2016 AZGFD Heritage Fund Grants Cycle Now Open

Do you need funding to initiate or complete a wildlife conservation-related project? Are you a teacher interested in getting children outdoors to experience nature and wildlife, but don't have the budget? Apply today for an Arizona Game And Fish Department Heritage grant and a chance to support your project.

Game and Fish uses some of its Heritage Fund monies that come from Arizona Lottery ticket sales to provide grants for wildlife education and research. This year, $432,000 is being offered.

"Buying Arizona lottery tickets is an easy way to help conserve wildlife and habitat, and provide schools with outdoor-related opportunities that can keep kids connected to nature despite the reduced budgets of local schools," says Robyn Beck, the department's Heritage grant coordinator.

Arizona voters created the Heritage Fund back in 1990. The money from lottery ticket sales goes to conservation efforts such as protecting endangered species, educating our children about wildlife, helping urban residents to better coexist with wildlife, and creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation. Over the years, Game and Fish has awarded more than $14 million in grants to communities across the state.

The application period for the 2016 grant cycle is now open. The application deadline is Sept. 30 at 5 p.m. MST.

To learn more about Heritage grants and how to apply, attend one of the department's optional workshops being held at the following times and locations:

• Wednesday, July 22 in Phoenix (2 to 4 p.m.), Arizona Game And Fish Department, Eagle Room, 5000 W. Carefree Highway.

• Tuesday, July 28 in Tucson (2 to 4 p.m.), Pima County Natural Resources, First Floor Conference Room, 8500 W. River Road.

• Thursday, Aug. 6 in Flagstaff (2 to 4 p.m.), Game and Fish Regional Office, Conference Room, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.

Those planning to attend the workshops, and those wanting to learn more about eligibility for the grant money, should R.S.V.P. to Robyn Beck at (623) 236-7530. A minimum of three people must sign up for each workshop or the session will be cancelled 48 hours prior to the date.

Potential grant recipients must have a project that is either located in Arizona or involves research in which the wildlife or its habitat is located in Arizona. More information on the grants and current application materials can be found at http://www.azgfd.gov/heritage and http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/heritage_apply.shtml.