The Idaho Fish and Wildlife Foundation has opened its grant application period for this year. It opened in late January and will be open until April 30, with grants up to $10,000.
For the last 20 years, the IFWF has partnered with Idaho Fish and Game to fund projects that help sustain Idaho’s fishing and hunting access, along with improving habitat restoration and conserving wild areas.
IFWF administrative assistant Kathy Blatchley says the foundation makes this happen through the grants along with donations and other funds which go to nonprofit organizations and government entities so they can carry out approved projects.
Those who apply for the grants can receive up to $10,000. Blatchley says some projects don't need all the money, while for some, it's just a portion of a bigger undertaking.
"We have funded things like youth hunting and fishing clinics and restoration projects for Fish and Game and other nonprofits," Blatchley said.
She says anywhere from 15 to 30 applications are submitted for grants from the IFWF each year.
There are many projects that have made positive impacts on many people, including Blatchley.
"One of my favorites is the Mayfly Project," Blatchley said. "They've got several chapters throughout Idaho. They take children that are in foster homes and foster care and teach them how to fly fish. It's a very, very cool project."
The grant application period will close Thursday, April 30.
Anyone can make a donation to support the grants for projects like the Mayfly Project.
To donate, just go to the Idaho Fish and Wildlife website.