These grants focus on developing and improving wildlife-viewing opportunities that increase public awareness and appreciation of nongame wildlife, rare native plant species and natural habitats. The program also emphasizes species and habitats considered conservation priorities in Georgia’s State Wildlife Action Plan.

Nongame wildlife means species of flora and fauna indigenous to Georgia and not legally taken through hunting, fishing, trapping or otherwise (without required permits). For grant proposals, nongame must either a) be wild and free-ranging, b) part of a permitted captive breeding program to reintroduce a depleted indigenous species into a previously occupied range (otherwise, animals in enclosures are ineligible) or c) involve planting native species to create or enhance natural habitats.

Grant proposals are limited to a maximum of $5,000. Funding from DNR will be provided in the form of reimbursement for allowed expenditures.

Eligibility

Applicants can include local governments, nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations, and for-profit entities. If the project is proposed by a for-profit entity, the applicant must describe how it is not directly linked to the profit of the entity. Federal and state agencies, including state universities and other DNR divisions, are not eligible. However, project proposals by nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations, such as a friends group or foundation, and local governments can involve federal and state agencies and their properties.

Other Proposal Requirements can be viewed on the grant webpage.

How to Apply

Proposals must be submitted via the Wildlife Viewing Grants Proposal Form.

Contact

For general grant questions, contact Rick Lavender at rick.lavender@dnr.ga.gov, (706) 557-3327.

For questions about forms or reports, contact Courtney Davis, courtney.davis@dnr.ga.gov, 706.557.3302.

Deadline

Proposals are due by 11:59pm on February 4, 2026.