Mzuri Wildlife Foundation Grant

Mzuri Wildlife Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt public charity qualified under Internal Revenue Service Code 501(c)(3). Founded in 1969, the Foundation's mission is to promote wildlife conservation and outdoor sports education worldwide. Mzuri funds grassroots organizations working at the community level to protect wildlife and their habitats and invests in programs connecting people, especially youth and women, to the natural world through hunting, fishing, other outdoor sports, and outdoor education. Its grantmaking focuses on small, community-based efforts where Foundation funding can make a pivotal difference. The Foundation has supported projects in the United States and internationally, including work in South Africa and Tanzania. Mzuri seeks projects capable of producing an immediate, measurable, and positive impact on wild game conservation, habitat improvement, outdoor sports, or environmental education. Projects or organizations should have a proven track record, generally be grassroots in nature, have measurable goals and objectives, and demonstrate local support. Projects should be considered important by Mzuri representatives, hunters, guides, and conservationists who live and work in the affected region and should be capable of first-hand observation by Mzuri directors and staff during the project term. Mzuri states that grant proposals are thoroughly investigated and appraised, with review involving the Board of Directors, the Grants Committee, and often an authoritative source in the relevant geographic location. Projects generally should be capable of completion within one year, although multi-year projects meeting Mzuri guidelines may be considered for continuous funding. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $15,000 in U.S. dollars, while larger grants may be considered for exceptional or extraordinary projects. Capital equipment is funded only when essential to project success, and Mzuri retains the right to repossess or redirect funded capital equipment if the program is terminated or its focus changes. Mzuri generally does not fund firearm purchases, general fundraising benefits and events, fellowships or other university projects, programs related to Political Action Committees or political campaigns, individuals, for-profit entities, governmental organizations, or third-party funding conduits. Applicants must be tax-exempt nonprofit organizations. The guidelines favor organizations with a clear mission and an understanding of the steps necessary to accomplish it, existing evaluation procedures or willingness to evaluate programs and measure outcomes, commitment to and knowledge of the population served, high-quality and dedicated staff and leadership, and financial stability. The application instructions require proof of tax exemption or proof of a U.S.-based fiscal sponsor, while the guidelines state that Mzuri generally does not provide grants to third-party funding conduits and prefers to fund programs directly. Organizations that received Mzuri funding within the previous two years do not need to submit a Letter of Inquiry. Other applicants must submit an LOI by September 15 and receive approval before being invited to submit a formal application. The LOI must provide the requesting organization's name, tax ID number, mission statement, mailing and website addresses, responsible officer contact information, proof of tax exemption or a U.S.-based fiscal sponsor, annual budget, requested grant amount, and total project cost. Applicants must explain how the grant would be spent and describe the project's goals, expected duration, and anticipated impact on wildlife or outdoor education. When Mzuri funding will be combined with other monies, the applicant must identify the amounts and sources. LOIs are reviewed on an ongoing basis, with responses generally provided within six weeks. Approved applicants and qualifying existing grantees receive a formal application. Uninvited formal applications cannot be considered. The completed formal application and all attachments must follow Mzuri's supplied format, report financial information in U.S. dollars, and be emailed as a PDF to info@mzuri.org. Mzuri conducts one funding cycle annually. The LOI deadline is September 15, formal applications are accepted during the fourth quarter and are due November 1, and applications are reviewed during the first quarter of the following year. Grant notification occurs the following March or by the end of the first quarter. Grantees must report progress toward the goals, objectives, and outcomes identified in their proposals, and existing grantee projects cannot receive additional funding until prior-year progress reports have been submitted. Final Reports are due December 1 for organizations seeking consideration for future grants. Mzuri's board members and staff also visit and communicate regularly with grantees to monitor progress, ensure compliance, and provide support.

Demonstrate immediate measurable positive impact, a proven track record, grassroots character, local support, measurable goals and objectives, and the ability to generally complete the project within one year. Show that the project can be observed first-hand by Mzuri personnel. Capital equipment should be requested only when essential to project success. Existing grantees must submit prior-year progress reports before additional funding.