Grants

The Richard King Mellon Foundation awarded Ducks Unlimited $255,000 to restore 100 acres of montane meadow habitat in Oregon's Upper Klamath River watershed and $150,000 to support Ducks University chapters with R3 initiatives. The project on Green Diamond Resource Company property will improve stream flow, restore wet meadow hydrology, and generate biodiversity credits.

Ducks Unlimited received $9 million in North American Wetlands Conservation Act grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for three Great Lakes Region projects. The funding will protect and restore over 14,700 acres of wetland and upland habitat across Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio to support waterfowl breeding and migration.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced $4.035 million in Waterways Grant-in-Aid Program funding for seven communities across Benzie, Emmet, Mackinac, Marquette, Ottawa, and Sanilac counties. Projects include marina dredging and site improvements, representing over $6.5 million in total investment with matching funds.

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA announced Q1 2026 grant recipients for its Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, awarding over $237,000 to 13 organizations across 10 states for trail restoration, maintenance, facility improvements, and land stewardship projects.

Whitetails Unlimited granted $308,839 to over 80 organizations in Indiana for outdoor education, habitat enhancement, and hunting and shooting sports preservation. The organization's 17 Indiana chapters supported various initiatives, including funding for Indiana National Archery in the Schools Programs to introduce youth to archery and firearm fundamentals.

Whitetails Unlimited granted $36,044 to over 20 organizations in Massachusetts for outdoor education and hunting and shooting sports preservation. The organization's six Massachusetts chapters supported rod and gun clubs and sportsmen's clubs through their Staying on Target Program.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) opened applications for its Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP) grant cycle, offering approximately $1.8 million in state-funded grants from May 18 to June 19. Projects enhancing wildlife habitats across Montana can receive funding for up to five years, with average grants ranging from $50,000 to $500,000.

Whitetails Unlimited granted $278,068 to over 80 organizations in Iowa for outdoor education, habitat enhancement, and hunting preservation. Funds supported the Preserving the Hunting Tradition program and shooting sports groups including NASP, 4-H shooting sports, and clay target teams.

Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors received a grant from Alliant Energy to support its mission of connecting Wisconsin youth with outdoor mentors for hunting, fishing, and conservation experiences. The funding will help remove barriers to participation and build the next generation of conservationists.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will accept applications for the Josh the Otter Water Safety Grant Program from May 18 through June 18, 2026. The program supports nonprofit organizations educating children and communities about water safety and preventing childhood drowning through educational programming and resources like life jacket loaner stations.

Whitetails Unlimited awarded $18,500 to shooting sport organizations in South Dakota, including 4-H, Boy Scouts of America, and scholastic trap teams. The grants support youth through WTU's Staying on Target Program, promoting shooting sports and hunting traditions.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for approximately $1 million in wildlife habitat improvement grants through June 25. The program, funded by hunting and fishing license sales, prioritizes grassland and savanna habitat restoration projects. Eligible applicants include local, state, federal, and tribal governments, as well as for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is increasing Local Sportsmen's Group grant funding to $100,000, a $25,000 boost since 2007. The grants support organizations providing mentored projects for recruiting and developing new hunters and anglers, with applications due June 14, 2026.

The Mule Deer Foundation received $320,265 from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to implement a juniper reduction project across 1,046 acres in Modoc National Forest. The restoration effort will restore sagebrush habitat, improve wildlife corridors, and reduce wildfire risk for mule deer, pronghorn, and greater sage-grouse.

Whitetails Unlimited granted $13,535 to the Spring Grove Lions High School Clay Target Club in Minnesota through its Staying on Target Program. The co-ed team, established in 2016, serves students from 6th grade through high school seniors and competes in trap and 5 stand disciplines.

Pass It On - Outdoor Mentors received a grant from Weatherby Foundation International to support its mission of connecting youth with outdoor mentors for hunting, fishing, and conservation experiences. The partnership reflects shared values in ethical hunting, wildlife conservation, and outdoor education for future generations.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources awarded $1.7 million in Indiana Trails Program grants to five communities, supporting nearly $3.3 million in total trail development investment. Recipients include Carmel Clay Parks and Recreation Department, City of Fort Wayne, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department, Hancock County, and Town of North Judson, with construction potentially beginning summer 2025.

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is accepting applications for 2026 Recreational Trails Program grants from May 4 through August 21. The program provides reimbursable grants with an 80% match component for motorized and non-motorized trail projects, with eligible applicants including municipalities, natural resources districts, and tribal entities.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is pursuing grant funding to repair Winchester Dam, classified as a high-hazard structure by the Idaho Department of Water Resources. Estimated rehabilitation costs range from $2.8 million to $3.6 million, with water levels at Winchester Lake currently restricted to a 40-inch drawdown.

Whitetails Unlimited granted $334,536 to over 130 organizations in Michigan for outdoor education, habitat enhancement, and hunting preservation through its 47 state chapters. The funds supported the Preserving the Hunting Tradition Program, which expands hunting opportunities for youth, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.