Local Sportsmen’s Group Grant Program

The Local Sportsmen’s Group Grant Program is administered by the Arizona Game and Fish Department, a state agency responsible for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation management. Established in 2007, the program is designed to support local sportsmen’s organizations in Arizona by funding projects that promote wildlife conservation through participation-based activities. The program is grounded in the principles of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and is funded through user-generated revenues such as hunting and fishing licenses, permit-tags, and stamps rather than taxpayer funds. This structure reflects a user-pay, public-benefit model that reinvests directly into conservation and outdoor recreation engagement. The primary purpose of the grant program is to support recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters, anglers, shooters, and trappers. For the FY2027 cycle, the program specifically prioritizes projects that focus on progressive skills development programs for hunters and anglers. These programs are structured to guide participants through increasing levels of skill and engagement, from beginner to experienced, ensuring continued participation and long-term retention. Eligible projects must align with defined event categories that involve active pursuit or harvest of wildlife or fish under appropriate licensing conditions and must target participants with relevant experience levels. Funding under this program is determined annually by the Arizona Legislature and the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. For FY2027, total program funding is set at $100,000 for the fiscal year spanning July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Applicants may submit proposals for single or multiple projects, and multiple awards may be granted to the same organization as long as each project is distinct and submitted separately. The Department retains discretion to partially fund projects. However, grant funds are restricted in use and cannot be applied to activities such as banquets, raffle prizes, competitions, for-profit ventures, or the purchase of licenses and permits. Capital equipment and pilot educational initiatives are also typically not funded. Eligibility is limited to not-for-profit, non-commercial, Arizona-based organizations or Arizona chapters of national sportsmen’s or outdoor development groups. Projects must be conducted within Arizona, open to the public, and aligned with the program’s annual funding priorities. Additional requirements include participant registration through the Department’s online system, collection of survey data using designated tools, and completion of the project within the fiscal year. Applicants must also register with the state procurement system (ProcureAZ) and provide proof of general liability insurance, including coverage for sexual abuse and molestation, prior to receiving funding. The application process is competitive and evaluated by a panel of at least three Department employees. Applications are scored based on alignment with funding priorities, project design, participant engagement strategies, and overall impact on R3 outcomes. Final award decisions are made by the Arizona Game and Fish Department Director. The application requires submission of detailed project narratives, budgets, timelines, and supporting documentation, including metrics for evaluating success such as participant retention and progression. The FY2027 grant cycle opens on May 1, 2026, with a submission deadline of June 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Arizona time. The application window typically spans a minimum of six weeks and follows an annual cycle aligned with the state fiscal year. After submission, applications undergo internal review and scoring, followed by director approval and public announcement of awards in July. Funded projects are expected to begin shortly thereafter and must be completed by June 30 of the fiscal year. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact the program administrator, Douglas A. Burt, via email at dburt@azgfd.gov or by phone at 623-236-7487.

Align project with R3 priorities; focus on progressive skill development; demonstrate participant retention strategy; include measurable outcomes and partnerships