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Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida Inc

Grant Range
$20K - $0.1M

Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Not specified (Nearly $100 million total since 1994)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly specified
  • Grant Range: $20,000 - $90,000 (based on recent examples)
  • Geographic Focus: Florida statewide

Contact Details

Overview

The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida was established on September 29, 1994, as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and citizen support organization for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Since its founding, the foundation has raised and donated nearly $100 million for conservation and outdoor recreation in Florida. With a programmatic efficiency of 88% and a 92.70% program expense ratio, the foundation has earned a Platinum rating from GuideStar and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. The foundation serves as Florida's largest private funder of youth outdoor education, helping provide transformative experiences to over 280,000 youth annually.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Conservation Grants: Support for wildlife conservation, habitat management, and species protection projects
  • Specialty License Plate Grants: Funded through various specialty plates including Wildlife, Conserve Wildlife, Protect Florida Springs, and Discover Florida's Oceans
  • Youth Outdoor Education Grants: Support for archery, fishing, hunting, and outdoor skills programs

Priority Areas

  • Youth outdoor education and recreation programs
  • Combatting invasive species
  • Wildlife habitat management and restoration
  • Protecting freshwater springs
  • Coral reef restoration and marine conservation
  • Improving public access to hunting and fishing
  • Conservation land acquisition and protection

What They Don't Fund

Not explicitly stated in available materials

Governance and Leadership

The foundation operates as a citizen support organization for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Specific board members and executive leadership were not available in the research, though grants contact Melodie Griffin and media contact Michelle Ashton are key personnel for external communications.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation does not appear to have a public application process clearly outlined on their website. Grant awards appear to be made through strategic partnerships and relationships with conservation organizations, universities, and non-profit partners working in alignment with the foundation's mission. Organizations interested in funding should contact the grants department directly.

Getting on Their Radar

Organizations seeking funding should:

  • Contact Melodie Griffin, the grants contact, at (407) 493-9703 or mgriffin@wildlifeflorida.org
  • Align their work with FWC conservation priorities and the foundation's strategic goals
  • Demonstrate impact on Florida's wildlife, habitats, or youth outdoor education

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified

Application Success Factors

Based on recent grant awards, successful recipients typically:

  • Directly support Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission priorities
  • Focus on youth outdoor education and skill development
  • Address specific conservation challenges like invasive species or habitat restoration
  • Demonstrate measurable impact on Florida's wildlife and natural resources
  • Have established track records in conservation or outdoor education
  • Show ability to leverage foundation funding for greater impact

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The foundation primarily funds organizations that align with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission priorities
  • Youth outdoor education is a major focus, with the foundation serving as Florida's largest private funder in this area
  • Recent grants range from $20,000 to $90,000
  • Direct contact with the grants department is likely necessary as there is no public application portal
  • Specialty license plate revenues provide dedicated funding streams for specific conservation areas
  • Strong emphasis on measurable conservation outcomes and public access to outdoor recreation
  • Partnership approach suggests relationship building is important for securing funding

References

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