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;
4. Integrity and ethical conduct; and
5. 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.

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 January 27th, 2025. 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.

The small grants award will be divided into two categories, with up to $1,500 awards available for each category.

(1) Scientific Research (up to $1,500)

(2) Education and Public Outreach (up to $1,500)

Proposal format:

Proposals should be 2-3 pages in length, typed, single-spaced, and should contain the following sections:

(a) Title

(b) Applicant’s name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and affiliation.  If the applicant is a student or wildlife professional, please provide a Curriculum Vitae and the name of your advisor.  If the applicant is representing a club or organization, please provide the organization’s mission statement and a brief description about membership and the types of activities completed and/or sponsored in the recent past.  

(c) Please indicate whether the applicant is a current member of the State, Regional, and or National Chapter of The Wildlife Society. (*see note below)

(d) Scope and Objectives – Provide a description of the background and objectives of the project.  Specifically explain how the project relates to the Chapter’s mission and goals. 

(e) Project Implementation – Provide a brief summary of how project objectives will be accomplished. 

(f) Expected Outcomes – Provide a description of anticipated products or outcomes of the project

(g) Budget and Timelines – Provide an itemized budget for the overall project, showing amount requested, cost sharing (if applicable), and time schedule for the project. 

(h) Supporting Materials – If this is an educational project, please provide pertinent educational materials to the Montana Chapter for review. 

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Applicants should indicate on the top of the proposal if it is being submitted for (1) Research OR (2) Education and Public Outreach.  In order to provide opportunities for multiple projects and multiple applicants, each proposal can only be included for one category, and applicants can only submit one proposal for review. 

*Membership to the State, Regional, or National Chapter is required to qualify for consideration.  (see Membership page for details on becoming a member)

Proposal Rating

Proposals will be rated on the following criteria:

(a) Consistent with some or all the Chapter goals

(b) Integrate the Chapter core values

(c) Significance of the proposed project in regard to its research value for wildlife conservation (research option) OR Significance of the proposed project in regard to its educational value for wildlife conservation (education option)

(d) Adequacy of proposed implementation in relation to the project objectives.

(e) Importance of project in relation to the requested funds.

(f) Experience/expertise with the proposed research / education or outreach

The recipient cannot apply for the same project for 3 years.  This precludes the same project being awarded the funds year after year. 

Acknowledgements

Grant recipients will be expected to present results or a progress report of their project to the Grant Committee within one year of grant allocation.  Additionally, grant recipients may be asked to present their project at a future Annual Meeting of the Chapter and/or provide a write-up for the Chapter newsletter.  All printed materials supported by the Chapter shall contain an acknowledgement of support.