Opportunity Overview
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division, Wildlife Conservation Section is accepting proposals for the 2027 Wildlife Viewing Grants Program. The program supports projects that develop or improve public wildlife-viewing opportunities involving Georgia nongame wildlife, rare native plants, natural habitats, and conservation priorities identified in the 2025 Georgia State Wildlife Action Plan.
Funding and Deadline
Grant requests are limited to $5,000 per project. Awards are paid as reimbursement for allowed expenditures. DNR does not publish a mandatory minimum match, but significant cash or in-kind support from the applicant or partners is an evaluation preference.
Online proposals are due February 4, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Proposals submitted after that deadline will not be considered. DNR states that applicants should receive a submission confirmation within two business days and are responsible for ensuring the proposal was received.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations, and for-profit entities. A for-profit applicant must explain how the proposed project is not directly linked to the entity’s profit. Federal and state agencies, including state universities and other DNR divisions, are not eligible to apply directly, although eligible local-government or nonprofit proposals may involve those agencies or their properties.
Recipients from the immediately previous wildlife-viewing grant cycle, and recipients whose project required a DNR extension into that previous cycle, are ineligible to apply again for one year.
Project Requirements and Competitive Priorities
Projects should create meaningful opportunities for the public to observe or learn about native nongame wildlife, rare native plants, natural habitats, or conservation actions. Strong proposals identify the location, project design, objectives, methods, timeline, target audiences, accessibility, expected use and benefits, itemized costs, applicant or partner support, and a long-term maintenance plan.
DNR gives preference to projects that address priority species or habitats in the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan, provide significant public viewing opportunities without harming the resource, include meaningful matching funds or partner resources, demonstrate strong planning and long-term maintenance, serve traditionally underserved audiences or significant community wildlife-viewing needs, and use creative or innovative approaches.
Signage and interpretive materials that reference wildlife, habitats, or the State Wildlife Action Plan must be submitted to DNR for review before production. Grant-supported signage, materials, media announcements, and related outreach must credit the Georgia DNR Wildlife Viewing Grants Program and reference the State Wildlife Action Plan. Projects must be available for DNR site visits.
Timeline
DNR expects to notify selected applicants by March 16, 2027. Grant funds for the approved project are generally to be spent by December 1, 2027. If a grant project will not be finished by that date, a written extension request must be received by November 10, 2027. If the funded activity is part of a larger dependent project, DNR states that the larger project must be completed by July 1, 2028.
Atlas Assessment
Atlas Opportunity Score: 68/100. This is a current, clearly defined Georgia state opportunity with an explicit deadline, a modest $5,000 ceiling, broad local-government/nonprofit eligibility, and a transparent competitive rubric. Its strategic value is strongest for organizations that already operate public parks, nature centers, trails, environmental-education sites, or community wildlife programs and can document a specific viewing or interpretation project.
N9+ Fit: 0/100. QC Healthcare Fit: 0/100. Do not force healthcare technology into this wildlife-viewing program.
Official source: Georgia DNR Wildlife Viewing Grants Program.