Community Challenge Grant Program

As part of the first annual Jack Hemingway Conservation Day, Governor Dirk Kempthorne has announced the re-instatement of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game's Community Challenge Grant Program. It is a proposal that should help boost Idaho's rural economies: $50,000 will be available for small grants for projects proposed by sporting groups, individuals, cities, counties and organizations. In the past, these challenge grants were used to build boat ramps, improve sportsmen access and improve habitat. The purpose of the Community Challenge Grant Program is to preserve, protect and enhance wildlife or wildlife habitat, to benefit the public and increase awareness of the mission of the department through cooperative partnership agreements. The Department will solicit proposals from individuals, groups and other agencies for such projects and, where appropriate, assist by providing partial financial support. Projects will be evaluated on the potential to enhance wildlife or wildlife habitat, the benefit to the public as a whole, the ability to complement other Department of Fish and Game initiatives, and the extent of matching funds, labor, materials or other items of value to complete the project. Interested individuals and organizations can contact their local Fish & Game office for details.