← Back to US Funders Directory

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Inc Group Return

Annual Giving
$11.2M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $11.2 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Next grant cycle opens January 2026
  • Grant Range: Varies by project; average approximately $21,000
  • Geographic Focus: National (49 states), with PAC grants focused on 28 states with wild elk herds

Contact Details

Address: 5705 Grant Creek Road, Missoula, MT 59808

Phone: (406) 523-4500 | Toll-free: (800) 225-5355

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.rmef.org

Grant Portal: https://ams.rmef.org/outbound-grants

Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 am – 5 pm, Sat: 9 am – 5 pm, Sun: Closed

Overview

Founded in 1984, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has become one of North America's leading wildlife conservation organizations. With peak revenue of $43.5 million in 2023 and grant distributions of $5.5 million that year, RMEF's mission is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and hunting heritage. Since awarding its first grant in 1986, RMEF has supported more than 14,800 projects across 49 states. In 2024 alone, the foundation funded 535 projects totaling $11.2 million, which leveraged over $70 million in partner funding across 42 states. The organization has conserved nearly one square mile of big game country every day since its founding and has opened or improved public access to more than 1.6 million acres of elk habitat. As of December 31, 2023, RMEF has enhanced 508,739 acres with a goal to reach 600,000 acres by the end of 2030.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

1. Project Advisory Committee (PAC) Grant Program RMEF provides grants for habitat enhancement, wildlife management and research projects in 28 states with wild, free-ranging elk herds. These science-based projects provide direct benefits to elk and other wildlife.

2. State Grant Program RMEF provides grants for hunting heritage and conservation outreach activities that teach people about hunting heritage and engage people in hunting and other outdoor pursuits.

Applications are accepted through an online portal with the next grant cycle opening in January 2026.

Priority Areas

2025 Priorities include:

Habitat Stewardship:

  • Big game habitat and migration corridors
  • Wildfire restoration
  • Prescribed burning, forest thinning, water developments
  • Aspen restoration, noxious weed treatments
  • Seeding and fertilization projects

Wildlife Management and Research:

  • Migration corridor research
  • Impacts of recreation on wildlife
  • Disease surveillance
  • Wildlife-friendly fencing
  • Road management
  • Eastern elk habitat improvements
  • Big game population trajectories

Land Conservation and Access:

  • Conserve elk range and migration corridors
  • Protect calving areas
  • Create or improve public access for hunting, fishing, hiking
  • Connect landscapes through conservation easements and land acquisitions

Hunting Heritage:

  • Conservation education programs
  • Outdoor skills programs (shooting, survival, hunting and fishing skills)
  • Scholarships to natural history programs
  • Mentored hunt programs
  • Hunter and bowhunter education
  • Shooting sports programs and range development

What They Don't Fund

RMEF does not make grants to individuals. All applicants must be organizations with a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Governance and Leadership

President and CEO: Kyle Weaver Kyle Weaver was born and raised in southern Virginia and had a long career with the National Rifle Association, rising from an entry-level position to serve as an NRA Officer and Executive Director of General Operations before joining RMEF as President and CEO in 2018.

On organizational growth, Weaver stated: "Jenn and Riza bring experience and valued skillsets to the executive team that strengthen our organizational leadership. These promotions, in conjunction with the new positions, apply leadership and greater staff resources in key areas to advance our mission."

Chief Conservation Officer: Blake Henning Blake Henning leads RMEF's conservation efforts and advocacy work. He emphasized the importance of policy engagement: "It is absolutely invaluable to spend time with policymakers, staffers and administration officials to intimately talk about conservation and natural resource issues related to our mission and legislative priorities."

On RMEF's priorities, Henning stated: "We will remain vigilant by working with Congress as well as state legislatures, commissions and other fronts to advance priorities that help ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage."

Managing Director of Mission Operations: Jennifer Doherty

Managing Director of Brand & Communications: Riza Lesser

Board Structure: The RMEF Board of Directors comprises 17 members from 12 different states. Board members are elected annually and serve as key policymakers, with the ability to serve two three-year terms. The board's primary role is to ensure RMEF maximizes its charge to protect and enhance elk habitat, restore elk to native ranges, and educate others about wildlife, habitat conservation and hunting heritage. Volunteer committees provide oversight for land transactions and finances.

Vice Chair: Tom Robinson (through 2026)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through RMEF's online grant portal at https://ams.rmef.org/outbound-grants. The next grant cycle opens in January 2026.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Organizations recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) entities
  • Federal, state, local, or tribal government entities
  • Sportsmen's organizations
  • Educational institutions
  • Must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Individuals are NOT eligible

Application Requirements:

  • Complete online application form
  • Map of the project area (required)
  • Clear description of how grant funds will be used
  • Demonstration of alignment with RMEF priorities

Detailed grant guidelines are available at: https://www.rmef.org/app/uploads/2025/08/Grant-Guidelines_Final_2025-08-15.pdf

Questions about the grant program can be directed to [email protected].

Decision Timeline

The next grant cycle opens in January 2026. Specific decision timelines and notification methods are not publicly disclosed but can be obtained by contacting the grants team directly.

Success Rates

In 2024, RMEF funded 535 projects from the pool of applications received. Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Applicants should contact [email protected] for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Based on RMEF's stated priorities and funded projects, successful applications demonstrate:

Alignment with 2025 Priorities: Projects that address big game habitat, migration corridors, wildlife-friendly fencing, migration corridor research, recreation impacts on wildlife, eastern elk habitat improvements, and big game population trajectories are prioritized.

Science-Based Approach: RMEF emphasizes "science-based projects that provide a direct benefit to elk and other wildlife." Applications should demonstrate rigorous methodology and measurable outcomes.

Leveraging Partner Funding: RMEF's 2024 grants of $11.2 million leveraged over $70 million in partner funding, suggesting that projects demonstrating ability to secure matching funds or additional resources may be viewed favorably.

Direct Benefits to Elk and Wildlife: Projects must clearly articulate how they will directly benefit elk populations or their habitat. Examples from funded projects include:

  • Prescribed burns to open ponderosa pine stands and improve forage for elk and mule deer
  • Replacing barbed-wire fencing with smooth-wire, lay-down fencing in areas with heavy elk use
  • Noxious weed treatment on year-long elk range to maintain habitat quality
  • Thinning overly dense forests where low elk body condition and declining pregnancy rates have been documented

Geographic Focus: For PAC grants, projects must be located in one of the 28 states with wild, free-ranging elk herds. State grants are available more broadly for hunting heritage programs.

Connecting Youth to Conservation: Funded State Grant projects demonstrate success in engaging underrepresented or youth populations in hunting heritage and outdoor skills, such as "Connecting Underrepresented College Students to Conservation through Hunting" and National Archery in the Schools Programs.

Multi-Benefit Projects: Projects that benefit multiple species (elk, mule deer, wild turkey, etc.) and serve multiple purposes (habitat enhancement, public access, research) appear to be successful.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Focus on direct elk benefits: RMEF prioritizes science-based projects with measurable, direct benefits to elk populations and habitat—clearly articulate these connections in your application
  • Align with 2025 priorities: Migration corridors, wildlife-friendly fencing, wildfire restoration, and recreation impacts on wildlife are top priorities for the current cycle
  • Demonstrate leverage: Show how RMEF funding will attract or leverage additional partner funding—past grants averaged 6:1 leverage ratio
  • Include quality maps: A map of the project area is required—invest time in creating clear, professional maps that show project scope and impact areas
  • Apply early in the cycle: With the next cycle opening January 2026, prepare application materials in advance to ensure a complete, well-considered submission
  • Contact grants team with questions: RMEF provides dedicated support at [email protected]—don't hesitate to reach out for clarification
  • Emphasize conservation AND access: Projects that both enhance wildlife habitat AND improve public access opportunities align well with RMEF's dual mission

References

← Back to US Funders Directory