Upland Game Bird Account Grant

The Upland Game Bird Account Grant Program is administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as part of its Upland Game Program. The funding mechanism was established by the California Legislature in 2010 under Fish and Game Code Section 3684 to ensure that revenues generated from upland game bird hunting validations and stamps are reinvested into programs that directly benefit upland game bird species and their habitats. The program is overseen in part by a public advisory committee composed of nonprofit organizations and stakeholders with expertise in game bird conservation and hunting interests. This committee reviews project proposals and provides recommendations to departmental leadership regarding funding decisions. The primary purpose of the program is to support projects that enhance upland game bird populations and sustain their habitats in California. The program aims to ensure long-term ecological viability of these species while maintaining public hunting opportunities and related recreational uses. To accomplish this, funding is directed toward projects that improve habitat quality or quantity, expand scientific understanding of species dynamics, address threats such as predation or disease, improve population monitoring methods, and enhance enforcement against illegal hunting activities. Additionally, projects that broaden stakeholder engagement and understanding are also supported. Eligible projects include those focused on land acquisition, conservation easements, habitat enhancement, research, and public outreach related to upland game bird species. Land acquired with program funds must generally be accessible to the public for hunting purposes where feasible. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes, requiring applicants to demonstrate clear benefits to species or habitats. Projects may also include efforts to increase hunting access, coordinate special hunts, or utilize data to improve modeling of species abundance and habitat use. The application process is competitive and governed by a Proposal Solicitation Notice issued when funds are available. For the 2026 funding cycle, proposals must be submitted by July 17, 2026. Applications must follow strict formatting requirements, including a maximum length of five pages excluding appendices. Submissions can be made electronically via email or by mail, with specific deadlines and delivery requirements depending on the submission method. Applicants are required to provide detailed project descriptions, budgets, timelines, and expected outcomes. Proposals undergo a multi-stage review process beginning with an administrative review to ensure completeness and eligibility. Qualified applications then proceed to a technical review conducted by subject matter experts who evaluate proposals based on criteria such as organizational qualifications, project clarity, scientific merit, anticipated benefits, feasibility of schedule and deliverables, and budget accuracy. Each proposal is scored and ranked before being reviewed by an executive team, which makes final funding decisions based on multiple factors including available funds and program priorities. Successful applicants receive an award notification and must complete additional documentation before entering into a formal agreement with the department. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must incur costs before receiving payment. Grantees are responsible for financial management, reporting, and compliance with auditing requirements. Projects must submit quarterly progress reports and a final report summarizing findings and outcomes. Failure to comply with requirements or demonstrate adequate progress may result in loss of funding. The 2026 funding cycle anticipates up to 300000 dollars available for new agreements beginning after July 1, 2026. The program is offered annually when excess funds are available, and future solicitations are expected to follow a similar schedule. Applicants are encouraged to align proposals closely with statutory priorities and clearly demonstrate measurable benefits to upland game bird populations and their habitats.

Clearly demonstrate measurable habitat or population benefits; align closely with Fish and Game Code 3684 priorities; ensure strong scientific methodology and detailed budget justification; provide clear and logical project schedule