Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA)
Volunteer Cooperative Grant Program
The ALEA Grant Program will be accepting applications for funding from December 1, 2011 to February 29, 2012.
There will be approximately $180,000 available for grants this year.
The ALEA Volunteer Cooperative Grant Program provides monetary support, on a cost reimbursement basis, for qualifying organizations and individuals who utilize volunteers to undertake projects that are beneficial to the fish and wildlife resources of Washington State. The outcome of these projects must be available to the public as authorized by Chapter 77.100 RCW.
Key Grant Program Policies
•Eligible applicants include individual citizens, non-profit organizations, schools (including universities), political subdivisions such as public utility districts and tribes. State and federal agencies may not apply.
•Grant funds are available on a cost reimbursement basis.
•No funds may be used for direct wages, benefits or stipends.
•Participants must register as volunteers and submit volunteer registration forms and timesheets.
•Inventoriable equipment purchased with grant funds must be returned to the Department at the conclusion of the project.
•Grantees must follow State of Washington purchasing rules.
•Other program policies and procedures can be found in the 2012-2013 ALEA Policies and Procedures Manual.
Cooperative Project Types
The ALEA Grant Program funds five major types of projects; however, others may be considered. Contact the ALEA Grant Program if you’re unsure if your project would be suitable for funding.
•Habitat projects include activities to restore and/or preserve fish, game and non-game wildlife habitat.
•Research projects have the goal of increasing our knowledge of fish and wildlife species.
•Education projects have the goal of communicating information and/or providing hands-on experiences that will enhance public understanding of fish and wildlife and their habitat.
•Facility Development projects provide or enhance access to fish and wildlife related recreational opportunities.
•Artificial Production projects have the goal of rearing and releasing fish or wildlife for the use and enjoyment of the public. Only fish production projects that have been pre-approved and are represented in the Future Brood Document (include link) are eligible for funding. Projects that would rear and release wildlife must also be pre-approved to be eligible for funding.
Applying for an ALEA Grant
Application materials can be downloaded from the "Downloads" section in the upper right of this page or you can request electronic copies by calling (360) 902-2700 or emailing us at alea.alea@dfw.wa.gov.
To complete your application you will need the following materials:
•2012-2013 ALEA Policies and Procedures Manual [PDF]
•2012-2013 Application Manual [PDF]
•2012-2013 Application [MS Word]
This application should be completed in Microsoft Word. Handwritten applications are no longer accepted.
You may be required to submit additional materials depending on the details of your project. You also may be contacted for further information. All submitted materials must be suitable for photocopying.
Information you provide in this application will be held in confidence until grants are awarded, at which time it will become public information. Grantees must enter into a contract with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife that details the grantee’s obligations and responsibilities.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact WDFW at (360) 902-2700 or alea.alea@dfw.wa.gov.