2025-2026 Wildlife Conservation Commission Grant

The Wildlife Conservation Commission (WCC) is an eight-member advisory body operating under the jurisdiction of Napa County, California. Established pursuant to California Fish and Game Code §13103, the Commission's mission is to preserve, protect, propagate, and conserve fish and wildlife populations and their habitats within Napa County. The Commission advises the Napa County Board of Supervisors on funding proposals related to wildlife conservation and education. Members of the WCC represent various community perspectives, including the public at large, sportspersons/anglers, conservation groups, youth, and the Planning Commission. The WCC manages a competitive grant funding cycle, with the current opportunity covering fiscal year 2025–2026. The application window is open from June 20, 2025, through July 21, 2025. Proposals must align with the approved expenditure purposes outlined in Section 13103 of the California Fish and Game Code. These include public education on conservation, wildlife habitat improvement, scientific research, temporary wildlife care, and certain capital and land acquisition projects. Special attention is given to environmental education initiatives and proposals benefiting school-aged children that meet California state educational standards. Eligible applicants must ensure that projects are based in Napa County and are completed within the fiscal year unless they involve land acquisition, which may be structured as a multi-year project. Each organization is permitted to submit one application, which may encompass multiple projects. Proposals on behalf of schools must adhere to specific submission rules that limit applications to one per instructional level and require submission through the respective school district. Grant applications must follow a defined format, which includes an organizational profile, needs assessment and problem statement, project objectives and methodology, benefit statements tied to statutory criteria, and detailed evaluation plans. Required attachments include a budget, lists of other funding sources (for match considerations), and progress reports for any prior WCC-funded work. Environmental education proposals must include a support letter from a school official. Proposals involving capital improvements or land acquisition must include public access considerations. Applications are evaluated publicly by the Commission, with attendance at the award meeting recommended but not mandatory. All awarded projects must enter into a formal Grant Agreement with Napa County, including proof of liability insurance. Projects under specific statutory provisions—such as those involving release of wildlife, predator control, or certain research—must be reviewed and approved by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Applicants are encouraged to consult with CDFW in such cases. The Commission prioritizes proposals that directly benefit wildlife and their habitats, meet statutory purposes, and support long-term educational value. Projects using WCC funds as matching funds for other grants receive additional consideration. Approved grants require submission of invoices by May 31, 2026, to ensure reimbursement within the fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2026. Applicants seeking further information may contact Dana Morrison (707-253-4417), Pam Arifian (707-259-5934), or Daniel Zador (707-259-8239).

Schools are advised to submit via districts. Public meeting attendance for awards is recommended. CDFW approval may be needed for specific project types.