• Skip to Content
• Online Services
• Commonwealth Sites
• Help
• Governor

Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

• Hunting
• Fishing
• Boating
• Wildlife Watching
• Wildlife Information
• Habitat
• Education
• Licenses
• Permits
• Forms
• About VDGIF

Waterfowl Conservation Grant

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) is soliciting applications for the 2009 Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp grant cycle. This grant is open to non-profit organizations for cooperative waterfowl habitat improvement projects in Virginia. Grant applications are due on June 3, 2009, before 5:00 PM. Successful applicants will be notified within 30 days.

During the 2005 legislative session of the Virginia General Assembly, legislation was passed requiring the VDGIF to create and require a "Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Stamp" for individuals hunting waterfowl in Virginia. According to the legislation, funds raised from the sale of this stamp were to be utilized in three ways:

1. Funds shall be utilized to pay for the overhead associated with producing and selling the stamp.
2. Fifty percent of the remaining funds shall be contracted with appropriate non-profit organizations for cooperative waterfowl habitat improvement projects.
3. The remaining fifty percent of the funds shall be utilized by the VDGIF to protect, preserve, restore, enhance or develop waterfowl habitat.

Eligible Projects

The Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Grant applications must be for waterfowl habitat improvement projects in Virginia. Grant funds are not available for research, law enforcement, compensatory mitigation, or other non-habitat projects.

Requirements

This grant has a minimum 1:1 match requirement. Match may be in the form of cash or in-kind compensation. Approximately one hundred thousand dollars are available during this application cycle. Use of the proposal format is mandatory. Projects will be evaluated by a panel of wildlife professionals based on waterfowl habitat benefits, site characteristics, location in a Virginia waterfowl focus area (PDF), project design and management, conservation benefits, partnerships, and other wildlife considerations.

Eligible in-kind match may include donated time, materials, or equipment that is necessary for the completion of the project. Final determination of eligibility resides with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Match documentation in the form of receipts, mileage, hours, or time sheets will be required as proof of match.

Successful applicants will sign an agreement with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries outlining each partner's responsibilities. Special consideration will be given to projects that are permanently protected.

Grants are administered on a reimbursement basis. The designated grantee is responsible for paying all project costs, and the VDGIF will reimburse the designated grantee for approved expenditures. Grants may request funds for up to two years, however all funds allocated by the VDGIF will be from the application fiscal year. Grants shall be for a one or two year period from the date of grant acceptance. Final grant reports are due 60 days after the grant period. For two year grants, a mid-term report is due 60 days after the one year period and the final report is due 60 days after the grant period ends.

How to Apply

• Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Grant Application (PDF)
• Virginia Migratory Waterfowl Conservation Grant Application (Word Document)

Applications are due June 3, 2009, by 5:00 PM, at the VDGIF Richmond Office: