Before preparing an application, potential applicants should be aware that GIA funding decisions are guided by alignment with the WSF Mission and Conservation Vision 2030. Funding in the current cycle will be prioritized to programs/projects addressing specific Grantin-Aid Priorities as well as those that were developed by, through, or in collaboration with WSF Chapters and Affiliates. Applicants are encouraged to review these documents before proceeding. Note also that WSF rarely acts as the sole funding source for programs/projects and prioritizes proposals with strong match or in-kind support from partners, especially in jurisdictions where WSF helps raise funds via the sale of Conservation Permits.
Grantees receiving funds from WSF must comply with the requirements listed below. Failure to do so may result in revocation of any WSF funds not expended, and the applicant may be rendered ineligible for future WSF grants. Proposals may be found ineligible if the applicant has not met terms and conditions of a prior WSF Grant Agreement. WSF reserves the right to withhold up to 25% of the grant funding awarded, until reporting requirements are satisfied.
- Project costs and budgets must be in US dollars.
- WSF does not typically fund salaries or fringe benefits for agency or organization staff.
- WSF does not typically act as sole purchaser of fee-title lands.
- WSF grant funds cannot be used for general administrative overhead or indirect costs. Matching dollars or in-kind labor are not required but are considered favorably during proposal review and evaluation.
- To maximize effectiveness of WSF funds, where applicable, proposals eligible for PittmanRobertson (“P-R”) 3:1 Federal Aid match must explain how P-R funds will be pursued or have been obtained.
- Approved grant funds will be made available upon execution of a WSF Grant Agreement. This Grant Agreement will specify the scope of work, WSF funding commitment, schedule for payment of WSF funds, deadlines for progress and completion reports, and other deliverables (see #9 below) to be provided to WSF. If progress/completion reports and required items are not received within 60 days of identified deadlines, the balance of awarded WSF funds may be forfeited by Grantee at the discretion of WSF. WSF reserves the right to perform evaluations or inspections prior to release of final payment.
- WSF pays upon receipt of invoices forwarded directly from vendors or indirectly via the Grantee.
- WSF grant funds must be used within 12 months of execution of the WSF Grant Agreement. If approved funds are not expended within that 12-month period, an extension request must be emailed to and approved by WSF. If an extension request is not received, that project may be considered cancelled, at the discretion of WSF, and no additional WSF funds will be issued. Multi-year funding requests will be considered; however, funding in successive years is contingent on available WSF budget resources, approval of a new grant application, and execution of a new WSF Grant Agreement.
- The following deliverables shall be sent via email to the WSF Grant-in-Aid Coordinator:
- Email notification when the project commences.
- Written updates, progress/completion reports, photos/videos, and other items as specified in the WSF Grant Agreement.
- Grantee may be asked to assist in reviewing project announcements and other WSF outreach materials.
- Grantee shall publicly acknowledge WSF participation and financial support. If a project involves signage (e.g., property acquisition, public access development, habitat enhancement, water development, etc.), or if project-related publications are produced, WSF shall be acknowledged for its financial support. An electronic copy of any article, thesis, dissertation, or other report acknowledging financial support of the project by WSF shall be provided to WSF.
PROPOSAL REVIEW PROCESS
Applications will be independently reviewed by WSF Conservation Staff and WSF’s Professional Resource Advisory Board (PRAB). Joint funding recommendations are forwarded to the WSF Board, who typically makes final decisions by mid-September each year. Successful applicants are notified as soon as practicable, after Board action. Following notification, a Grant Funding and Operating Agreement (hereinafter called the “WSF Grant Agreement”) will be sent to grant recipients (“Grantees”). On a schedule determined by WSF, WSF will announce Grantees and awarded projects.
For further information or questions concerning the GIA program or a GIA application, please contact:
KEVIN HURLEY, GRANT-IN-AID COORDINATOR
406-404-8753 (o) | 307-899-9375 (c)
khurley@wildsheepfoundation.org
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