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Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$11.2M
Grant Range
$4K - $0.8M
Decision Time
3mo

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $11.2 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Applications reviewed annually
  • Grant Range: $3,500 - $761,760+ per project
  • Geographic Focus: National (42 states, focus on elk habitat states)
  • Total Projects Funded (2024): 535 projects
  • Leverage Ratio: $70 million in partner funding leveraged by $11.2 million in RMEF grants

Contact Details

Headquarters: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation 5705 Grant Creek Road Missoula, MT 59808

Phone:

  • Main: (406) 523-4500
  • Toll-free: 1-800-CALL-ELK (1-800-225-5355)

Email:

  • Grant Program: [email protected]
  • General Tours: [email protected]

Website: https://www.rmef.org

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

Grant Guidelines: https://www.rmef.org/app/uploads/2025/08/Grant-Guidelines_Final_2025-08-15.pdf

Overview

Founded in 1984, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is a national nonprofit wildlife conservation organization dedicated to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat, and hunting heritage. With Tax ID 81-0421425, RMEF has conserved or enhanced over 9.1 million acres of habitat—approximately one square mile per day since its founding—with a goal of reaching 10 million acres by 2030. The foundation has completed nearly 15,000 conservation and outreach projects valued at more than $1.7 billion.

In 2024 alone, RMEF funded 535 projects totaling more than $11.2 million, which leveraged more than $70 million in additional partner funding across 42 states. The organization operates through a network of over 500 chapters and 11,000+ volunteers nationwide. RMEF has also opened or improved public access to more than 1.6 million acres for hunting and recreation. The foundation established its formal grant program in 1986 to amplify conservation impact through strategic partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

RMEF offers grants through two main programs, with the next cycle opening in January 2026:

1. Project Advisory Committee (PAC) Grant Program Funds habitat enhancement, wildlife management, and research projects in the 28 states with wild, free-ranging elk herds. Examples include:

  • Habitat stewardship projects (prescribed burns, forest thinning, noxious weed treatments, water developments)
  • Wildlife management initiatives (disease surveillance, wildlife-friendly fencing, road management)
  • Scientific research on elk populations, habitat, movement, and interactions

Recent grant example: Colorado received $761,760 in RMEF grants that leveraged $2.8 million in partner funding for 33 projects including timber stand improvements, invasive weed treatment, and research on outdoor recreation impacts on wintering elk.

2. State Grant Program Provides grants for hunting heritage and conservation outreach activities, including:

  • Conservation education programs
  • Outdoor skills training
  • Mentored hunts
  • Hunter outreach initiatives

Recent grant example: Georgia Wildlife Federation received funding for "Fort Valley State University Academics Afield: Connecting Underrepresented College Students to Conservation through Hunting" (2024-2025).

Grant amounts vary widely based on project scope:

  • Small projects: $3,500 (e.g., Kentucky timber stand improvement)
  • Large projects: $761,760+ (e.g., Colorado multi-project grant)
  • Application Method: Online portal (rolling applications reviewed annually)

Priority Areas

2025 Strategic Priorities:

  • Crucial big game habitat and migration corridors
  • Wildfire restoration in the West
  • Supporting eastern elk herds
  • Land conservation and public access expansion
  • Wildlife-friendly fencing and infrastructure
  • Scientific research advancing elk management

What They Fund:

  • Science-based habitat enhancement projects
  • Wildlife management and research
  • Land acquisitions, exchanges, and conservation easements
  • Hunting heritage education and outreach
  • Projects that leverage partner funding and create lasting conservation impact

What They Don't Fund

  • Individual applicants (only organizations with Federal EIN)
  • Projects outside elk habitat states or without clear elk/wildlife benefit
  • Projects lacking scientific basis or conservation merit
  • Organizations without proper nonprofit or government entity status

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Kyle Weaver, President & CEO Former NRA executive who joined RMEF in 2018, bringing extensive conservation experience. Weaver emphasizes the critical role of members and supporters: "Our conservation work is only possible because of the time, energy, and resources of RMEF members and supporters."

Steve Decker, Chief Revenue Officer Joined RMEF in 1997 as a field director, promoted to Vice President of Marketing in 2010, and became Chief Revenue Officer in 2020.

Blake Henning, Chief Conservation Officer Wildlife management and biology expert who has managed RMEF's operations and conservation programs since 2000.

Shane Cronk, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer Montana native with banking and development experience, promoted to CFO in 2020.

Board of Directors

Fred Lekse, Chair (Collbran, CO, term ending 2027) Todd Walker, Vice Chair (McLean, VA, term ending 2026)

Board Members (13 total):

  • AshLee Strong (Martinsdale, MT)
  • Bruce Pettet (Portland, OR)
  • Charlie Decker (Libby, MT)
  • Dave Stephens (Nehalem, OR)
  • Donna McDonald (Alder, MT)
  • Marc Pierce (Manhattan, MT)
  • Maurice Hull (High Point, NC)
  • Nancy Holland (Cedar Hill, MO)
  • Tobias "Toby" Buck (Sheldon, SC)
  • Tom Ray (Whitefish, MT)
  • Tom Robinson (St. Simons, GA)
  • Vince Rosdahl (Mansfield, TX)

Board members serve two three-year terms and are elected annually by the Board of Directors as key policymakers for the organization.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Eligibility Requirements:

  • IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) entities
  • Federal, state, local, or tribal government agencies
  • Sportsmen's organizations
  • Educational institutions
  • All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Individual applicants are not eligible

Application Process:

  1. Review Grant Guidelines at https://www.rmef.org/app/uploads/2025/08/Grant-Guidelines_Final_2025-08-15.pdf
  2. Submit application through online portal: https://ams.rmef.org/outbound-grants
  3. Next application cycle opens: January 2026

Contact for questions: [email protected]

Decision Timeline

  • Application submission: January 2026 (next cycle)
  • Review period: Applications reviewed annually by Project Advisory Committee
  • Decision timeframe: Not publicly specified, but annual cycle suggests decisions within several months of submission
  • Notification: Applicants notified via email/portal

Success Rates

In 2024, RMEF funded 535 projects across 42 states. The foundation does not publicly disclose the total number of applications received or the acceptance rate. However, the high volume of funded projects (535 in one year) suggests a substantial grant program with significant funding capacity.

Program Breakdown (2024):

  • Wildlife Management and Research: 65 projects across 15 states (~$6.8 million)
  • Hunting Heritage: 273 projects in 40 states
  • Habitat Stewardship and Land Conservation: Remaining projects

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publish specific restrictions on reapplications. Organizations are encouraged to contact the grant program staff at [email protected] for guidance on reapplication policies.

Application Success Factors

Key Success Elements

1. Scientific Basis and Measurability RMEF emphasizes "science-based projects" that provide "direct benefit to elk and other wildlife." Applications should include clear, measurable objectives demonstrating how the project will impact wildlife populations or habitat quality.

2. Leverage Partner Funding The 2024 funding data shows RMEF's $11.2 million in grants leveraged $70 million in partner funding—a 6:1 ratio. The foundation values projects that maximize conservation impact through collaborative funding. The grant program "seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts."

3. Geographic Alignment For PAC grants, projects must be in states with wild, free-ranging elk herds (28 states total). Clearly demonstrate how your project location aligns with elk habitat priorities or migration corridors.

4. Focus on 2025 Priorities Applications addressing RMEF's stated 2025 priorities will be competitive:

  • Big game habitat and migration corridors
  • Wildfire restoration in the West
  • Eastern elk herd support
  • Public access improvements

5. Long-term Conservation Impact RMEF looks for projects with lasting effects rather than one-time activities. Examples of successful projects include permanent habitat improvements (prescribed burns, forest thinning), infrastructure changes (wildlife-friendly fencing), and research that advances management practices.

6. Community and Partner Support Successful applications like Colorado's 33-project grant demonstrate strong partnerships with state agencies, land management organizations, and local communities. Include letters of support and detail partner commitments.

Recent Successful Projects as Models

  • Kentucky Ridge State Forest: $3,500 timber stand improvement project covering 10 acres (small, focused habitat enhancement)
  • Wyoming Bud Love Wildlife Habitat Management Area: Helicopter-based fencing reconstruction in remote areas (infrastructure improvement with access challenges)
  • Colorado Multi-Project Grant: $761,760 for 33 projects leveraging $2.8 million including volunteer fence removal, invasive weed treatment, and recreation impact research (large-scale, multi-partner collaboration)
  • Georgia Wildlife Federation: University student engagement connecting underrepresented students to conservation through hunting (hunting heritage education with diversity focus)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Demonstrate leverage: RMEF expects strong partner funding ratios. Show how RMEF dollars will unlock additional conservation investment (aim for 3:1 or higher leverage).

  • Align with elk habitat: For PAC grants, explicitly connect your project to elk populations, migration corridors, or habitat in the 28 elk-range states. Include data on elk use or benefit.

  • Emphasize science and measurement: Include clear metrics, monitoring plans, and scientific justification. Projects should be data-driven with quantifiable outcomes.

  • Start early: With the next cycle opening January 2026 and annual review timelines, begin planning and partner coordination well in advance of the application deadline.

  • Build partnerships first: RMEF values collaboration. Establish partnerships with state wildlife agencies, land managers, and other conservation organizations before applying.

  • Address 2025 priorities: Structure your proposal to clearly address at least one of RMEF's stated priorities: migration corridors, wildfire restoration, eastern elk, or public access.

  • Think long-term: Focus on permanent or lasting conservation outcomes rather than short-term activities. RMEF's 40-year track record shows commitment to enduring habitat protection.

References

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