAWNING AGGREGATIONS IN TAMPA BAY AND THE FLORIDA KEYS
Awards are to FWC and its partners to study and protect critical spawning aggregations in Tampa Bay (redfish) and the Keys (multiple species).
FISHERIES RESEARCH SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
Supports the Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute’s research and conservation efforts.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Awards summer camp scholarships for at-risk youth, including funds for Title One school field trips to FWC’s youth conservation centers: FWC’s camps are often the first time many of these children have spent time in nature.
FELINE LEUKOMYELOPATHY
Supports research by FWC and others on the distribution, probable cause of, and possible treatment for a neurological condition that paralyzes the hind quarters of some bobcats and panthers.
FLORIDA GRASSHOPPER SPARROW
Projects are to help prevent the extinction of the grasshopper sparrow, North America’s most imperiled bird, via conservation breeding and release.
MANATEE CONSERVATION
Awards are for seagrass restoration and to FWC for the emergency feeding of manatees.
FWC EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE FUND
FWC and Foundation staff work together to determine appropriate assistance to FWC employees and their families when confronted by tragedy, be it the death of an FWC staff person, a house fire, or a broad disaster like a hurricane or flood.
FWC LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS & FAMILIES FUND
This Fund is similar to the FWC Employee Assistance Fund but reserved for sworn law enforcement officers only.
FWC LAW ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT FUND
Fund to fill special equipment needs, especially smaller, specialized equipment that our Foundation can quickly purchase and provide to FWC’s law enforcement officers.
For additional information or to request application information for any of these grant programs
Please contact the Foundation’s Grant Program Administrator at [email protected].
If you wish to apply for a non-plate grant or check the status of an existing application, please click below for the grant portal.
