Awards & Grants

Montana Chapter of The Wildlife Society (Chapter) funds projects consistent with its mission which is to encourage and support effective wildlife management in Montana by fostering development of current and future wildlife professionals, providing science-based information for policy and education, and communicating and collaborating with conservation organizations and the public. 

Through its grant program, the Chapter aims to provide funding for a variety of projects that are consistent with Chapter goals:

1. To develop and promote sound stewardship of wildlife resources and of the environments upon which wildlife and humans depend;
2. To undertake a role in preventing human-induced environmental degradation;
3. To increase awareness and appreciation of wildlife values; and
4. To seek the highest standards in all activities of the wildlife profession.

The Montana Chapter of The Wildlife Society also seeks to adopt and embrace these five core values:

1. Sound stewardship of wildlife and habitat including the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation;
2. Dedicated, passionate, and responsible wildlife professionals;3. A diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and individuals unified behind our core mission;
3. Integrity and ethical conduct; and
4. A land ethic influenced by informed public input

Funds are generated through annual meeting registration, auctions, and workshop proceeds, and are available on an annual basis. The amount of funds available will vary from year to year, depending on the Chapter’s program and priorities.

Eligible uses of the funds include supplies, equipment for schools and nonprofit organizations, printing and communications. Ineligible uses include salaries, stipends, per diem and personal equipment. Students, wildlife professionals, and nonprofit organizations that are active in wildlife conservation are eligible to apply.

The Chapter will call for proposals at the Annual Meeting in February and in the Fall/Winter issue of the Chapter newsletter. Proposals are due by mid-January each year. Proposals will be reviewed by the Grants Committee and final funding decisions will be made by the Board. Grants will be awarded at the Annual meeting in February. Please note that grants to students will be awarded through their respective university. The Montana Chapter TWS is not responsible for paying indirect costs.

Proposals may be sent via e-mail to:
Claire Gower, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Cgower@mt.gov
Please write “TWS Small Grants Award” in the subject line. Questions concerning the grant program may be directed to Claire Gower at (406) 599 1691.