Wildlife Viewing Grants Program

The Wildlife Viewing Grants Program is administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as part of its ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation and public engagement with nature. The program supports projects that develop and enhance opportunities for the public to view wildlife that is not typically hunted or fished. This includes initiatives focused on rare native plant species and habitats that are identified as conservation priorities within Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan. The grants aim to strengthen awareness and appreciation for the state’s nongame wildlife while fostering partnerships that promote environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation among residents and visitors alike. Wildlife viewing has become one of Georgia’s most popular outdoor activities, with more than 4.8 million residents aged 16 and older participating in 2022. Combined with nonresidents, the total number of participants reached approximately 7.5 million, contributing over $10 billion to the state’s economy through related spending on food, lodging, transportation, and equipment. This trend reflects a growing national interest in wildlife observation, with 148 million Americans engaged in such activities and an estimated $250 billion in related expenditures. The Wildlife Viewing Grants Program seeks to sustain and enhance these contributions by supporting community projects that align with Georgia’s conservation priorities. Eligible applicants for this program include local governments, nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations, and for-profit entities, provided the projects proposed by for-profit applicants do not directly generate profit. Federal and state agencies, including state universities and DNR divisions, are not eligible to apply directly but may participate as partners in collaborative projects. Applicants who received funding in the previous grant cycle or those granted extensions into that cycle are ineligible to reapply for one year. Projects must focus on nongame wildlife, defined as species not legally taken through hunting, fishing, trapping, or similar activities. Eligible projects may include activities involving wild, free-ranging species, permitted captive breeding programs aimed at reintroducing indigenous species, or native plantings that enhance or create natural habitats. Grant awards are limited to a maximum of $5,000 and are provided on a reimbursement basis for allowable expenses. Applicants are required to submit detailed project proposals outlining the project title, organizational information, design, objectives, methods, target audiences (including underserved groups), alignment with the State Wildlife Action Plan, expected outcomes, and accessibility features. Budgets must be itemized, and applicants must describe long-term maintenance strategies, sources of support or matching funds, and project partners. Applicants are encouraged to include conceptual sketches, photos, or supporting materials that illustrate their proposal. Selected recipients may be asked to submit additional information prior to final approval. Applications must be submitted through the official online form by February 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Upon submission, applicants receive an emailed copy of their proposal and should receive confirmation within two business days. If confirmation is not received, applicants must contact DNR Communications Specialist Rick Lavender at rick.lavender@dnr.ga.gov or by phone at (706) 557-3327. Notification of selected proposals is expected by March 16, 2026. Projects that cannot be completed by December 1, 2026, may request an extension in writing by November 10, 2026. The final expenditure deadline for all projects is December 1, 2026, and final reports and documentation are due within 30 days of completion. If the project is part of a larger initiative, the overarching project must be completed by July 1, 2027, with a final report submitted within 30 days thereafter. The program emphasizes responsible project planning, documentation, and compliance with funding guidelines. The DNR Wildlife Conservation Section administers the review process, ensuring that projects align with conservation objectives and demonstrate measurable outcomes. The grants serve as an important mechanism for strengthening Georgia’s ecological heritage, enhancing recreational access, and promoting education about the state’s diverse natural habitats. By supporting local initiatives through modest but targeted funding, the Wildlife Viewing Grants Program plays a vital role in connecting communities with wildlife while fostering sustainable conservation practices across Georgia.

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